Chiropractic Therapy for Neck Injuries After a Car Accident: What to Expect

If you are in a car accident, you should get immediate medical attention. It is necessary whether you have visible injuries or not. In most cases, accidents can cause nerve, joint, and tissue damage, leading to long-term pain and discomfort. 

Many people choose to visit a chiropractor after a car accident. The treatment can relieve symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and inability to concentrate. Here is what you can expect from chiropractic therapy for neck injuries after a car accident. 

Whiplash – Common Neck Injury

Neck pain from whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car accident. The neck and spine injury occurs due to the rapid back-and-forth head movement occasioned by the crash. The damage can be mild or severe, depending on the force of the impact. 

Symptoms of whiplash usually manifest within 24 to 48 hours after the accident, but in some cases, they develop immediately. Whiplash results in spine destabilization; getting treatment as soon as possible helps prevent the worsening of the condition.

Symptoms of Whiplash 

Symptoms of whiplash may be uncomfortable or painful. They include:

• Neck pain and stiffness, especially with movement

• Limited range of neck motion

• Chronic headaches beginning at the back of the skull

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Tenderness in the arms or shoulders

• Arm numbness
   

Severe whiplash can lead to complications such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears, sleep difficulties, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Some people experience depression or memory problems. 

Chiropractic Therapy for Neck Injuries

Visiting a chiropractor can help in the treatment of neck injuries or whiplash. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain and reverse the damage. A physical exam will help diagnose the cause of the pain or discomfort. 

The ability to exactly pinpoint where the spine is affected allows the chiropractor to provide targeted treatment. The care can help improve joint movement and relieve intervertebral disc disorder or ligament injury.

Therapy for Neck Injuries - What to Expect

When you visit a chiropractor, the first step is an injury assessment, which may include X-rays and other examinations. It will help in coming up with an effective treatment plan. A customized treatment plan is necessary for treating neck injuries. 

The therapy program involves the use of noninvasive, nonsurgical techniques. They include chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and massage therapy. Each patient is unique, and the chiropractor may use a combination of the methods to provide long-term relief. 

Benefits of Chiropractic Therapy

There are several reasons why people choose chiropractic care for neck injuries after a car accident. The benefits of the treatment include:

• Providing immediate pain relief and management

• Preventing worsening of minor injuries

• Safe, effective, and noninvasive techniques

• No harmful side effects

• Provides long-term benefits

• Get insurance coverage

Without proper treatment, injuries sustained after a car accident can lead to long-term or chronic complications. Seeking chiropractic care as soon as possible can help prevent lingering neck pain or discomfort. 

Chiropractic treatment aims to trigger the body’s natural healing process. You do not have to resort to prescription medication or surgery after a car accident. Even a crash that may seem minor can lead to severe injuries. 

For more information, call (763) 561-4045 to reach Brookdale Health Experts in Auto Injuries at our Brooklyn Center, Minnesota office.