Things to NOT do after an accident

1. DO NOT Skip Medical Care:

When you go through a car accident the trauma causes your body to release adrenaline and endorphins which often make you feel better, at least in the moment. As a result, many individuals forgo immediate medical care after a car accident thinking that they are just fine. Often those same people end up at Integrate Health and Wellness the next week when their pain becomes unbearable.

In reality, if you come in right after an accident we can check to make sure you are in alignment and that you don't have any ill effects. We can also give you therapeutic stretches and exercises to help you as you heal. But if you wait until you are in crisis and the injury has formed scar tissue, it makes adjustments and healing that much more difficult. (As a side note, we accept most major forms of insurance, so we are also an affordable option.)

2. DO NOT Tough It Out:

Unfortunately, at least so far, we have never discovered a trophy for making it through a car accident without medical care, so don't act tough. If you have pain, it is your body's way of alerting you to an issue. Come see us at Integrate Health and Wellness, and we can help.

Even if you think you are fine, you should still seek out a chiropractor. Minor fender benders cause more damage to your body than you might think, and if addressed in a timely manner, the damage can be quickly resolved.

3. DO NOT Heat It:

If you have pain, never heat it! Ice helps to reduce inflammation while heat causes a rush of blood flow to the area which can increase inflammation and make the area more painful. So while you may want to reach for that heating pad, don't do it. Grab the ice pack instead. With all car accident pain, we recommend you use ice until you can get in to see your chiropractor.

4. DO NOT Overdo It:

The adrenaline after your accident might make you feel like Hercules, but don't overdo it. You should go about your life as normal, just don't plan to run a marathon or do anything intense like CrossFit for at least 24-48 hours after the accident. That should give you time to go in and make sure that you don't have any deeper injuries.

5. DO NOT Be a Couch Potato:

While we don't want you competing in a strong man competition the very next day, we also don't want you to veg out in front of the TV. Light, slow movements are a great way to test your pain levels and keep your muscles limber. Muscles at rest can constrict and cause stiffness and pain, so it is best to avoid being a couch potato for a while when you're experiencing car accident pain.

Do Call Integrate Health and Wellness!

We hope that these suggestions were helpful! If you are experiencing pain from a car accident, chiropractic can help! We specialize in helping your body heal naturally.