Car accidents can be traumatic events for those involved. Injuries can impact victims for weeks or months after the fact, even in relatively minor accidents. While physical therapy and medications are common routes for those who experience these kinds of events so they can return to normalcy, many are unaware of how chiropractic care can help after a car accident.
Relieves Common Injuries
Every car accident is different, so the injuries will vary from accident to accident. Even so, there are types of injuries that are more common during car accidents than others. Whiplash, for instance, is extremely common, even in low-speed accidents where seat belts are in use. Symptoms of whiplash can include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back
- Numbness in the arms and shoulder
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
Chiropractors have several techniques designed to target whiplash. Some involve readjusting the spine if it was knocked out of alignment by the accident, while others involve gently stretching neck muscles to reduce the tension in these places.
Decreases Swelling
Not all injuries are obvious from the outside. Swelling and inflammation from a car accident can occur because of microtears within muscles and ligaments. Fortunately, chiropractic treatment can help regulate the production of certain proteins such as neuropeptides and cytokines, which may play a role in inflammation and swelling. This can help reduce swelling and the pain that comes with it.
Improves Mobility
There are several factors that may decrease a car crash victim’s mobility. Including the injuries and inflammation already mentioned, spending time off your feet while recovering can leave muscles weakened or stiff. Along with reducing pain from injuries and inflammation and improving the alignment of your spine, chiropractic care can gently strengthen these muscles throughout the body to increase mobility.
Reduces Scar Tissue
Even as mobility is brought back to normal, people who’ve been in car accidents still have to live with the scarring that comes after the fact. While scars fade on their own eventually, chiropractic care can help break up the stiff, scarred tissue more quickly. When scars fade quickly, pain is reduced, and mobility is improved.
Car accidents are traumatic but knowing the many ways chiropractic care can help after a car accident will help speed your recovery process. If you’re looking for a Tulsa car accident chiropractor, Marshall Chiropractic can help you find the treatment that will help you get back on your feet sooner.
