Why see a chiropractor after a car accident?
Auto accident injuries affect as many as 3 million people per year in the United States. What type of injuries are sustained and their severity will vary significantly depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. One of the most common accidents you are likely to experience is a rear-end collision.
If you have been in an accident and have sustained an injury or suspect you will develop latent symptoms, seek medical care immediately. This will ensure that you get the best possible treatment to prevent unnecessary suffering and possible latent symptoms. Plus, everything will be properly documented for filing any necessary medical liens.
Types of Auto Injuries
The most common types of injuries that occur from a car accident include the following:
- Whiplash. This is by far the most common injury from an accident. Injury occurs with a rapid change in direction of the vehicle and deceleration that leads to strain of the connective tissue and joints in the neck.
- Concussion. Interestingly, whiplash on its own (without the head making contact with an object) can cause a concussion due to the motion the brain sustains against the walls of the skull. Additionally, direct contact with windows, dashboards and other objects can lead to concussion and/or brain damage.
- Low back pain. Whiplash can also technically occur in the low back, in addition to disc herniations, muscle strain, and other spinal injuries that lead to pain and dysfunction.
- Knee injuries. Impact on the knees from dashboards and car seats make this a possible injury site, resulting in ligament and/or meniscus damage.
- Fracture. Awkward postures, high impact, or rolling of vehicles can lead to fracture of any part of the body, particularly the ribs.
- Organ damage. Impact and direct contact can also cause internal damage and bleeding.
- Anxiety disorder. Outside of physical damage, car accidents can lead to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological issues due to the trauma associated with the accident itself.
Auto Accident Injuries and the Spine
The most common injuries that occur with a car accident are related to the central nervous system (aka brain, spinal cord, and nerves). These sensitive tissues are the centerpiece to optimal body function. Thus, injuries to them can significantly affect quality of life.
The vertebrae of the spine are made to absorb the impact from everyday activities. However, what happens when a very large force of impact overloads the spine and surrounding connective tissue? A mix of the following symptoms:
- Chronic spine pain and swelling, ranging anywhere from mild to severe
- Painful, uncoordinated movement of the spine
- Headaches after auto accident
- Memory loss
- Trouble concentrating
- Changes in personality
- Nerve damage that can cause tingling, limb weakness, and numbness
- Poor posture or functional scoliosis
- Muscles spasms due to or causing spinal misalignment
- Decreased quality of life
- And more…!
Chiropractic Care to Return to a Normal Life
Dealing with a spine injury, in addition to the stress of dealing with the legalities of a car accident, can leave life feeling anything but normal. The best way to get back on track is to seek high-quality chiropractic care for auto accident.
Why see a chiropractor after a car accident? There are several different treatment options available that may be of help in the recovery process. These include acupuncture, injections, medication, physical therapy, massage therapy, psychiatric counseling, and chiropractic care. These are all viable options. The most important aspect is finding a provider you trust and feel comfortable working with toward your recovery goals.
Why see a chiropractor after a car accident? Spinal misalignment is one of the major underlying issues that lead to disability and injury after a car accident. At Symmetry Health Center in Oakland and Alameda, we specialize in addressing this root issue. Dr. Tina Noorishad and Dr. Cynthia Boyd are chiropractic specialized in Alameda and Oakland in the leading science-based, results-oriented treatment approach Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP).
CBP is a gentle, safe, noninvasive approach that works to restore spinal alignment. In doing so, nerve flow and energy will be restored and full body function and healing will be optimized. This is what makes chiropractic care from one of the few CBP certified chiropractors in the country your best choice for recovering quickly and sustainably from a car accident or any other type of spine-related injury.
1. Address any underlying spine misalignments
Chiropractors, particularly when CBP certified, are experts in spine alignment. They are trained to recognize the subtle changes that can occur when an injury is sustained. When an impact is sustained from a fall or car accident, spine misalignment and resulting blocked nerve energy can lead to pain, body dysfunction, poor general health and other debilitating symptoms.
Restoring spine alignment should always be the top priority after an injury and can only be addressed properly and comprehensively with a CBP care provider. Once good nerve flow is resumed, it taps into the body’s innate potential to move forward with proper function and healing. When the spine is optimally aligned, there is now significantly more potential for balanced movement, decreased pain, and more.
2. Allow proper tissue healing
Once the spine is aligned, the next step in the recovery process is maximizing the healing process. The holistic treatments available to you at a Chiropractic office will ensure that you heal as quickly as possible. This might include pain modalities (electrical stimulation, traction, heat, ice, etc.), soft tissue massage, exercise, stretching, and education. Since spine alignment was addressed first to maximize your recovery, you will find that your body responds significantly better to these treatment options.
What your body specifically needs to heal will depend on factors related to your genetics, age, and prior level of health. Your treatment program will be specifically tailored to your unique needs. Regardless, with proper nerve signals and adequate blood flow restored, the body now has the tools it needs for full healing and reducing inflammation.
3. Prevent future problems
Lingering symptoms and a higher risk of future injuries are common side effects of an injury that are not often discussed. Unfortunately, a previous injury is one of the major predictors for future injuries. However, it doesn’t have to be this way with proper healing and awareness the first time around. Often, latent problems occur when there continues to be subtle spine misalignments that cause unnecessary build up of scar tissue and impaired nerve flow. These ultimately lead to faulty movement patterns that further aggravate the issue.
Seeing your Chiropractor after car accident can help prevent exacerbation of your injury, especially since it is hard to spot any subtle spine misalignments on your own. With their expertise on your side, you can prevent unnecessary suffering in the future and live your best life. The more days you can live your life without pain or suffering the better.
Accident and injury treatment near Alameda and Oakland
Chiropractic care will help bring the body, particularly the spine, to a place of balance. When everything is in alignment, healing can occur. Typically, a comprehensive chiropractic treatment program will include manipulation, posture training, soft tissue therapy, corrective exercise, spine health education, and modalities for pain relief.
Injuries associated with an auto accident may lead to lingering dysfunction, pain and frustration. The best course of action is to get in touch with Symmetric Health Center immediately to determine appropriate treatment based on your specific symptoms and needs.
Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.
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