One of the most important steps you can take after being in a car accident is finding medical help. Even if you feel no pain or injuries at the time, you may have head, soft tissue or spinal injuries that require a medical examination to detect.

Read our 5 expert tips below on how to choose the right medical services to get the care and treatment you need after an accident.

1. DON’T WAIT TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE

Failing to seek medical help after a car accident, or shrugging off “minor” symptoms like headaches, muscle aches or fatigue, can be dangerous to your health and well-being. Even if you feel no pain right after a collision, many car accident injuries — like concussions, whiplash, soft tissue injuries and spinal injuries — may not display symptoms until several hours, days or even weeks after the accident.

Additionally, you may have a herniated spinal disc, internal bleeding, tissue and ligament damage or fractures that can only be seen with an X-ray or CT scan. For your own safety and well-being, see a doctor directly following a car accident or as soon as you experience pain or symptoms. Timely care and treatment can prevent long-term pain and injuries.

2. DON’T CHOOSE YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN (PCP)

Your PCP has been trained to treat internal health conditions. He or she is not equipped to identify and treat car accident injuries like concussions, whiplash and soft tissue damage. Find a specialist who will run the necessary tests, prescribe the appropriate treatments. And make detailed documentation about the severity of your injuries and long-term effects. For example, doctors like the orthopedic team at Integrity Spine and Orthopedics are specially trained and qualified to determine how serious your injuries are and provide the best treatment options.

3. LOOK UP ONLINE REVIEWS BEFORE MAKING A SELECTION

Research doctors in your area before making your selection. Online reviews and patient testimonials can help you judge what kind of care and service you can expect to receive. Additionally, online research through a practice’s website will tell you what kinds of injuries they treat. This will help you find a qualified doctor who is best suited to meet your needs.

4. BE HONEST WITH YOUR DOCTOR

At your first appointment, be completely upfront with your physician. Be able to tell him or her:

The circumstances surrounding your car accident and how it occurred
The symptoms you’re experiencing
When symptoms began
The severity of symptoms
A full medical history, including pre-existing conditions and previous injuries

Your doctor will need a full view of your medical history and current medical condition. To allow them to diagnose your injuries accurately and prescribe the appropriate treatments.

5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions. When your health and safety is on the line, you need to be your own biggest advocate. A reputable doctor will be able to prove the credentials and qualifications he or she has to treat your specific injuries. Ask your doctor to explain the detailed treatment plan they’ve created to treat your injuries. As well as any long-term effects you may experience from your injuries.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to tell your doctor if you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit as the result of your car accident. Ask your doctor if they know how to properly document your injuries and treatment plan. You may need medical records for a lawsuit.

Be proactive in ensuring that you’re receiving the best care and treatment to aid in a full recovery.

INTEGRITY SPINE AND ORTHOPEDICS TREATS SPINE AND JOINT CONDITIONS

Integrity Spine and Orthopedics specializes in providing orthopedic care and pain management services for a wide range of spine, joint and bone conditions. Our board-certified team of doctors is trained to handle emergency orthopedic situations and help you find the treatments that will get you back on your feet again.

Our team strives to provide honest, transparent and quality care to all patients. If you’re experiencing a spine, joint or soft tissue injury as the result of a car accident, call us today at 904-456-0017. We also provide free MRI reviews for patients who are looking for a second opinion.