It probably goes without saying that car accidents can cause the human body much pain. Muscles, tissues, ligaments, bones, the spinal cord, and vertebrae can all be severely impacted, even if the crash didn’t involve high speeds. It is in the best interest of a person to visit a chiropractor shortly after a car accident for an exam and treatment options. Unfortunately, many people don’t know the full extent of their injuries until much later on; hours, days, or even weeks after.
Chiropractors can be helpful in car accident injury recovery. They offer non-invasive and drug-free options, such as spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercise, stretching, manual soft tissue therapy, ultrasound, diet and nutritional counseling, and massage. These methods of care can be influential in a person’s recovery. If you are experiencing any of these delayed symptoms post car crash, it’s time to book an appointment with a chiropractor near you.
#1 Unrelenting Headaches
Headaches are common after a car accident, especially within the several days to follow. Headaches that do not reduce in severity may be a symptom of a more serious issue that needs to be addressed, such as injury to the neck, shoulder, and/or spinal cord. Muscles in the neck area may also tighten in response to the trauma, contributing to headaches.
#2 Stiffness of Neck or Shoulder
A stiff shoulder and neck often means that a person has endured a whiplash injury. Most whiplash injuries happen as a result of rear-end car accidents at speeds of less than 15MPH. So even if you have been in a minor accident, you could still have sustained a whiplash injury that needs treatment from a chiropractor.
#3 Back Pain
Back pain after a car collision is typically caused by damage to the muscles, nerves, or ligaments. Statistically, more than 50% of car accidents that were rear-impact and 75% of side-impact crashes results in lower back pain to the driver and/or passengers. Intense and debilitating back pain can hinder a person’s ability to go about their daily life as normal.
#4 Numbness
Losing feeling in the upper extremities, particularly the hands and arms, can be a sign of severe whiplash. This numbness results from injury to the spinal column or neck, and is found in around 20% of people in rear-end car accidents. Numbness in these areas can be terrifying, so seeking help from a chiropractor the very same day is strongly advised.
#5 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Car accidents can have both physical and mental impacts on a person. After being part of a serious collision, a person may struggle with new fears, flashbacks of the accidents, disturbing memories, sleep problems, and nightmares. It can be difficult for someone to get back into a car after such a traumatic event. A chiropractor in Capitol Heights, MD believes that the body is one interconnected system. They can identify areas of the body that may be out of alignment to help reduce stress and enabling the nervous system to rest.
Thanks to AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into chiropractic care and delayed symptoms after a car accident.