Car Accident Neck Pain Treatment

When you have a car accident, the risk of personal injury is quite high. Millions suffer car crash injuries each year, so it is important to get the care you need in order to recover quickly. Neck injuries can be quite severe and have lasting effects. Fortunately, a good chiropractor can help alleviate your neck pain and get you back on your feet.

How common are neck injuries?

When a car crash occurs, about 30-50% of those involved report neck injuries. These statistics include a range of neck injuries, but most commonly mean whiplash. Because the risk of injury is so high, getting neck pain treated quickly is important to your recovery.

Types of Neck Injuries

When you get into a car accident, several types of neck injuries can occur. Here are just a few to be aware of:

Whiplash: Whiplash is the most common car accident related neck injury. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward (or vice versa), causing strain or damage to the muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons. While especially common in rear-end collisions, it can happen in any type of accident.  
Cervical Strain and Sprain: Strains occur when muscles or tendons are stretched or torn, while sprains involve your ligaments (connective tissues). 
Herniated Discs: The force from a car accident can cause the discs in the cervical spine to bulge or rupture, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates down the arms. 
Fractures, Dislocations, and further damage: Although less common, more severe neck injuries like fractures or dislocations of the cervical vertebrae can occur in high-impact crashes. These injuries can be very serious and may require emergency medical intervention.

How can a Chiropractor help?

When you suffer a neck injury in a car accident, proper treatment is needed in order to recover fully. A Chiropractor can provide a variety of treatments for neck pain. Some examples include:

Assessment and Diagnosis: Your chiropractor will first perform a thorough assessment to determine the extent of your neck injury. This may include evaluating your range of motion, posture, and muscle tension, as well as referring you for X-rays or other diagnostic tests. 
Spinal Manipulation (Adjustments): Chiropractors often use spinal manipulation or adjustments to realign the spine and neck. These adjustments can help restore proper function to your neck, reduce neck pain, and improve mobility. 
Pain Relief: Chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation, all of which contribute to pain relief. Techniques like soft tissue therapy, stretching, and massage may also be used.
Range of Motion Improvement: Following a car accident, it’s common for muscles and joints to become stiff or restricted. Chiropractors use techniques to improve range of motion, which can aid in restoring normal neck movement and flexibility.
Posture Correction: After an accident, poor posture can develop due to pain or compensating for injuries. A chiropractor can help address these issues to prevent long-term problems and maintain optimal spinal health.
Rehabilitation and Strengthening Exercises: Chiropractors may recommend specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around your neck, improving stability and reducing the risk of future injuries.

How long does treatment take?

Neck injury recovery and pain treatment can take a wide range of time. Not all injuries are the same, and not all accidents are high intensity. Because of this, the severity of your injury will affect treatment length. Your chiropractor will provide you with a recovery plan and help as much as you need.

Contact Us

Your neck is an important part of the body, so getting the right treatment from the right people is critical to your overall health. If you are injured in a car accident, a chiropractor can be a major contributor to your recovery. To know what a chiropractor can do for you, and to book an appointment online, click here

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