Unfortunately, if you are involved in a car accident, consulting a chiropractor is always a smart move. Many people only consider the visible bruises and bumps while ignoring the invisible injuries that may appear sooner or later. Similar to any other traumatic event, a car accident can confound the adrenaline levels in your body to prepare your body for high-impact situations. For a time being, you will see a numb effect on pain. Once this threat is gone, you may feel intense pain and discomfort. Here a chiropractor can help you both with short and long-term pain relief treatment.
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Chiropractic Care after a Car Accident
When your neck and spine are askew, the condition is referred to as a subluxation. In a car accident, your body is subjected to great force. This sudden force results in subluxations of the spine and neck leading to bruising and damage to soft tissues. These affected areas become inflamed due to inadequate blood flow. A chiropractor can help you to improve these subluxations and realign the muscles and tissues resulting in improved blood flow, reduced inflammation, and promote healing.
External injuries can be healed over time and do not cause recurring pain and suffering you have already gone through. In case the damage is done to soft tissues of the spine, you will come across long-term pain if not treated on time. Chronic muscle spasms, headaches, arthritis, tight muscles, and spinal disc generation are long-term injuries. In many cases, these injuries or pain do not appear right away. It may take several days, weeks, or even months.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs due to the sudden impact of an automobile crash causing your head moves forward and backward abruptly. This substantial force tears the muscles in your neck and back or may lead to a dislocated or herniated cervical spine. Whiplash and other related injuries can leave patients with painful necks and inflammation in the muscles of the back, neck, and head.
Neck & Shoulder Pain
Neck and shoulder pain injuries are common in car accidents. Pain and stiffness can restrict movement and may affect the routine tasks if left untreated. It may cause even secondary conditions such as radiating shoulder pain, headache, and migraine. Chiropractors use combined therapies to treat the underlying symptoms such as manual adjustments, massage therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and more.
Back Pain
Back pain particularly lower back pain is another most common symptom followed by a car accident. These injuries do not recover on their own unless proper medical treatment and rehabilitation are acquired. Back pain can affect your everyday routine and may result in long-term medical conditions. For instance, it can be a symptom of a herniated disc or other complications that get worse over time. A chiropractor will identify the root cause of the injuries and provide natural pain relief using the recent most technologies and practices.
Spinal Cord Injuries
It is certainly one of the most serious car accident injuries resulting in spinal cord damage. It can be a misalignment or herniated disc affecting the wellbeing of the individual. Upon seeking medical treatment, you will undergo a detailed examination to figure out the intensity of the injury or damage caused. Many injuries need proper alignment or bracing to make sure the spine is positioned properly without causing tenderness to other areas of the body. Before you make up your mind regarding invasive surgery, you should probably consider the benefits of chiropractic care in the first place.
Evaluation & Treatment Plan
Chiropractic care treatment is a relatively cost-effective and less invasive option. They focus on realigning the joints and spine to promote healing. The very first step in this inclusive procedure is the initial consultation and evaluation of the injuries. It includes a medical history to figure out if any underlying conditions may influence the treatment. You will be asked to complete paperwork regarding your medical history and existing health condition. They may also ask for previous medical records.
Likewise, you may be requested for X-rays and imaging tests primarily depending on your condition. Once the initial examination is done, a chiropractor will discuss the treatment plan with you and the ultimate goals. They are more likely to carry out a comprehensive physical examination to determine the source of stiffness and pain. Accordingly, they develop a detailed treatment plan including multiple types of adjustments and treatment options best-suited to the needs. This treatment plan is more like a road map to get you from pain to a healthy lifestyle. At times, more or less revision is required in the treatment plan for improved alignment.
The overall duration of chiropractic care range from a few weeks to several months. It typically involves chiropractic massage and manual adjustments. Your spine will be smoothly realigned to release subluxations, reduce inflammation and pain in the surrounding tissues and muscles. At times, the affected muscles and tissues may develop further damage and therefore it’s important to ensure the proper blood flow and improved healing process. Initially, you are more likely to consult the chiropractor more often. It can be even multiple times in a week. By the time, your condition gets better, the treatment frequency will be perhaps once a week or even less.
Conclusion
A car accident is a traumatic experience and it takes long to recover your physical and mental wellbeing. Many injuries do not appear immediately and it may take a while to appear. Seeking chiropractic treatment will help you ease the pain and get back to an active lifestyle again. Regardless of the intensity of the pain, consulting a chiropractor will help. If you have read this far, you are more likely to know the benefits associated with chiropractic care. On top of this, it follows a natural treatment approach and non-invasive treatment to restore injuries. For any queries regarding chiropractic care and treatment, feel free to write to us in the comment section below.
