How to Prepare for Your Chiropractic Visit After an Auto Accident

Aside from the bruises, lacerations, broken bones, and other obvious injuries you can sustain in an auto accident, there’s a high possibility of suffering the kind of inertia-inflicted damage and hidden trauma that leads to delayed-onset pain and dysfunction — even in a low-velocity crash with little to no vehicle damage. 

Many cases of post-accident neck pain (whiplash) and back pain occur in relatively minor collisions and often don’t emerge for hours or days after the crash event. 

Suppose you’re experiencing aches and pains after a car crash. In that case, seeing our team at Spine Care of Manassas Chiropractic Center is a good idea. Here, Dr. Lincoln German and Dr. Mikaela Foley explain how to prepare for your visit and what you can expect during your appointment. 

Why visit a chiropractor after an accident?

In the aftermath of a minor auto accident, you may not receive medical attention outside of a quick assessment by a responding paramedic. After a moderate to severe collision, however, you’re more likely to undergo a comprehensive assessment at the scene and in your local emergency room.

 No matter which type of collision you were in — and how extensive your evaluation and treatment were in the aftermath of your accident — it’s crucial to seek follow-up care anytime you experience new or worsening pain, stiffness, or dysfunction. 

 Even if you don’t feel directly injured, a prompt post-crash assessment at our office can help uncover potential problems that would benefit from targeted care to promote healing and prevent long-term damage.           

Preparing for your post-crash chiropractic visit

A bit of advanced preparation can help you get the most out of your post-accident chiropractic visit. Although you can show up to your appointment with little to no planning and still get what you need from our team, taking the following steps helps ensure a seamless, productive visit:     

Gather relevant records

If you’ve seen ER doctors, your primary care physician, or any other health care provider after your car accident, gather pertinent medical records and bring them to your visit. This includes X-rays, CT scans, MRI scan results, and treatment records relating to any known injuries.   

Dress comfortably 

Plan to wear loose, comfortable clothing to your injury evaluation appointment. In addition to the consultation and initial exam portion of your visit, you may undergo diagnostic imaging tests and even get on the table for a minor chiropractic adjustment or soft tissue massage. The specific elements of your visit largely depend on the nature of your aches and pains.   

Be ready to talk

Be prepared to discuss the details of your car accident and any known injuries or new aches and pains. This information is helpful as we assess your condition and develop your treatment plan. Our team will also ask about your medical history; you may find it helpful to write essential details and bring a list.    

Bring your questions

You may also find it helpful to write down any questions that have already occurred to you, so we can address all your concerns and help you get the most out of your first visit. 

Arrive a few minutes early 

As with any doctor’s visit, it’s best to arrive at our office 10-15 minutes earlier than your appointment time. That way, you can check in and fill out any necessary paperwork without delaying the start of your consultation and evaluation.  

What to expect during your chiropractic visit

The typical post-accident consultation and evaluation at Spine Care of Manassas Chiropractic Center consist of the following:

• A detailed discussion of your accident, injuries, and pain
• A review of any recent treatment and your full medical history
• A comprehensive physical exam, including a spine evaluation
• A basic musculoskeletal assessment (joints and soft tissues)
• Flexibility, strength, reflex, and range-of-motion evaluations 
• Diagnostic imaging tests (i.e., X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans)
• An initial chiropractic adjustment or massage treatment 
• Injury documentation and an individualized treatment plan 

 You can expect your chiropractic treatment plan to cover everything from our holistic methods to promote optimal healing to physical therapy exercises and lifestyle changes that can support a swifter, complete recovery. 

Have you been in an accident? We can help

If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t second-guess your emerging aches and pains — make an appointment with our team to find out how we can help you uncover hidden trauma, heal your body, and prevent long-term complications. Call or click online to schedule a visit at Spine Care of Manassas Chiropractic Center in Manassas, Virginia, today.