Three Techniques from a Chiropractor that Can Treat Car Accident Back Pain

Vehicular accidents can lead to various injuries, including back problems. Some patients complain of persistent back pain which affects not only their physical well-being but also their psychological welfare due to the anxiety it causes. If you’re interested but don’t know enough about chiropractic care for car accident back pain, read on and learn about the three techniques that a chiropractor can use to reduce joint inflammation and relieve back pain.

Spinal Manipulation

One of the most often used techniques for treating auto accident back injuries is spinal manipulation, also called traditional high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust. To perform this method, a chiropractor uses his hands or tools to exert a controlled and sudden force on affected joints while the body is angled in a particular manner, wherein the pressure creates a perceptible popping sound. Spinal manipulation can enhance or restore joint function which means you can move that part of your back again that you can barely shift due to pain. Furthermore, an HVLA thrust can relieve both joint inflammation and back pain. At the same time, while spinal manipulation may sound unnerving, it is considered generally safe with little to no side effects apart from a slight tenderness on the manipulated area which may last for 24 to 48 hours.

Joint Mobilization

Similar to spinal manipulation, joint or spinal mobilization can improve or restore joint function and alleviate back pain. Unlike an HVLA thrust that is sudden and forceful, mobilization relies on slow movements which are typically applied on the stable endpoint of a joint. Several mobilization methods exist, including the activator method which uses a manual tool for low-force action and the Cox flexion-distraction, a gentle adjustment to the lower spine through slow consecutive rocking movements. A chiropractor will choose the most appropriate mobilization technique for each specific back injury case.

Combined Approaches

Besides joint mobilization, a chiropractor can also combine various approaches for treating car accident back pain. The goal of combined approaches is to augment mobilization or adjustment while also offering measures which may be more comfortable to patients. Your chiropractor may integrate different therapies including heat and ice, relaxation methods, and nutrition counselling. In addition, they could add relaxation techniques and electrical stimulation for continued joint function recovery.

Car crash back pain may either be simply stressful or severely debilitating when you can barely move without wincing in pain. Instead of bearing the pain as long as you can, try visiting the nearest licensed and experienced chiropractor in your area who can offer three techniques for treating car crash back pain.

Sources:

“Chronic pain sufferers likely to have anxiety,” sciencedaily.com
“Spinal Manipulation for Low-Back Pain,” nccih.nih.gov
“Spinal Mobilization: Gentle Chiropractic Techniques,” 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.