Automobile accidents are known to be traumatic on multiple levels, even if the victims do not require hospitalization. The aftermath of an accident can leave one experiencing excruciating pain in the neck, back, and other joints even if they walked away from the accident feeling fine.
This is because, once the adrenaline abates, the victim is left with the tissue damage and alignment issues that an auto injury can bring. It is, therefore, crucial to see a specialist, particularly a chiropractor, after a bad auto accident.
What Happens to the Body in a Car Accident?
Injuries after an auto accident can be felt immediately, but some pains take days to develop. Microtears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons evade detection on x-rays or initial examination.
Whiplash, for instance, is caused by the components of the musculoskeletal system in the neck being pushed beyond their normal limits and becoming misaligned, resulting in microtears.
While the tears themselves can result in pain, it is usually a result of the inflammation that follows the tears, putting stress on the nerves in the area.
How Can Chiropractic Adjustments Aid in the Pain Relief After an accident?
Chiropractic adjustments have plenty of practical benefits after an auto accident because the alignment of the body’s bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments has a deep impact on overall health.
The benefits are primarily found in the following areas:
- inflammation reduction
- minimizing scar tissue
- misalignment
- restoring freedom of movement and flexibility.
Since a good bit of the pain after an accident is from inflammation, it stands to reason that therapies that address the inflammation would provide relief. Once the body is put back into balance, the resulting inflammation subsides, and the nerves in the area can experience relief.
Misalignment can cause impingement of nerves, slipped discs, and bulges within cartilage in the vertebrae, which can result in chronic, debilitating pain if left unaddressed. A proper chiropractic adjustment can help these elements restore themselves to the proper alignment, relieving the stress on the components of the joint and the surrounding nerve tissue.
Since the benefits of chiropractic care depend on the patient receiving treatment before scar tissue forms and before the tissue damage becomes worse from the poor alignment, it is essential to seek care as soon as possible after the accident.
Chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for those who have been in an auto accident and are experiencing pain. Seeking chiropractic care soon after the accident helps to prevent scar tissue from forming and addresses the root cause of the pain, which in turn restores the body’s balance and promotes overall health.
If you suffer in pain due to a car accident, call our clinic today at (724) 335-5210 to schedule a free consultation.