02/04/2020
Drivers and passengers should see a chiropractor after a car accident. Thousands of Kiwis experienced a car accident every year, often at low speed. Most of the time, they do not complain of several disorders at the time, more worried about theirs vehicle’s condition.
However, others can feel severe pain and need to go to E.R. for severe back or neck pain, not thinking about visiting a chiropractor.
Most common symptoms are neck stiffness with pain or whiplash, with restricted range-of-movement, blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, shoulder pain and low back pain.
The first symptoms may not appear in the first hour but a bit later when the micro-tears in the fibres of the muscles or ligaments are swelling.
It is admitted that 70% of the people going to an emergency room will report some symptoms six weeks afterwards, and a quarter within the half-year.
43% of patients will suffer long-term symptoms following whiplash injury.
According to Dr Mason Hohl from UCLA Medical Center “ Follow-up x-rays taken 7 years after injury showed that 40% developed degenerative disc disease, while the expected incidence should be 6% over this period of time.”
In fact, everyone experiencing a car crash should consult and see a chiropractor rather than just taking some pain relief medication called analgesics.
Chiropractors are highly educated and trained to treat neck and back disorders such as whiplash and headaches, or spine strain/sprain, reducing the use of medicine.
1- Pain Relief
The treatment provided by a chiropractor is broadly recognised as an effective treatment to reduce pain from the musculo-skeletal apparel, using neurological stimulation to reduce the level of complaint, and so, decreasing the use of medication.
2- Mobility Restoration
After an accident, it is likely that the movement of the cervical spine would be restricted. Chiropractic adjustments focus on restoring the normal range of motion of the spinal part involved, improving the comfort of the neck and so, getting a better quality of sleep.
3- Improving the Process of Healing
During the accident, the soft tissues of the neck receive a substantial load when the head is projected forward then backwards in reaction. It creates micro-tears in the muscles and ligaments then some inflammation. Chiropractors provide spinal adjustment so that the tissues are positioned in a correct position, reducing the tensions. The recovery is faster and the tissue heals properly, avoiding scar tissue, provoking long term discomfort or pain.
More importantly, you will prevent further injury rending the normal function to the spine.
The chiropractic treatment is unique to each whiplash injury and addressed at the first segmental dysfunctions found during the physical examination.
Chiropractor’s treatment usually employs spine adjustments, muscle relaxation and/or stimulation, various exercises, ergonomic and lifestyle changes.
Drivers and passengers should see a chiropractor after a car accident. He will assess your spine and correct the hidden dysfunctions and disorders if needed.
