Signs You Should See a Chiropractor
No matter their severity, automobile accidents are almost always traumatic events. Even supposedly minor fender benders can cause lasting damage to an accident victim’s back and neck. Too often victims mistakenly assume nothing is wrong if they don’t have external injuries or feel any excessive pain. Many internal injuries might not be immediately noticeable and may only appear days or even weeks after an accident.
Chiropractic treatment after a car accident will not only help alleviate the injuries you’ve already suffered, but also prevent further injuries down the road. If you think you may need help from a chiropractor, the following list may help you decide if chiropractic treatment is right for you.
Chronic Pain
The physical shock of a car wreck can cause a number of unseen problems for accident victims. These problems may go unnoticed at first, but given enough time they can lead to persistent pain and restriction of mobility. During a car crash the victim’s body absorbs a great deal of the force produced by the collision. This force is strong enough to shift vertebrae out of alignment or even cause joints to be displaced, both of which can lead to compressed nerves which can produce pain and numbness.
Chiropractors use manual therapy to treat just such a situation. By returning the joints and spine to their proper alignment, a chiropractor can alleviate pain caused by pinched nerves and misaligned vertebrae.
Whiplash
One of the most frequent yet overlooked injuries to occur in a car wreck is whiplash. Many whiplash victims mistakenly assume they are fine since the symptoms may not fully appear immediately after the accident. If left untreated, however, whiplash symptoms can persist for weeks and months after an accident and can cause soreness and restriction of mobility in the upper back, neck, and even the arms. Manual therapy from a chiropractor is one of the best ways to treat whiplash and prevent future ailments and discomfort.
Loss of Mobility
By adulthood, the human body has a total of 206 distinct bones. With this many moving parts, the skeletal system is remarkably complex and prone to misalignment. A single bone being out of place can cause a cascade effect throughout the body, causing other bones and joints to be misaligned. Automobile accidents can produce extreme forms of misalignment and eventual loss of mobility. Everyday activities such as walking, bending, or even sitting can grow more difficult with time.
Visiting a chiropractor can help realign the skeletal system and restore regular mobility for car crash victims. If you’re experiencing any of the previous symptoms, you should consider chiropractic treatment for your recovery so you can get back on your feet again.
For Your Health,
Dr. Patrick Chenoweth