Car crashes can lead to more than just acute injuries. They can also produce chronic symptoms that disrupt your life long-term. Herniated disc injuries are a common result of car accidents due to the sudden, harsh impact of the crash, and in some cases, these injuries take months to resolve.
The right chiropractic care team could help you alleviate pain and streamline your recovery. You can also follow these tips to recover from a herniated disc from a car accident faster.
Herniated discs occur when the jelly-like center of the spinal disc pushes through the outer ring, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This condition can develop due to age-related degeneration, but it is also a common car accident injury.
Sudden pressure from the collision or seatbelt can cause the disc to protrude in the cervical or lumbar region of the spine. The following are more likely to cause a herniated disc in an accident:
If you were recently in a car accident, keep an eye out for herniated disc symptoms such as:
Many herniated disc injuries heal on their own, but the process can take some time. Taking the right steps during your recovery could streamline your healing and help you relieve pain.
Below are five tips for recovering from a car accident herniated disc injury.
Herniated discs usually don’t show up on X-rays; you would generally need an MRI to confirm the injury. If you suspect you have a herniated disc, seeking an MRI is important to confirm the diagnosis, rule out other problems, and follow the right treatment approach. A prompt diagnosis can also aid your car accident insurance claim by directly tying your injury to the crash.
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to reducing nerve compression and aiding recovery from a herniated disc. Starting treatment early can help you begin managing this condition before it worsens.
Chiropractors use slow, controlled motions to gently stretch and flex the spine, with the goal of reducing nerve compression and creating negative pressure within the disc. They can also perform manual therapy to relieve muscle spasms in the surrounding area and teach you exercises to strengthen targeted muscles.
Your chiropractor will show you exercises and stretches that you can complete at home to continue making progress between sessions. Prioritizing these exercises can support your recovery and help you relieve pain without relying solely on medications.
Many herniated disc exercises are designed to strengthen the core and lower back, stabilize the spine, and stretch tight joints. They can support your overall auto accident recovery and help you prevent further herniation or related injuries.
Many people have poor postural habits that place additional strain on the cervical or lumbar region of the spine. Making an effort to maintain proper posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping can support your recovery and alleviate pain.
As you strengthen your core and neck muscles, maintaining good posture may also become easier.
Daily activities like lifting heavy objects and frequent bending or twisting can strain your back or neck, potentially worsening the herniation and nerve pain. You may need to adjust your lifestyle while you are healing and after your recovery to prevent the herniation from recurring.
Car accident injuries can disrupt your life, but prompt treatment may help you recover faster. Whether you need help treating a crick in the neck or managing a herniated disc from a car accident, ChiroCare of Florida provides personalized treatment using a non-invasive approach. Make an appointment with an experienced chiropractor in Pompano Beach today by calling 754-227-2218.