Auto accidents often lead to injuries, some of them severe. Motor vehicle collisions often result in a substantial amount of physical damage to both motorists and their vehicles. Consequently, car crashes can cause victims to sustain some significant medical challenges. Chiropractic care may not be the first thing you think of after you’ve been injured in an accident. However, many injuries from auto collisions affect the body’s musculoskeletal system.
A chiropractor is uniquely positioned to address musculoskeletal problems. Chiropractors have the education, training, and experience to address issues of the bones, muscles, connective tissues, and nerves, making them a wise choice to address your injuries after a motor vehicle accident. You may want to know more about auto injuries and how they are treated with chiropractic care. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.
What types of injuries are common in auto accidents?
Whiplash is probably the most common damage associated with vehicle collisions. Auto accident victims may also suffer some of these injuries:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Spinal misalignment
- Herniated discs
- Bone fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Paralysis
- Soft tissue damage
- Concussion
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs in auto accidents, especially rear-end collisions. When the neck is violently jerked back and forth as a result of a collision impact, it can sustain damage to the cervical spinal bones and soft tissues. Auto accidents often cause this type of back-and-forth motion, which can place unnecessary tension on the structures of the neck.
What are some signs that I have developed an injury after an auto accident?
Some car collision injury symptoms don’t show up immediately. They may take hours, days, or even weeks to develop. Injury symptoms may include:
- Acute or chronic pain
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in the extremities
- Headaches
- Soreness and aching
- Loss of mobility and full function
- Restricted range of motion
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
Besides physical symptoms, car accident victims may also experience:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritation
- Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or poor quality sleep
- Jumpiness or excitability
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Brain fog
When should I visit a medical provider for a car accident injury?
It is best to err on the side of caution and seek the appropriate medical evaluation and care right after a car collision. Even minor accidents that happen at low speeds can lead to trauma of the spinal bones. If left untreated, some of these injuries may worsen over time and develop into chronic issues that adversely affect your quality of life.
How can a chiropractor help after an auto accident injury?
A chiropractor may provide chronic pain relief through spinal adjustments and injury rehabilitation. Chiropractors are educated and trained to treat patients with safe, effective, and natural methods of pain management. A chiropractor can also provide evidence as a medical professional if you need documentation for a personal injury claim.
A chiropractor has protocols specifically designed for car accident treatment in Glen Burnie, MD. Contact a chiropractic professional today to schedule your consultation.
Thanks to Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care and treatment after an auto accident.