Short answer: It depends.
Better answer: Keep reading.
If you’ve been in a car accident, even a minor one, you may be wondering how long you need to see a chiropractor. You’ve probably seen everything online from “just go once” to “keep going for months.” As a chiropractor who’s treated countless accident victims, let me set the record straight.
The duration of chiropractic care after a car crash isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s because no two injuries, and no two people are exactly alike. Fortunately, there’s a respected framework that helps guide treatment plans in this area: the Croft Guidelines.
The Croft Guidelines: What Are They?
Developed by Dr. Arthur C. Croft, one of the leading experts on whiplash-associated disorders, the Croft Guidelines provide a system for classifying the severity of soft tissue injuries and recommending appropriate treatment durations and visit frequencies.
These guidelines are widely used by chiropractors, insurance adjusters, attorneys, and even courts to justify treatment plans based on injury severity.
Croft Injury Grades (I–V)
Here’s a quick breakdown of how injuries are categorized:
| Grade | Description |
| I | Minimal symptoms, no motion limitation or neurological findings |
| II | Slight symptoms, some loss of motion, no neurological findings |
| III | Moderate loss of motion, ligament damage, neurological symptoms present |
| IV | Severe injuries, disc damage or fracture—requires specialist care |
| V | Surgical case, often requiring stabilization and long-term management |
So… How Long Should You Go?
Based on Croft’s recommendations:
| Grade | Treatment Duration (Typical Max) |
| I | Up to 10 weeks |
| II | Up to 29 weeks |
| III | Up to 56 weeks |
| IV/V | Varies significantly; may include surgical or specialist care |
These timeframes are guidelines, not rules. Some patients recover faster, while others, especially those with underlying conditions or complications, may take longer.
Frequency of Visits
In the early stages, you might come in 4-5 times per week, especially if you’re dealing with inflammation, misalignment, or muscle guarding. That should only last 1-2 weeks, depending on the severity of your injury. Typically, 2-3 times per week is a normal treatment plan for 1 to 2 months. Re-evaluations are key to understanding frequency and recovery. As you begin to heal, visits taper down to weekly, biweekly, or monthly until you reach maximum medical improvement.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Treated?
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming they are “fine” after a crash. Symptoms like whiplash, joint misalignment, and disc irritation may not show up until days or even weeks later. And if you’re in Utah, there are legal implications as well. Insurance adjusters often look at how quickly you sought care when evaluating your claim.
Delaying care could:
- Prolong your recovery
- Weaken your injury claim
- Result in long-term pain and dysfunction
Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Body (and Your Chiropractor)
There’s no magic number of visits that works for everyone. The right care plan depends on your injury, your recovery rate, and your goals. Our job as chiropractors is to assess, treat, and guide you toward healing, not to keep you coming in forever.
So, whether you’re same-day post-accident or still hurting weeks later, don’t guess. Come in. Get checked. Let’s create a recovery plan that works for you and is backed by both clinical expertise and proven guidelines.
Need Help After a Crash?
If you or someone you know has been in an accident and isn’t sure what to do next, give our clinic a call. We’ll help you understand your injuries and build a realistic care plan with no guesswork, no pressure, and no TikTok myths. Don’t wait Schedule an appointment today!
