Car accidents can lead to a lot of damage to your car and your body. If you were in a car accident you may be wondering, do I need an MRI after a car accident? The answer is, it depends on your injuries.
Each accident is different and each injury is different.
The details of the accident and the symptoms you feel are the biggest factors in determining what imaging (x-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc) you need.
The Accident
Some accidents involve more damage than others. If you were rear-ended you are likely to have damage in certain joints, muscles or ligaments. If you were in a t-bone accident or side swipe accident, you are likely to have damage in other muscles, joints, or ligaments.
One important factor to consider is that even with little to no damage to either car in an accident, it is possible to have significant injury and pain.
Your Pain after a Car Accident
The most important thing to consider when deciding if you need imaging and which type you should have, is the examination. Your symptoms and pain level are also very important factors.
It is extremely important to get a proper examination after your accident.
At our office, we spend one full hour with you, 1-on-1 with the doctor on our first visit. We are going to take a thorough history to learn about your symptoms and the details of the accident. This will guide our examination.
Our examination is comprehensive and will cover the muscles, joints, nervous system, sensory and motor function, functional movement, and orthopedic evaluation. Following the examination and history we will explain what we have found, what injuries you have, and a plan to get you back to 100% ASAP.
Typically in a car accident we will start with x-rays of your neck. The reason being is, your neck is the most vulnerable and the most likely to have underlying damage. We use flexion-extension x-rays to see the integrity of the ligaments.
If we do see damage with the x-rays, we will then send you for an MRI.
If you have signs of damage to ligaments or certain joints, we will also send you for an MRI.
If your injuries show signs of needing a specialist, we will refer you out to the appropriate doctor.
If you have been in a car accident in Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Broomfield, Arvada, or surrounding cities - call or email our office now to schedule an appointment to get evaluated after your car accident. We will make sure that you will get the proper imaging that you need.
Ask us about how you can use automobile insurance to fully pay for your treatment - $0 out of pocket costs to you.
303-444-5105