Did you know that roughly three million Americans are injured in car 
accidents every year? In most cases, the accident occurred so quickly that victims had no time to prepare their body or mind for the crash’s impact or for the emotional stress and physical pain that would follow.
People sustaining serious injuries in a car accident will be taken to a hospital immediately. Others who don’t feel pain may not feel that it’s necessary to get immediate medical attention. What many of them don’t realize is that some serious soft tissue injuries that could create problems down the road don’t make themselves known until several hours or days after the crash. With this in mind, it makes sense to schedule a medical appointment shortly after the accident.
What is the most typical injury associated with car accidents?
The most common accident injury is whiplash, which occurs when the head is rapidly moved backward or forward and then “whipped” in the opposite direction. Left untreated, whiplash can have serious long-term health effects, such as memory loss and disability. Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Decreased motion around the neck
Why do some accident victims choose chiropractic care?
Most chiropractors are trained to detect the hidden injuries that accident victims experience. Unlike medications or surgeries, chiropractic care focuses on the root cause of the pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and remove pressure from the impacted nerves, typically bringing about quick relief. Chiropractors use diagnostic imaging, such as x-rays, to get the clearest picture possible of your spine and neck areas before recommending any kind of treatment plan.
What chiropractic techniques might be used to address your injuries?
Most chiropractors use gentle adjustment techniques to restore the spinal column to its proper position. These techniques could include:
- Spinal Adjustments: Depending on your diagnosis and symptoms, a chiropractor will identify the best methods of gentle manipulation.
- Manual Therapies: A chiropractor may place pressure on specific pressure points to relieve tension, use manual joint stretching and resistance techniques, or perform a therapeutic massage to reduce muscle tension.
- Instrument-Assisted Therapies: Electrical stimulation or ultrasound may be used to stimulate muscles, reduce inflammation and/or enhance circulation.
If you or a loved one are recovering from an auto accident, you have various options to consider, as a medical professional, like an experienced chiropractor from Palatine, IL, from a treatment facility like the Lotus Wellness Center, can explain.