More than 5.25 million car accidents occur each year, according to the National Safety Commission, and victims often experience serious, long-term consequences. In fact, 15 to 40 percent of car crash victims suffer from lifelong debilitating, chronic pain. Many individuals who sustain whiplash, a common injury following a car crash, may continue to suffer from pain nearly two decades after a crash. In other words, without proper treatment, the pain may never go away.
Many car crash victims tend to brush off minor pains and aches until they become worse. Days, weeks or months later, they suddenly start to notice stiffness, muscle spasms, increased pain, decreased range of motion and long-term disability. However, with the help of a licensed chiropractor, car accident victims may be able to return to their daily lives and activities without pain sooner rather than later.
Conventional Treatments May Not Be Enough
An experienced, well-trained chiropractor, physical therapist, or medical doctor, like a chiropractor Gaithersburg MD relies on can quickly and accurately identify the specific injury and recommend treatment. Experienced chiropractors and physicians are familiar with common car accident injuries. They understand how different types of injuries may present based on specific car accident factors. For instance, a car crash soft tissue injury differs from a sports injury and therefore responds differently to treatment.
More often than not, a victim may turn to potentially addictive pain pills or undergo unnecessary surgery which can worsen the problem and cause lifelong issues. A healthier alternative is to undergo an exam by a qualified chiropractor who can diagnose the injury and recommend treatment. If he or she is unable to provide the needed treatment, they can refer the patient to a trusted specialist.
Chiropractic Treatments for Common Car Accident Injuries
What do chiropractors do that mainstream doctors do not? Chiropractors are uniquely positioned to understand the skeletal and muscle system. They understand that the thin web-like connective tissue that spans the entire body, known as “fascia,” can become coiled when injured, thus causing pain and knots if left untreated. Chiropractors are also able to focus on the disco-vertebral joints, or where the majority of spinal damage occurs in a car crash, by applying gentle pressure to correct pinched nerves and spinal misalignments.
- Chiropractors have access to a number of treatments and healing therapies, such as movement-based therapies, PRP injections, ultrasound and trigger point therapy to properly treat damaged tissue.
- They are able to get to the root of the problem by gently correcting any subluxations, or spinal misalignments, that may cause long-term muscle tightness and pain.
- A chiropractor may refer a car accident victim to a neurologist or orthopedic doctor for additional testing and pain management and to ensure the patient receives the best care possible.
Do You Need Chiropractic Treatments?
If you or a loved one is suffering from debilitating pain, soreness, or other severe symptoms following a car crash, you could be entitled to recover damages for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the responsible party to seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages. Damages may also include the chiropractic care you need to resume your normal everyday activities. To determine whether you may file a lawsuit, please contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Pain & Arthritis Relief Center for their insight into chiropractic treatments for common car accident injuries.