Recognizing And Treating Back And Neck Injuries After An Auto Accident
If you've been in a car accident, you should be attentive to the appearance of any kind of neck, back, or spinal injuries. Even soft tissue pain can be concerning. Many people find that seeing a chiropractor after an accident can help make a big difference in how they feel. Here is a look at what you need to know about back injuries after a car accident and how your chiropractor may be able to help.
Does An Accident Have To Be Severe To Cause Injury?
Many people think that minor fender-benders are no big deal, and that they can't really cause any injury. The truth is that an accident that changes your rate of speed by even a couple of miles per hour can cause whiplash and similar injuries. That's why it's important to take every accident seriously and seek treatment when needed.
What Symptoms Should You Watch For?
After an accident, you may notice pain and discomfort immediately. If your whiplash is significant, the symptoms may start to show up right away, but they may not appear for several days or more after the accident. Watch for things like blurry eyes, dizziness, persistent headaches, pain in your arms and shoulders, or a reduction in your range of motion.
You may also notice pain and discomfort in your lower back, pain in the discs in your back, and muscle tightness. All of these things can be the result of a car accident. While you may brush minor symptoms off as just being a little bit sore after the accident, they can be signs of serious problems.
Why Shouldn't You Ignore These Symptoms?
When you dismiss pain and discomfort like this after a car accident, it's easy to dismiss it as no big deal. Unfortunately, when you do this, you risk worsening the damage. For example, sometimes you feel fine after the accident and go about your way. However, untreated injuries to your spine or a misalignment problem may lead to severe headaches, eye strain, and other discomfort months after the accident. The longer you wait, the more your body will compensate for the injuries, making it harder to recover afterward.
How Can A Chiropractor Help?
A chiropractor can help you with moderate and significant adjustments that will get your body's alignment back where it should be after a car accident injury. The first thing he or she will do is a thorough exam, including taking some x-rays to see how your spine and neck are aligned. This is important, because sometimes injuries aren't obvious to you, but will be visible on the x-rays. Then, he or she will recommend a treatment plan that helps you to recover from your injuries. This may include repeated adjustments as well as home stretches and other treatments.