The Role of the Chiropractor in Helping Treat Your Car Accident Pain

When your head suddenly snaps backward following an impactful force from behind your car, your neck may suffer injury more specifically known as whiplash. This, in fact, is one of the most common types of injuries associated with vehicular accidents.

The pain from a whiplash injury only aggravates what is already a stressful and traumatic experience. For most people the first option is to go see a doctor who then prescribes pain relievers. But going to a chiropractor is a safe and viable option many overlook. The following is a description of this injury and how a chiropractor can help.

Whiplash

The sheer force of the impact can cause joints to come out of alignment and put stress on muscles. The neck, being a highly sensitive area of the body, will require immediate attention to ensure that no further complications arise. These consequences need not necessarily be physical, too.

More often than not, the chronic pain that develops from untreated or poorly treated whiplash can lead to depression and anxiety, among others. This is because the pain can get so severe as to prevent the patient from actually being able to go about their daily routine and tasks. In the long run, this could also affect their quality of life.

Chiropractic for Whiplash

If the neck was “misaligned” due to sudden impact, it would make sense to find relief by putting things back into order. This is what spinal manipulation essentially seeks to accomplish. By gently moving the misaligned joint, the muscle restriction is eased, blood flow is improved, and the pinched nerves and muscles are relieved.

Gaining results from treatments such as this don’t just happen in a single appointment with the chiropractic, which is why people must have realistic expectations. Nonetheless, it has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation without the use of prescription medicines. The key, however, is to act fast as according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, delay in seeking treatment can lower improvement level.

Spinal manipulation isn’t the only technique implemented during chiropractic treatment. There are also different exercises that will help develop strength, endurance, and mobility. Stretches, gentle rotation, and a rejuvenating massage all can work together to bring much-needed relief. Lifestyle changes may also be advised. Your chiropractor may also refer you to conventional doctors or other pain relief specialists. This collaboration makes it easy for the chiropractor to have a clearer understanding of what kind of treatment will work best for your case.

Suffering from whiplash can definitely be worrying and debilitating. If you ever figure in a car accident, don’t hesitate to get in touch with practices like Accident Care Chiropractic & Massage of Portland.

Sources:

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident, attorney-leonard.com
Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash, Spine-Health.com

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.