If you have been involved in a car accident, no matter how small, it often pays to visit a chiropractor. Here are some of the functional benefits of visiting a chiropractic office after your accident.

Perform an X-Ray for Spinal Injuries

The first benefit is that your chiropractor can perform spinal x-rays to make sure that your vertebrae haven't been thrown out of alignment during the accident. Your neck vertebrae are especially vulnerable during an auto accident due to the whiplash that can shift your bones out of place. It's important to catch spinal injuries early, since a big part of the treatment involves protecting your spine from further trauma. 

Uncover Hidden Injuries 

In some cases, you may not feel injured but may have hidden pain points. A chiropractor will do a full body exam, twisting and pressing your spine in places that you may not have tested yet. In some cases, your chiropractor will uncover some spots that are actually quite painful on your spine that need to be addressed. 

Help Manage and Monitor Pain

After your injury, you may be left feeling sore, and new pain spots might emerge as time goes on. Your chiropractor will keep track of your pain progression and make sure there are no warning signs of a more serious injury. 

There are also a few pain management techniques that your chiropractor can offer. For instance, many car accident patients enjoy chiropractic massage as a way to loosen traumatized muscle tissue groups. Regular chiropractic adjustments can also be helpful for pain after an auto injury; as your body tissues are shifting back into place after whiplash, your spine will need to move to accommodate this; getting a chiropractor to adjust your spine can help ease this process and remove the pain. 

Provide Documentation to Your Insurance Company

Another benefit of the chiropractor is that your medical records will be helpful to you in getting compensation for the accident. Your chiropractor can create detailed reports that show the results of your x-rays and spinal assessments, which can be helpful for getting insurance dollars for ongoing care. Your chiropractor may recommend that you receive follow-up treatments for spinal care, which you can then forward to your insurance company. 

In short, a chiropractic visit, such as to Ladner Chiropractic Chiropractor, is a must if you have been involved in a car accident. Although you may not feel too injured, it's an important step to verify your internal health and document your condition.