Car accidents are a common occurrence — as of November, there have been nearly 45,000 crashes reported in Ohio alone this year. And while we all hope to walk away unscathed, the reality is that even seemingly minor collisions can result in a variety of injuries: whiplash, neck pain, back pain, and more.
One way to find relief from these aches and pains? By visiting a chiropractor. Here are some of the most common car accident injuries that a car accident chiropractor can effectively treat.
Why Visit a Car Accident Chiropractor?
You might be wondering, “Why see a car accident chiropractor? Shouldn’t I just stick with my regular doctor after an accident?” While your doctor definitely plays a crucial role, especially in diagnosing serious injuries, chiropractors bring a unique set of skills to the table when it comes to car accident recovery.
Here’s the key difference: doctors focus on your overall health, diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries through medication, surgery, and other medical interventions. They’re your go-to for ruling out fractures, concussions, and internal injuries.
Comparatively, car accident chiropractors specialize in the musculoskeletal system — your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use hands-on adjustments and other techniques to address misalignments, reduce pain, and restore proper function.
Benefits of a car accident chiropractor
In one study, 93% of whiplash patients saw significant improvement with chiropractic treatment. Here’s why seeing a car accident chiropractor can be beneficial:
- Pain relief: Chiropractors are experts at alleviating pain caused by whiplash, neck strain, back pain, and other common car accident injuries. Learn more about the car accident pain scale.
- Restoring mobility: Adjustments and other therapies can help improve your range of motion and flexibility, which often get compromised after an accident.
- Reducing inflammation: Chiropractic care can potentially reduce inflammation, which is a major contributor to pain and stiffness.
- Non-invasive treatment: Chiropractic adjustments are drug-free and non-invasive, offering a natural approach to healing.
- Personalized care: Chiropractors take a holistic approach, considering your overall health and lifestyle to create a personalized treatment plan.
What Are The Common Car Accident Injuries That a Chiropractor Can Treat?
Car accidents, even minor ones, can jolt your body in unexpected ways. While some injuries might be immediately apparent, others may take days or even weeks to manifest.
Here are some of the most common injuries that a car accident chiropractor can address:
- Whiplash: This is perhaps the most well-known and common car accident injury. It occurs when your head is suddenly jerked back and forth, like a whip, straining the muscles and ligaments in your neck. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Neck pain and stiffness: Even without full-blown whiplash, car accidents can cause general neck pain and stiffness due to muscle strains and joint misalignments.
- Back pain: The impact of a collision can also hurt your back, leading to pain in the upper, middle, or lower back. This can be caused by muscle strains, sprains, or even disc herniation.
- Headaches: Post-accident headaches are common and can be caused by muscle tension, whiplash, and even concussions.
- Shoulder pain: The force of an accident can lead to shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears or strains, leading to pain and limited mobility.
- Numbness or tingling: In some cases, car accidents can cause nerve compression or damage, resulting in numbness or tingling sensations in the arms or legs.
- TMJ disorders: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull. The impact of an accident can sometimes affect this joint, leading to jaw pain, clicking, and difficulty chewing.
Get Support Beyond Chiropractic Care
While car accident chiropractors play an important role in treating injuries, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Take these additional steps to make sure your healing process goes smoothly:
- See a medical doctor: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, take the time to get a thorough medical evaluation after a car accident. A doctor can diagnose any underlying conditions, such as fractures or concussions, and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Follow your chiropractor’s recommendations: Your car accident chiropractor will likely provide you with specific exercises and stretches to do at home. These are designed to strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and speed up your recovery.
- Rest and ice: In the initial days following the accident, rest is a must to help your body heal. Applying ice packs to the injured areas can also reduce inflammation and pain.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of your injuries, treatments, and expenses for insurance purposes and any potential legal claims.
- Reach out to a car accident lawyer: A car accident lawyer can take the weight of dealing with insurance companies off your shoulders, fighting for your rights while you focus on healing. We’ll navigate the complexities, handle the paperwork, and work tirelessly to recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Car accidents can be a jarring experience, leaving you with physical pain, emotional stress, and a mountain of uncertainty.
But remember: you don’t have to go through this alone. At Slater & Zurz, we’re here to provide support and guidance every step of the way. Our experienced car accident attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you have the resources you need to focus on your recovery.
Whether you need help understanding your legal rights, negotiating with insurance companies, or pursuing a claim for your injuries, we’re here for you. Contact us today at 330-762-0700 for a free consultation.
