A car crash is usually a traumatic experience, even when the damage seems minor. Accidents that cause little to no damage to your vehicle can still result in physical and emotional effects that last for weeks or months. If you have been in a collision, injuries may not always present themselves right away either. Seeking treatment for your pain after a car accident is always a good idea, even if you do not immediately feel the effects. When you receive medical attention right after a crash, problems can still linger and new symptoms such as headaches, pain and dizziness can develop later on. Because pain signals that something is wrong, it is important to be aware of the ways that a crash can affect your body. Left unchecked, neck, back and muscle pain can become chronic conditions that affect you for months or years. Below, learn about the common types of muscle, joint and spine injuries you can suffer during a crash and find out why chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for these issues.
Common Injuries in Car Crashes
Whiplash is one of the most prevalent issues you can experience during an accident. Whiplash occurs when your head suddenly hyperextends and immediately hyperflexes. This extremely quick jolt to your head and can damage your muscles, spine, tendons, ligaments and more. It is also common for your body to physically collide with part of your car, such as the steering wheel, when you come to a sudden stop. This can cause traumatic injuries, as well as lasting pain from muscle and joint damage.
Because car crashes happen so quickly, a person’s adrenaline can often make him or her feel extremely alert and focused when emergency personnel arrive on scene. This causes many people to refuse medical attention due to the fact that they have not fully processed the incident, and may not feel as if they were injured at all. However, pain often sets in hours later once the shock has subsided. Those who do not receive an immediate health assessment on the scene should always seek treatment if an injury starts causing pain, headaches, dizziness, stiffness or tenderness later on. These symptoms can indicate serious injuries.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help After a Collision
Injuries from car crashes can be severe even if there appears to be no physical harm. When head, neck or back pain arises from a collision, traditional medicines include anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications and other treatments with limited long-term effects. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, can address the root cause of the pain. Treating the injury itself, not just the symptoms, is the only effective way for many patients to feel lasting relief from chronic pain. Some people need only a few adjustments to feel better, whereas other patients can benefit from regular, ongoing treatments. Chiropractic care can be tailored to each individual’s needs, making it a truly personalized form of treatment. If you have been in a car crash, make an appointment with Premier Health today.