Auto accidents are traumatic experiences for anyone, no matter how big or small. There are many problems that persist after one has been in a car accident. Some may experience mental fog, anxiety, and/or difficulty thinking or trying to focus.

In addition to mental trauma and emotional instability, auto accidents can cause serious physical damage. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained during car accidents and it is very important to check with your chiropractor as soon as possible. Nearly 300,000 whiplash injuries occur every year, even at low speeds (often less than 14 miles per hour). It only takes 2.5 mile-per-hour change in speed to injure the neck.

Common Injuries

When a part of the body is whipped back and forward beyond its normal limits, micro-tears can develop in surrounding tissues. Yet, many auto accident victims don’t experience pain at first. It is not until the micro-tears swell that they will start to experience symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• Neck pain/stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Shoulder pain
• Arm pain
• Low back pain
• Upper back pain

WHY CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

While prescription drugs can help mask the pain temporarily, auto accident victims who continue down this path are likely to experience symptoms for years. A chiropractor is specially trained to treat all of the above auto accident injuries/symptoms using drug-free methods. Because a chiropractic school curriculum teaches students how to treat back and neck pain without pharmaceutical help, a doctor of chiropractic is uniquely positioned to help victims of auto accidents avoid prescription drugs, or minimize their use.

Soft-tissue injuries like whiplash can take a long time to heal. Without proper treatment, these injuries may take years to heal. Once healing does begin, scar tissue starts to form. If the spine isn’t treated and a full range of motion isn’t recovered before scarring sets in, it could inhibit normal functioning and even lead to spinal degeneration (arthritis).

Because chiropractors can offer treatment such as spinal adjustments, electric muscle stimulation, and rehabilitative exercises to get you moving normally again, there are many benefits to seeking chiropractic for pain relief after a car accident.

WHAT CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN DO FOR YOU:

Reduce Pain Throughout Your Entire Body. Soft-tissue injuries may take months to fully heal, but a chiropractor can often provide pain relief much quicker than that (usually within just a few weeks).

Restore Mobility and Range of Motion. The soreness and stiffness from a motor vehicle injury can inhibit movement. Chiropractors work with patients to help get them moving again as quickly as possible so they can regain full range of motion before scar tissue develops.

Neck or back injuries also cause inflammation which can cause even more problems. Your blood and nutrients will not be able to make it to the areas they need to go because the inflammation is slowing the healing process. A chiropractic adjustment will mobilize your spine, ultimately restoring your range of motion and allowing your body to begin the natural healing process at a faster rate.

Support long-term healing and Avoid Long-Term Pain. The muscle weakness resulting from a car accident can leave patients vulnerable to re-injury. Chiropractic care often involves rehabilitative exercises that improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. Seeing a chiropractor immediately after your accident will help to avoid long-term, chronic pain conditions from developing. Your doctor will be able to treat your injury before it becomes a larger problem.

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