Auto accidents may cause injuries that aren’t apparent immediately. These injuries can develop into pain, headaches, and if left untreated, even arthritis. Many people are not immediately aware they have been hurt in a motor vehicle crash. Untreated auto accident injuries often lead to chronic problems that may be more challenging to correct.
If left untreated, injuries from auto crashes can lead to issues like headaches, low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, dizziness, numbness and tingling, insomnia, TMJ syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Once these problems become chronic, they can be very difficult to treat—sometimes necessitating surgery. Fortunately, natural chiropractic care is a safe and effective solution.
How Chiropractors Treat Accident-Related Injuries
A chiropractor’s approach to accident-related injuries is to use specific manual manipulations, which are the core techniques of chiropractic care. Additionally, chiropractors may recommend treatments such as these to help recover full function of the spine:
- Neuromuscular reeducation
- Electrical stimulation therapies
- Intersegmental spinal traction
- Hot and cold therapies
- Massage therapy modalities
- Therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise
After a thorough examination, a chiropractor can create a comprehensive treatment plan to help restore the proper position and function of the spinal bones. If poor spinal alignment from an accidental injury is caught early, scar tissue can be minimized, and inflammation can be reduced.
Why You Should Seek Help Soon After Your Accident-Related Injury
Chiropractors have years of education and experience in treating injuries that result from auto accidents. If you have been in a motor vehicle accident, it is crucial that you get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. If you have already reported the accident to the insurance company and have a claim number, a chiropractor may be able to bill them directly for the chiropractic care you receive.
It’s also a good idea to seek legal counsel after your accident-related injury. This is especially critical if you suspect another party is responsible for the accident. A lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and work to protect your best interests. Harm from accidents can disrupt your life not only through the injury itself, but by causing high medical bills, lost wages, and other substantial lifestyle inconveniences.
Accident-Related Health Issues That May Respond Favorable to Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors can help with numerous kinds of injuries sustained in a car collision. Some of these include:
Whiplash. Whiplash describes neck pain following damage to the soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, and muscles) of your neck. Whiplash is associated with rear-end car collisions most commonly.
Sprain and Strain. A strain occurs when a muscle and tendon unit is overstretched or torn. The muscle itself may tear. Or, the area where the muscle and tendon join together can tear. Or, the tendon may tear partially or entirely. If a ligament is overstretched or torn, the injury is called a sprain.
Lower Back Pain. Low back pain from collision-related injuries is one of the most prevalent types of chronic pain. Sometimes accident victims sustain life-changing spinal injuries.
If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, don’t hesitate to get the help you need. Call a chiropractor right away.