After a car accident, the chaos of insurance calls, vehicle repairs, and police reports can push your own health to the bottom of the priority list. But here's something most people don't realize: many auto accident injuries don't show symptoms until days or even weeks later. At Mayfield Chiropractic Clinic, we've treated thousands of auto injury patients in Monroe and Shreveport, Louisiana over the past 30 years, and early intervention makes all the difference in your recovery.
Why You Shouldn't Wait to Get Checked After a Car Accident
Adrenaline is powerful. It can mask pain for hours or days after an accident, leading many people to believe they're "fine." But soft tissue injuries like whiplash, muscle strains, and ligament tears often develop symptoms gradually. By the time the pain sets in, inflammation has already taken hold, making treatment more difficult.
Dr. Gregory Mayfield at our Monroe location and Dr. Kyle Mayfield at our Shreveport clinic recommend getting evaluated within 72 hours of any collision, even minor fender-benders. This isn't just good medical advice; it also creates documentation that can be crucial for insurance claims later.
Understanding Whiplash: The Most Common Auto Injury
Whiplash occurs when your head snaps forward and backward rapidly during impact. This violent motion strains the muscles, ligaments, and discs in your neck. Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness that worsens over time
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Dizziness and difficulty concentrating
- Shoulder and upper back tension
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
Left untreated, whiplash can develop into chronic neck pain that persists for months or years. Chiropractic adjustments are highly effective at treating whiplash by restoring proper cervical spine alignment and reducing nerve irritation.
What Makes Chiropractic Care Different from Pain Medication?
Pain medication masks symptoms. Chiropractic care fixes the underlying problem.
When your spine becomes misaligned from the force of a collision, those misalignments (called subluxations) compress nerves, restrict blood flow, and create inflammation. Popping a pill might dull the pain temporarily, but the structural damage remains.
Dr. Mayfield uses precise, gentle adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment. This takes pressure off nerves, reduces inflammation naturally, and allows your body to heal itself. Many patients experience significant relief after just a few visits.
Auto Injury Treatments We Provide in Monroe & Shreveport
Every accident is different, and every patient needs a customized treatment plan. Here's what we offer:
- Spinal Adjustments: Gentle corrections to restore vertebral alignment and joint mobility
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage and myofascial release to address muscle damage and scar tissue
- Spinal Decompression: Non-surgical treatment for disc injuries and herniation
- Rehabilitative Exercises: Customized stretches and strengthening exercises for home
- Ice/Heat Therapy: Inflammation control during acute phases of healing
- Postural Training: Preventing re-injury through proper movement patterns
Beyond Whiplash: Other Injuries We Treat
Car accidents can damage far more than just your neck. We regularly treat:
- Lower Back Pain: The impact force travels through your entire spine
- Sciatica: Disc injuries can compress the sciatic nerve, causing leg pain
- Mid-Back Pain: Seatbelt injuries often affect the thoracic spine
- Headaches & Migraines: Cervical misalignment triggers chronic headaches
- Shoulder & Hip Pain: Impact injuries affect major joints throughout the body
We Handle the Insurance Paperwork
Dealing with insurance companies while you're in pain is stressful. Our team handles the documentation, communicates with adjusters, and ensures you receive the coverage you're entitled to. We work with:
- Auto insurance (PIP/Med Pay coverage)
- Health insurance
- Workers' compensation (for accidents on the job)
- Attorney liens (if you have legal representation)
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your initial appointment at Mayfield Chiropractic includes:
- Detailed Consultation: We'll discuss the accident, your symptoms, and medical history
- Physical Examination: Range of motion, reflexes, posture, and orthopedic tests
- X-rays (if needed): To rule out fractures and assess spinal alignment
- Diagnosis & Treatment Plan: Clear explanation of your injuries and recovery timeline
- First Treatment: Most patients receive their first adjustment the same day
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor?
Ideally within 72 hours. Early treatment prevents acute injuries from becoming chronic problems and establishes documentation for insurance purposes.
Will my auto insurance cover chiropractic care?
Most Louisiana auto insurance policies include Medical Payments (Med Pay) coverage that pays for chiropractic treatment regardless of who was at fault. We verify your coverage before treatment begins.
How long does recovery take after a car accident?
Recovery time depends on the severity of your injuries. Minor whiplash may resolve in 4-6 weeks. More serious injuries may require several months of care. We'll give you a realistic timeline after your examination.
Can I see a chiropractor if I'm already seeing another doctor?
Absolutely. Chiropractic care works alongside other treatments. We coordinate with your primary care physician, physical therapist, or any other providers involved in your care.
Two Convenient Locations in Louisiana
Whether you're in Northeast or Northwest Louisiana, we have a clinic near you:
Monroe Office
1400 Royal Ave, Monroe, LA 71201
(318) 323-7246
Dr. Gregory Mayfield
Shreveport Office
2219 Line Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104
(318) 828-1517
Dr. Kyle Mayfield
We also serve patients from West Monroe, Bossier City, Ruston, and surrounding areas.
Don't Let an Accident Define Your Future
The decisions you make in the days following a car accident can affect your health for years to come. Getting proper treatment early prevents small injuries from becoming chronic pain conditions.
If you've been in an auto accident in Monroe, Shreveport, or anywhere in Louisiana, contact Mayfield Chiropractic Clinic today. Walk-ins are welcome, or call to schedule your evaluation. Let us help you get back to living without pain.