With no obvious injuries or pain after a car accident, you may be tempted to refuse medical attention. Many people make this mistake, thinking they’re “just a little shaken up.” It’s important to remember, however, that at the scene of an accident and even hours after, your adrenaline may be running high and can mask some really common, but debilitating, soft tissue injuries.

Even from an insurance standpoint, most experts will agree that all accident victims should be evaluated by a doctor including after what may seem like a minor crash. Dr. Edward Leonard specializes in Chiropractic Medicine and Acupuncture at the Florida Wellness Medical Group. He and his team strongly believe that to ensure the best possible outcome, healing and return to normal activities, you should take it a step further and consult a chiropractor as soon as possible.

Small tears, slight spinal misalignments and other damage caused by the body being “whipped” back and then forward on crash impact (commonly known as whiplash) can wreak havoc on your body. Blurred vision, neck pain, headaches, dizziness, shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, neck stiffness and lower back pain are just some of the most common ailments that can plague you days and even weeks after an accident. Sometimes, a patient won’t even connect their discomfort to the fender bender. And depending on exactly what is causing them, these symptoms can take months or years to subside on their own.

The good news is…there is help. Often without the use of prescription drugs, chiropractic care treats the whole body to promote:

• Long-term relief from pain—regular treatments gradually heal and strengthen damage
• Range of motion improvements—feel better and move with greater ease after an accident with chiropractic care, therapeutic massage and acupuncture
• Complete healing over time—better your chances for optimal health and a return to the activities you love
  Muscle relaxation and stress reduction—relax knowing that you’re taking care of your body today and long after a crash
• Reduce the chances of re-injury—incorporate rehabilitative exercises into your life that improve flexibility and strengthen muscles around the spine.