Planning Follow-Up Care After an Accident

Follow-up care after an accident should build on the initial medical assessment and address the symptoms that remain. The plan may involve more than one clinician. Clear communication helps keep instructions, activity advice and treatment goals consistent.

Start with the medical instructions you received

Bring discharge information, relevant reports and a current medicine list to your appointment. Explain what has changed since the accident. Do not disregard a restriction or stop a prescribed treatment because another approach is described as natural.

Choose care according to the findings

Selected chiropractic techniques may be considered for some muscle and joint problems, together with suitable exercise and activity guidance. They are not a substitute for treatment of fractures, spinal cord injury or other serious conditions. Ask about the purpose, risks and alternatives for each proposed treatment.

Use specific goals and a review point

Discuss the tasks you need to return to and what improvement would be meaningful. Keep track of function as well as pain. No treatment can promise that surgery, chronic symptoms or additional medical care will be avoided.

Report new or worsening symptoms

After a possible head injury, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, seizure or difficulty waking requires emergency evaluation. New weakness, serious worsening pain or other concerning changes also need prompt medical attention rather than waiting for the next routine treatment.

Read our accident-care information or call 704-461-1836 for non-emergency questions.

Sources: CDC: Traumatic Brain Injury Signs and Symptoms; NCCIH: Spinal Manipulation.