If you’ve ever been in a major (or minor) car accident, you know that it can be a traumatizing and life-changing experience. Even low-speed accidents that cause minimal or undetectable injuries can still do harm. Adrenaline and stress often mask injuries to your neck or spine. In short, you could be injured without realizing it.. For car accident recovery tips and to better understand how to protect your long-term health, contact our team at our Jacksonville FL chiropractic office for more information.
The First 72 Hours After a Car Accident Are Critical
The first 72 hours after a car accident are critical and a common injury like whiplash can go undetected for hours, days, or even weeks. You may have whiplash if you are suffering from any of these symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Arm pain
- Neck stiffness
- Lower back pain
To reduce future pain or discomfort, whiplash should be evaluated within 72 hours by a Jacksonville chiropractor.
5 Important Facts About Car Accidents and Chiropractic Care in Jacksonville FL
1. No Vehicle Damage Doesn’t Mean No Injury
Just because you don’t see damage to your car doesn’t mean your body didn’t suffer any. Slow-speed collisions can still transmit significant force through your body, even if your bumper absorbed some of the impact. If in doubt, schedule an appointment with a chiropractor in Jacksonville for a full evaluation.
2. Seat Belts Can Still Cause Injury
While seat belts save lives, they also restrain your body abruptly during impact. This sudden jolt often leads to shoulder injuries, soft tissue trauma, and whiplash. A chiropractor can help assess and treat these injuries safely.
3. Symptoms May Be Delayed
Many accident-related injuries—especially to muscles, tendons, and ligaments—don’t show symptoms right away. Pain and stiffness can take up to 10 days to appear. That’s why early chiropractic care is crucial for accurate diagnosis and prevention of chronic issues.
4. Full Recovery Takes Time
Even minor injuries can require up to three months of regular chiropractic treatment to achieve lasting pain relief and proper healing. Consistency is key to long-term recovery.
5. Head and Neck Are Highly Vulnerable
An accident often jerks your body forward without warning, putting intense stress on your neck and upper spine. Even if you feel okay afterward, you should seek early medical and chiropractic evaluation.
Schedule an Appointment with a Jacksonville Chiropractor Today
If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, don’t wait for the pain to show up. At Meridian Integrative Wellness in Jacksonville, FL, we provide comprehensive chiropractic care to help accident victims recover safely and fully.
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