Being in an accident can be traumatizing, both physically and emotionally. The distress of the event can lead to long-term problems, even after the physical injuries have healed. One of the most common complaints following an accident is neck pain and headaches. This is often because your head is jolted forward or side during impact. This can cause misalignment in your spine and put pressure on your nerves.
Depending on the severity of your accident, you may require ongoing treatment to recover fully. Chiropractic care is a practical, natural way to treat injuries and pain resulting from an accident.
At Paramount Health Chiropractic, we tailor a treatment plan for you and your needs. We may use spinal manipulation, massage therapy, or other non-invasive therapies to help you heal and feel your best.
Common injuries resulting from an auto accident.
There are several injuries you can sustain in an auto accident. Some of the more common ones we see at our office include:
Whiplash
This is the most common type of injury we see. Whiplash occurs when your head is suddenly and forcefully thrown forward or backward, causing your neck to hyperextend or hyperflex. The ligaments and muscles in your neck can be stretched beyond their normal range of motion, leading to inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is also common following an accident. When the lower back is injured, it can cause radiating pain throughout the rest of the body. The pain may be sharp or dull, and it can make it difficult to move or stand for long periods of time.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is another common complaint following an auto accident. The impact of the accident can cause the muscles and tendons in the shoulder to become inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness.
Neck Pain
As mentioned, neck pain is a common complaint following an accident. This can be caused by whiplash and other factors such as poor posture or muscle tension. Chiropractic care can help to relieve neck pain and improve your range of motion.
Spinal misalignment
A jolt to your spine can cause it to become misaligned. Even a minor fender bender can do this. When your spine is out of alignment, it can cause pain and other problems. A chiropractor can help to realign your spine. This can relieve the pain you are experiencing and help your body to heal properly. Chiropractic care is a safe, natural way to treat spinal misalignment.
Soft tissue damage
Your muscles, ligaments, and tendons can be damaged in an auto accident. This is called soft tissue damage. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Chiropractic care can help to reduce these symptoms and promote healing.
Nerve compression
The bones in your spine can compress the nerves that run through it. This can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs. A chiropractor will use gentle adjustments to release the pressure on the nerves and relieve your symptoms.
How does a chiropractor help you recover from an auto accident?
Chiropractic care can help you recover from an auto accident by reducing pain, improving your range of motion, and helping your body heal. A professional chiropractor will use various techniques to relieve pain, including spinal manipulation, massage, and exercises.
- Massage therapy – This is often recommended to help with soft tissue injuries. Massage therapy can help improve your range of motion, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
- Exercises – Exercises may help improve your range of motion and strength. These exercises may be done in the office or at home.
- Spinal manipulation – This technique is used to realign the spine. This can help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing.
- Heat and cold therapy – Alternating cold and heat therapy can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Chiropractic adjustments – Unlike spinal manipulation, chiropractic adjustments are gentle and specific. This technique can help improve range of motion and reduce pain.
- Rehabilitation – Rehabilitation may help you regain strength and range of motion. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or chiropractic care.
The above is a list of possible treatments that your chiropractor may recommend. Depending on your individual needs, the type of accident, and the severity of your injuries, your chiropractor will create a best treatment plan for you.
A professional chiropractor in Missouri.
At Paramount Health Chiropractic, we dedicate ourselves to helping victims of car accidents recover from their injuries and get back on the road to good health. Our chiropractic care is tailored to each individual patient, as we understand that every accident is different and thus requires a unique approach to treatment. Whether you are dealing with whiplash, neck pain, headaches, or other symptoms, our team will work with you to develop a plan of action that will relieve your pain and help you heal.
