Car accidents are inevitable, and for someone who is injured and doesn’t know what to do when injuries are the end result, it is best to contact a chiropractor. One of the best ways to deal with auto injuries is chiropractic care. A chiropractor can address immediate issues of pain and discomfort that come from auto injuries. Here are some of the common auto injuries to speak with a chiropractor about.

Brain Injuries

There is a chance you may have sustained some form of brain injury following a car accident, whether mild or severe. Many people believe that someone who suffers a concussion will lose consciousness. This does not always occur, and signs of a brain injury are not always easy to identify. While you can recover from mild brain injuries within a few weeks, brain trauma that goes untreated can lead to many more serious problems,. These can include insomnia, depression, memory loss, and sudden mood swings. According to an analysis of five European countries, 44% of traumatic brain injuries were related to road traffic accidents.

A chiropractor can discuss brain injuries with you and can refer you to a specialist if needed. So, be sure to bring up a brain issue if you believe you have one.

Whiplash

One of the most common auto injuries a chiropractor will treat is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the sudden impact of an accident forces the head to move in an unnatural motion. This can tear muscles in the upper back and neck. It may also cause dislocations of the spine or herniated discs. Tendons and ligaments in the neck can also be affected, as injuries like neck strain, stiffness and tightness can be the end result of a car accident.Auto injuries

Whiplash that is left untreated can be devastating as you may experience complications like headaches and chronic neck pain. One scientific study also suggests there is a link between pain and anxiety, and the outcome of a whiplash injury. You are most likely to experience whiplash if you are in a rear-end accident. This kind of accident propels the head and neck forward while the body remains still, then causing the head and neck to suddenly stop. It can take multiple hours or days to notice symptoms of whiplash, such as pain, dizziness, fatigue or blurred vision.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

It is very common to have neck and shoulder pain after a car accident. Movement in this area of your body can become debilitating. In particular, shoulder injuries often occur when your body is propelled into a hard object nearby, such as the dashboard or the side of your vehicle. Examples of shoulder injuries that come from car accidents include a rotator cuff tear, tendinitis in the rotator cuff, a dislocated shoulder, and a Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior tear (SLAP).

A group of muscles that surrounds the shoulder joint is the rotator cuff. Following a car accident, the shoulder area can experience a deep dull ache, and pain and stiffness when trying to lift your arms over your head. When the ball and socket in an arm become dislocated from each other, the shoulder becomes dislocated. Muscle spasms, weakness, numbness or tingling feelings result from a dislocated shoulder. A SLAP tear is where there is a tear in the bicep tendon connecting to the cartilage at the end of the arm. This is often linked to instability, decreased range of motion, pain while lifting or moving, or popping sounds in the area.

Your chiropractor can help with both shoulder and neck pain. They know the body’s structure and the way bones and ligaments should sit. A chiropractor can treat this pain through adjustments as well as diagnose the misalignments.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Neck Pain Neck injuries can also lead to damages in the spinal cord if any vertebral bones were disrupted as a result of an accident. The spinal cord consists of many sensitive nerves. And, injuries to this area of the body can cause the victim to experience partial or permanent paralysis or even death in certain situations. 232 spinal cord injuries were reviewed in Québec, Canada, and researchers assessed links between these auto injuries to neurological impairment. Researchers found that most spinal cord injuries were from cars and vehicles without restraint systems at a combined rate of 47.5%.

Whether it is a basic misalignment or a severe form of paralysis, spinal cord injuries can ruin a person’s health and lifestyle. After getting medical treatment at the scene of the accident, it is recommended to have a comprehensive exam. This is to determine how much damage has been caused to the spinal cord. While surgery is always an option, it is often a painful and invasive experience. Surgeries often take months to recover from. A chiropractor can often treat spinal cord injuries more easily and quickly, as this is a common service provided.

Chest Injuries and Pains

There are a variety of reasons why pains and injuries occur in the chest area. A sign of chest impact is general bruising. Experiencing chest pain from seat belts and airbags often occur from accidents. While designed to prevent life-threatening auto injuries, these safety devices can cause pain. Additionally, they can cause soreness and bruising in the chest area after they are deployed.

In the United Kingdom, real-world crash injury data was examined, with the focus being on cars that had current restraint components. Airbags, pretensioners (seatbelts that lock), and load limiters were part of this test. Results showed the most common injury on the body is the chest. Additionally, the most frequent type of chest injury is a skeletal injury.

Another clear sign of a chest injury following an accident is when you have trouble breathing. It is likely you may have damaged your lungs or heart, or particular blood vessels may have ruptured. Your lungs or trachea may suffer injury when the impact hits the front of your chest. This can cause damage to your liver or spleen. A chiropractor can ensure your chest and spine are in alignment, so your organs can effectively heal.Auto injury chiropractor

Knee Injuries

Depending on the specific situation, accidents can heavily impact the knees and other lower body parts. Knees can strike against the dashboard, seats, or other objects inside the car. Ligaments can be torn, kneecaps can be fractured, and other serious injuries can affect the knees. When this happens, treatment and physical therapy become necessary.

In a German study, only 2% of vulnerable drivers suffered serious ligament damage or bony injuries to their knees. According to this study, motorcyclists encountered the highest risk for knee injuries. Knee ligaments, joints, muscles and bones can heal properly with the help of a chiropractor. Patients can regain some function in the knee area and return to their previous state of health once they undergo physical therapy.

Conclusion

After sustaining one or a combination of these auto injuries, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. This includes the help of a professional chiropractor. If you seek to recover from an injury as quickly as possible, the best option is to set up an appointment with a chiropractor. Then, determine what type of treatment plan is best for you.

At Dr. Derek Finger Chiropractic, we believe patients should receive optimal treatment to recover from their injuries. We promise that you will be on the road to recovery with the help of our professional services at our Pensacola chiropractic office.