ChiroCare of FloridaFollowing a car accident, both your body and your mind will most likely be in shock. While not all injuries immediately show themselves, it is crucial that you move forward to properly examine and treat all resulting injuries anyway. When the adrenaline of the day wears off and your body begins to react to the impact of the accident, you'll want a knowledgeable practitioner in your corner.
To begin receiving comprehensive treatment after a car accident, start first with a professional who can correctly assess your injuries.
Determining Present Injuries
Though abrasions and bruises may appear within minutes of your accident, injuries of the musculoskeletal system may be harder to spot with the naked eye. Oftentimes, injuries of the neck, back, and shoulders won't be visible on the skin. However, these injuries are visible through medical imaging.
Your doctor should request tests, such as x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to determine precisely what was injured beneath the surface of the skin. At ChiroCare of Florida, our doctors begin your first visit with an x-ray, that way we can learn more about your body's unique anatomy prior to detailing treatment.
When you visit after an accident, more testing is often required such that our chiropractors can form an accurate picture of your current ailments. Once we've determined your injuries, we'll work with you to customize a treatment plan.
Common injuries following an accident include:
- Neck strain (Whiplash)
- Herniated discs
- Dislocated discs
- Broken bones
- Muscular sprains and strains
- Muscle contusion
- Ligament or tendon tears
- Spinal cord injuries
Providing Relief
Once your chiropractor has determined what your injuries consist of, he will move forward with providing relief. Whereas many suffering from auto accident injuries turn to over the counter pain medications to provide momentary pain relief, your chiropractor will work to relieve pain at the source.
In many cases, this involves reducing the inflammation on the site of the afflicted area. For instance, when a ligament or tendon has been torn or neck muscles have been strained, the surrounding areas will become inflamed and often painful to the touch. Using hot and cold therapies, as well as instrument assisted manipulation, your chiropractor will reduce the swelling in the area.
For patients suffering from whiplash, the use of a neck brace is often recommended at this time. This supports the neck and head without causing the muscles to have to work twice as hard. Likewise, broken bones or sprains are often given a form of support to prevent excess pressure from being applied to the afflicted area.
Promoting Healing
The next step to comprehensive treatment after an accident is to heal the resulting injuries. Once pain has subsided, your chiropractor will continue to work to solve the underlying problem. Oftentimes after an accident the elements of the spine, including discs, vertebrae, and connective tissue, are damaged. A chiropractor will incorporate a variety of techniques to safely and effectively treat car accident injuries.
Many assume this would mean forcefully manipulating the spine, however, this couldn't be farther from the truth. Using a technique called flexion distraction, a chiropractor can slowly pump pressure onto spinal discs, without putting force onto the spine. Likewise, your chiropractor can identify specific joints within the spine that have been restricted. Using gentle thrusting motions your chiropractor can softly stretch soft tissue to promote healing and increase blood flow to the damaged area.
Return the Body to its Original State
Once your injuries have healed, that doesn't necessarily mean your body is operating at 100%. Therefore, comprehensive treatment following an accident should involve physical rehabilitation. Whether it be through physical therapy sessions or through your chiropractor teaching you effective stretching techniques, the goal is to restore your full range of motion and flexibility.
Preventive Care
Once you've completed physical rehabilitation, your body should feel as good as new. However, that doesn't mean that's the end of your comprehensive treatment. It is wise to continue receiving treatment in order to prevent the onset of future injuries and keep the body limber.
Additionally, once any injuries have healed you'll want to keep the body targeted towards wellness. Routine chiropractic care is key in keeping the body healthy and strong.
Neglecting to receive comprehensive treatment can leave you with chronic pain, limited mobility, and a worsened quality of life. Following an accident, contact the caring staff at ChiroCare of Florida to ensure your injuries are properly treated.
Make an appointment for treatment after a car accident with Dr. Herman. Book Now
