Car accidents can happen in an instant, but their effects on your body can last much longer. Even seemingly minor collisions can cause injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
If you’ve been in a recent car accident, your local Lithia chiropractor is here for you. Together, we can get to the root cause of your pain and alleviate it. With that in mind, here are common car accident injuries and how chiropractic care can help!
1. Whiplash
One of the most frequent car accident injuries, whiplash occurs when your head suddenly jerks forward and backward. This rapid movement strains the delicate structures in your neck, potentially causing damage to vertebrae, nerves, and surrounding tissues. While some people experience symptoms immediately, others may not notice problems for days or even weeks after the accident.
Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness that worsens with movement
- Headaches, particularly at the base of the skull
- Dizziness and balance problems
2. Upper Back and Shoulder Pain
The force of a collision can cause misalignments in your thoracic spine (upper back) and strain the muscles supporting your shoulders. This often results in persistent pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty performing everyday tasks like reaching or lifting. The impact can also affect your shoulder joints directly, leading to ongoing discomfort and limited mobility.
3. Lower Back Injuries
The sudden force of a car accident can compress or damage the structures in your lower back. This may result in herniated discs, strained muscles, or misaligned vertebrae. Lower back injuries often cause:
- Pain that ranges from dull and constant to sharp and shooting
- Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods
- Radiating pain or numbness into the legs
4. Knee Trauma
During a collision, your knees can strike the dashboard or be twisted in unnatural ways. This trauma can lead to various injuries, including damage to ligaments, tendons, and the kneecap itself. Knee injuries often interfere with mobility and can make activities like climbing stairs or getting in and out of cars particularly challenging.
How Chiropractic Care Helps After a Car Accident
Through careful evaluation and targeted treatment, chiropractic care helps:
- Reduce inflammation and pain naturally
- Restore proper range of motion
- Address underlying structural issues
- Prevent long-term complications
Have you been involved in a car accident recently? Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. The At Last Chiropractic team is ready to help you bounce back and feel like yourself again. Book your appointment with our caring and compassionate team today!
