Skip to content FREE eBook »

Auto Accident Chiropractic in Gastonia

person with neck pain after auto accidentCar accidents can put significant force on your body, whether you were involved in a high-speed collision or a minor fender bender. At Bannon Clinic of Chiropractic, P.A. we have extensive experience caring for people with auto accident injuries and helping them work toward better movement and function.

While whiplash is one of the injuries most commonly associated with car accidents, neck and back injuries are also frequent concerns. During an impact, rapid acceleration and deceleration can place considerable stress on the muscles, ligaments, joints, and other soft tissues.

And you may not always feel the effects immediately.

NEW PATIENTS

Why You May Hurt the Day After an Accident

It’s common to wonder why you felt fine immediately after a crash but woke up sore the next morning.

Following an accident, adrenaline and other stress hormones can temporarily mask pain. As that initial response wears off, stiffness, headaches, neck or back pain, and other symptoms may become more noticeable over the next day or two.

That’s one reason it’s worth paying attention to changes in how you feel following an accident, even when the collision seemed minor.

Common Injuries After a Car Accident

Whiplash may be the best-known auto accident injury, but the forces involved in a collision can affect many areas of the body. Depending on the accident, symptoms and injuries may include:

Many accident-related concerns involve muscles, ligaments, joints, and other soft tissues. Understanding what has been affected is an important first step in determining what type of care may be appropriate.

Addressing Auto Accident Injuries Early

Following an injury, inflammation and changes within the affected soft tissues can contribute to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced function. Rather than simply ignoring pain or masking symptoms, an evaluation can help determine what may have been injured and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.

Our focus is not just on where it hurts today. We look at how the accident has affected movement and function so we can develop care around your particular injuries and recovery goals.

Depending on your needs, care may incorporate chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, Active Release® Therapy, ultrasound, muscle stimulation, and recommendations for movement or rehabilitation.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

After an accident, having clear information about what comes next can make the process easier.

Your first appointment at Bannon Clinic of Chiropractic, P.A. should take approximately 30-60 minutes. We’ll talk with you about how the accident happened, when your symptoms began, and any medical care you’ve already received.

Dr. Bannon or Dr. Katro may take X-rays if you haven’t had them already. Please bring any records from previous medical care related to your injury, along with your accident report and digital discs or physical copies of any MRIs or CT scans.

After reviewing your history and findings, we’ll explain our recommendations and answer your questions so you understand your options.

The length of care varies depending on factors such as your health before the accident and the nature and severity of your injuries. Your chiropractor will discuss what may be appropriate based on your individual findings.

We Can Help With Insurance and Paperwork

Dealing with insurance after an accident can add another layer of stress when you’re already trying to recover. Our practice works directly with insurance companies and can help with the paperwork related to your care. We also accept attorney liens.

If you’re uncertain about insurance or what you should bring to your appointment, contact our office. We can explain the process and help you prepare for your first visit.

Meet Your Gastonia Auto Accident Chiropractors

Dr Bannon photo

Dr. Timothy Bannon

Dr. Timothy Bannon graduated as class valedictorian from Palmer College of Chiropractic West and is a member of the Pi Tau Delta Chiropractic Honor Society. He is also a Certified Medical Examiner for the Department of Transportation.

His hands-on approach includes soft tissue work, Active Release® Therapy, ultrasound, and muscle stimulation, allowing care to be tailored around the specific injuries and needs of each patient.

Dr Katro photo

Dr. Lonnie Katro

Dr. Lonnie Katro brings more than 40 years of chiropractic experience to his patients. A Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate, he has continued his education throughout his career and is known for his thorough, individualized approach.

His own recovery from a football-related neck injury initially drew him to chiropractic, giving him a personal understanding of what it’s like to seek care following an injury.

Together, Drs. Bannon and Katro bring decades of experience to caring for area patients following auto accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in serious pain to see a chiropractor after an accident?

No. Some accident-related injuries and soft tissue concerns may not cause significant symptoms immediately. If pain, stiffness, headaches, or changes in movement develop after an accident, an evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to them.

How soon after my accident should I come in?

If you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms following an accident, it’s a good idea to have them assessed rather than waiting for them to become more disruptive. Symptoms can sometimes appear hours or even days after the collision.

What if the emergency room said nothing was broken?

Emergency departments play an important role in identifying fractures and other urgent injuries following an accident. However, you may still experience pain involving muscles, ligaments, joints, or other soft tissues even when no fracture is found. A chiropractic evaluation can look more closely at musculoskeletal concerns that may be driving your symptoms.

Will my auto insurance cover chiropractic care?

Coverage depends on your policy and the circumstances surrounding your accident. We work directly with insurance companies and can help you understand the paperwork associated with your care. Our office also accepts attorney liens.

How many visits will I need?

There isn’t one answer for everyone. The length of care depends on your injuries, overall health, examination findings, and how you respond to care. Dr. Bannon or Dr. Katro will discuss their recommendations with you after evaluating your condition.

Can I still see you if I’ve already seen another doctor or received other care?

Yes. Please bring records, imaging, or reports from any previous care related to the accident. Having that information helps us understand what has already been evaluated and determine appropriate next steps.

Get Help After an Auto Accident

If you’re dealing with neck pain, back pain, headaches, stiffness, or other symptoms following a car accident, you don’t have to guess about what’s causing them.

Contact Bannon Clinic of Chiropractic, P.A. today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bannon or Dr. Katro and find out whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
CONTACT US

divider

Auto Accident Chiropractor Gastonia, Belmont, Mt. Holly, Kings Mountain, and Bessemer City NC | (704) 864-7774