Chiropractic Care After An Auto Accident
Over the course of your lifetime, you can expect to be involved in at least 3 car accidents. Chances are these accidents will be minor, though each year millions of Americans go to the emergency room with injuries from an auto accident. It’s no wonder that chiropractors treat a lot of patients with soft tissues injuries from car accidents, especially accidents that result in back and neck pain such as whiplash.
Whiplash
Whiplash is often caused by rear-end accidents. Nearly 2 million Americans suffer from whiplash each year. It happens when a sudden, jolting movement of the head is sustained backward, forward or to the side. It destabilizes the spine and can cause severe pain. It can also lead to blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, shoulder pain, reduced range of motion in the neck, arm pain, neck stiffness and even low back pain. It is not a life-threatening injury but it can lead to chronic pain and even disability.
How Can A Chiropractor Help?
Early care and treatment is very important in a quick rehabilitation. The sooner you are able to get evaluated and a treatment plan can be put into motion, the sooner you can be on the road to recovery. Even if you are in an accident that seems minor, injuries from car accidents can show up days or even weeks after the fact, so make sure to see your chiropractor as soon as possible.
Your chiropractor can make adjustments to the spine if needed and may recommend massage or foam roller techniques to help aid in relief from any pain or discomfort you may be having. They are also able to give nutritional counseling and prescribe exercises that will help to aid in the healing process and help you to regain full range of motion.
Prevention
Automobile accidents are inevitable and cannot be avoided, therefore whiplash cannot be avoided. However, cars are constantly being updated and designed with safety measures to prevent injuries like whiplash in a collision. Seat belt and headrest designs have helped to reduce the risk of serious injury, and making sure you know how to utilize them properly can help to protect you against whiplash injuries.
The most important thing to remember is to get early treatment after an automobile accident, even if you feel “fine” afterwards. Early detection and treatment is the key to prevent worsening possible injury and keeping you in the best health possible.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of youngthousands