Automobile accidents are one of the most unexpected life events that happen in an instant and leave a lasting impact. When you sustain an injury in a car accident, your day-to-day life becomes consumed by calls from insurance adjusters, attorneys, and doctor’s appointments.
Injuries sustained in auto accidents can range from minor to severe, including being fatal. Auto accidents are not only scary but traumatic and often lead to treatment beyond physical scars. Common injuries sustained by car accident victims are whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and head injuries. Soft tissue injuries happen when there’s damage to the muscles, ligaments and tendons throughout the body. Soft tissue injuries are also referred to as musculoskeletal injuries or disorders. A few signs and symptoms of soft tissue injuries include swelling, possible bruising or discoloration and pain.
Both head injuries and whiplash are considered to be more serious injuries because the relation they have to the spine. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward, backward or to the side. When whiplash occurs, it destabilizes the spine, causing severe pain as well as other symptoms, such as
- Blurred vision
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck stiffness
- Headaches
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
It’s common for a car accident victim to not realize they have whiplash or soft tissue injuries from an auto accident because they are often being treated with pain medication for other symptoms associated with their injuries. The physical effects of a motor vehicle accident are often not known or immediately felt at the time of the crash. It could be days, weeks or even months later before major symptoms show up, which is why you should seek chiropractic care after being involved in a car accident.
Seeking immediate chiropractic treatment after an auto accident for any known or unknown injuries will allow you to maintain the health of your spine after it’s been subjected to a trauma. By not receiving the proper treatment for injuries such as whiplash can lead to long-term pain. When any body part sustains a sudden, jarring trauma, it can stretch or even tear the surrounding ligaments. Luckily, chiropractors specialize in caring for muscles, bones, nerves and connective tissue of the body, so your visit to Schluter Chiropractic is critical to ensure you heal properly after an auto accident.
Even if you’re involved in what seems to be a minor auto accident where there’s seemingly minor damage to the car itself, there can still be serious physical injuries to the driver and/or passengers. By seeking early care and treatment from a chiropractor, you’re more likely to fully heal and recover quicker with no long-term complications. Chiropractors are also able to help relieve pain and make necessary adjustments to the spine that can better your overall health.
