How soon should you see a doctor after a car accident?
It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even if an ambulance was at the scene. A car accident can potentially leave you in shock (medical or non-medical), which can cause a possible lack of pain. Therefore, the lack of pain immediately after an accident doesn’t necessarily mean that you are not hurt.
So when should you see a doctor after an accident?
Most Australian medical authorities suggest you see a doctor straight away. Whether you feel pain or not, your doctor will be the best position to determine whether or not you have sustained any form of injuries. If you have, then they will evaluate the extent of the injuries and recommend the treatment.
Your doctor will examine your back, neck, shoulders and general health. They will also advise on monitoring and symptoms of potential injuries worsen over a number of days. In particular whiplash, which can appear up to 24 hours after the accident.
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When should see a doctor immediately?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you feel an indication that you may have been injured or feel that something isn’t right, then you need to see a doctor immediately. Severe injuries like broken bones or head trauma need to be assessed and treated as soon as possible.
Why should I go to a chiropractor after a car accident?
A car accident may result in deep musculoskeletal injuries which can take weeks or even months to surface. Immediately following a car accident, you may need to go to a hospital or see your family doctor. By seeing a chiropractor early on, you can prevent issues that might manifest later and can be pivotal to your overall quality of life.
How do I know if I have whiplash after an auto accident?
Accidents can vary, and so do the symptoms of problems associated with these accidents. In the case of whiplash, a chiropractor may look for things like pain, tingling sensation, neck inflammation, and headaches, just to name a few.
Next steps
HealthEngine can help you find and book an appointment with your regular GP or another experienced professional at a practice near you.
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine always recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next GP appointment. Click on the following locations to find a GP clinic in your state or territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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