Common Injuries from Auto Accidents
Fender benders, collisions, rear-enders, and other minor car accidents can actually cause our bodies some damage (even if we don’t realize it.)
The aches and pains may show up right away or may take a few days. The good news is that chiropractic care can help with a lot of the bumps and bruises we may sustain.
Anytime you are in an auto accident (even minor), it is a great idea to get checked out. Our bodies move faster and in ways they don’t normally move in car accidents. Sudden, jerking motions can cause more damage than you think. Getting an evaluation from a professional helps you identify injuries that you may not be aware of that can get more serious without treatment.
Common Auto Accident Injuries and How Chiro can Help
#1 Whiplash
Whiplash is common injury and typically affects the neck muscles, ligaments and tendons. Often this occurs if you have been hit from behind and your head and neck get thrown forward and backward quicker than you could ever move it on your own.
Whiplash can strain muscles and other soft tissues without breaking bones. Whiplash can be very painful, and if the vertebrae in your neck and upper back are out of alignment it can take even longer to heal.
#2 Scrapes and Cuts
Minor scrapes and cuts are common in car accidents. These can be caused by the impact of your vehicle or the other vehicle. You might also get hit by loose objects in the car like your phone., travel mugs, books, etc. It is good driving practice to secure loose objects and never keep anything on your dashboard. These are not the types of injuries that we typically treat directly with chiropractic care, but they are common. Please let your chiropractor know of any cuts you have so they are aware.
#3 Head Injuries
Check out our previous article on Auto Accidents and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injuries). It is important to be familiar with the signs of a TBI and take precautions. Get checked out to rule out a TBI if you did bang your head or have any of the symptoms. If not treated properly, traumatic brain injuries can cause long-term problems with brain function as well as headaches and sleeping difficulties. They don’t show up right away so if you have any concerns at all, get checked out.
#4. Broken or Out of Place Ribs
Your ribs are actually pretty fragile. You can move or “pop” a rib out by heavy coughing or even laughing. That is why even a light or moderate impact can cause ribs to break. When you are pushed forwards, backward or sideways in a crash, your ribs can be damaged. Not to mention the seatbelt constriction (you should still always wear your seatbelt.) Broken ribs can be painful and require lengthy periods of rest. If your ribs aren’t broken, but not where they should be, chiropractic care can help.
#5 Herniated Disc
A herniated disc happens when one or more vertebrae in your spine either rupture or shift out of place. A herniated disc can cause pain and complications. If they are our of place, a chiropractic adjustment can provide much needed relief.
#6 Broken Bones
Besides ribs, you can easily suffer other broken bones in an auto accident. Chiropractors don’t set broken bones. However, we can adjust other parts of your body to promote healing and boost your autoimmune system.
#7 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not only do our bodies feel the effect of an auto accident, it is very emotional too. It is not uncommon to develop post-traumatic stress disorder. This can cause you to have anxiety about driving or riding in a care and things that used to be routine may become worrisome and even impossible. It is possible to heal from these types of injuries too. Therapy, relaxation techniques, massage, and other treatments are often very helpful.
The Wrap Up
It is really important for your healing to get check out by a doctor after all car accidents. Our bodies move faster and in abnormal ways during a crash. Once you know what your injuries are, make an appointment with a chiropractor to continue your healing.
To find out more about Dr. Ryan and Dr. Allyson and their chiropractic practice and philosophy, click here.
To make an appointment please call (517) 781-4884