When people suffer injuries in a car accident, they may seem fine on the outside with no visible sign of any issue, and in so many cases people suffer issues that do not manifest at all until sometime after the accident. When these hidden, delayed-onset injuries appear, it is important to seek treatment to check what injuries you have sustained, prevent any long-term pain and mobility issues, and ensure that you don’t make your current injuries worse.

There are several issues caused by car accidents that chiropractic care can help overcome, such as:

Whiplash

Whiplash is the sudden neck and shoulder pain caused by the sharp force of your head being quickly snapped backward, forwards, or from side to side. This is something that commonly occurs when emergency braking is used, or when a car is hit from behind.

Nerve, Muscle, And Ligament Discomfort

The human body contains a huge number of nerves, muscles, and ligaments, any of which can suffer damage during a car accident. Any injuries to these components can result in temporary or even ongoing pain and mobility issues.

Herniated Disc

Intervertebral discs are the spongy, soft disc-shaped cushions that sit between each bone of the spine. Acting as a natural shock absorber, they enable us to bend, stretch and twist absorbing any impact on the spine and preventing discomfort as we move. Problems with these discs are unfortunately fairly common after a car accident, and the sudden impact involved can cause a disc or multiple discs to be pushed out of the correct position. This can cause pain and restriction of movement, and in some cases the disc can rupture, leaking the fluid inside which irritates the surrounding nerves.

What are the key benefits of visiting a chiropractor after an accident?

The benefits of visiting a chiropractor following an accident are wide-ranging, we have compiled our top 5 reasons why you should book an appointment.

Reduced Inflammation

Extreme forces are placed on the body during a car accident and these forces can cause micro-tears in areas of soft tissue, causing pain and discomfort while the area heals. Fortunately, chiropractic manipulations can help. This technique helps encourage the body to release its natural anti-inflammatory chemicals, which work to counteract swelling, ease pain and promote healing.

Chiropractic Treatment Helps The Body To Heal

Soft tissue damage can be painful and cause restrictions in movement and day-to-day activities. Chiropractic care helps speed up the healing process as the spinal manipulations help reduce pressure on the spine, nerves, and muscles, and encourage healthy blood flow to deliver healing nutrients in the blood to the affected area.

A Drug And Side-Effect Free Treatment

Many patients do not like taking medications and do not want to experience the potential side effects they may cause, and in the case of long-term painkiller use, people are wary of the risk of developing dependency. Chiropractic care is drug-free and non-invasive, treating the pain caused by a car accident without any side effects or any sort of restriction of day-to-day activities following treatment.

Preventative Treatment For Excessive Scarring

Any sort of injury can cause scarring, including scars that form internally and away from the naked eye. Sometimes scars become so thick that they cause further problems, including pain and restricted movement. Regular chiropractic treatment can help prevent excess scar tissue formation and reduce the risk of long-term issues.

If you have any questions, or if you have been involved in an accident and would like to book an appointment, call O’Neill Chiropractic in North Charleston.