Auto Accident Chiropractor in Irmo, SC: What To Do in the First 72 Hours

Those first 72 hours after a car accident in Irmo can make or break recovery. Even when symptoms feel mild or nonexistent, injuries like whiplash, muscle strain, and joint inflammation often appear days later. In this guide, Irmo Family Chiropractic explains exactly what to do after a crash, when to see an auto accident chiropractor, and how early care protects both health and insurance claims.

Why the First 72 Hours After a Car Accident Matter

A car accident places sudden force on the spine, muscles, and nervous system. The body responds with adrenaline, which can temporarily block pain signals. Once that response fades, inflammation and soft tissue damage begin to surface.

This is why people often say, “I felt fine at first, but then everything hurt a few days later.”

Early care helps identify injuries before they worsen, reduces inflammation, restores movement, and prevents compensation patterns that can turn a short-term injury into a long-term problem. It also creates clear medical documentation tied directly to the accident.

What Should I Do in the First 24–72 Hours After a Car Accident in Irmo?

The steps taken during this window play a major role in recovery outcomes.

Immediately after the accident (0–24 hours):

• Seek emergency or medical care if there is head impact, dizziness, numbness, or severe pain
• Document the accident with photos, reports, and notes about how the body feels
• Avoid strenuous activity or attempting to “push through” discomfort

Within 24–48 hours:

• Schedule an evaluation for auto accident injury treatment in Irmo
• Begin gentle care to reduce inflammation and protect joint motion
• Limit prolonged sitting, lifting, or high-impact activity

Within 48–72 hours:

• Start a structured treatment plan addressing whiplash, spinal strain, and muscle tension
• Identify injuries early before chronic pain patterns develop

Waiting beyond this period often leads to longer recovery times and more complex treatment needs.

Get evaluated early and start healing the right way.

Is It Normal to Have Delayed Pain After a Car Accident?

Yes. Delayed pain after a car accident is extremely common.

Whiplash, ligament strain, and muscle injury do not always cause immediate symptoms. As inflammation increases, people may notice neck stiffness, back pain, headaches, shoulder discomfort, or tingling in the arms or legs days after the crash.

These symptoms are often dismissed as “normal soreness,” but without treatment they can become persistent or worsen over time.

How Chiropractic Care Helps After a Car Accident

Car accident injuries often involve multiple systems, not just one painful spot. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring balance and function throughout the body.

Chiropractic care after a crash may include:

• Gentle spinal adjustments to restore joint motion and reduce nerve irritation
• Soft tissue techniques and massage therapy for muscle tension after a crash to relieve tightness and guarding
• MLS Laser Therapy for accident injuries to reduce inflammation and support tissue healing
• Progressive exercises to stabilize the spine and prevent re-injury

This approach treats the root cause of pain rather than masking symptoms with medication alone.

Get the Right Care Early

Car accidents are disruptive physically, emotionally, and logistically. Early, focused care makes a measurable difference.

To learn more about experience, treatment approach, and next steps, visit  Irmo chiropractors and schedule an evaluation.

Taking action within the first 72 hours protects recovery, reduces long-term pain, and helps patients move forward with confidence.