Treatments Chiropractors Use On Car Crash Victims
A car crash can be a hugely consequential and horrible event in someone’s life that can cause months and even years of pain and stress. Because of a car accident, you may have to put money into repairing your vehicle or getting a new one as well as losing thousands because of the time that you need off from work, and insurance copays for visits to a chiropractor near you.
One of the worst consequences of being in a car accident is that your body may be seriously harmed, especially and including your lower back. Back problems are a common side effect of being in a car accident. Because of that, the use of a chiropractor is very essential for many people as they start the road to recovery.
Did you know that more than 6 million car accidents occurred in the United States alone between the years 2016 and 2020? That means that even if you attempt to be very safe and look out for yourself, you may still be in a car crash that could harm your body in the long future.
Chiropractors play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of car crash victims, employing a range of treatments aimed at addressing injuries and promoting overall well-being.
It’s important to note that chiropractors focus on the spine and nervous system, believing that proper spinal alignment is vital for optimal health. It is time for us to explore the common treatments chiropractors use for car crash victims.
Table of Contents
Initial Assessment
Before they can do anything else, a chiropractor will have to examine the patient and get a general idea of the problems they are encountering and the pain they are feeling. They will do a thorough rundown of the entire body, examining some areas more than others, such as the lower back, which is prone to pain after a car crash.
Chiropractors will start by conducting their assessment of the patient’s condition. This has a lot of steps and can take some time because it includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and often some X-rays or MRI scans as well.
A deep understanding of the extent of any injuries will allow a chiropractor to create a thought-out treatment plan that will be specific to each individual and their needs.
Chiropractic Adjustments (Spinal Manipulation)
One of the things that chiropractors are best known for is spinal manipulations, also known as adjustments. Many people, even those not affected by car accidents, often visit chiropractors for adjustments like this.
These special types of adjustments are definitely the hallmark of most chiropractic care. The professional will use manual manipulation techniques on your back to realign your spine, with the aim of restoring proper joint function and alleviating most pain.
The adjustment process might involve some gentle adjustments or perhaps more forceful moves, depending on the patient’s condition, age, and comfort level. Ultimately, adjustments will likely address any misalignments that were caused by the impact of a car crash and will reduce most pain and promote the healing process.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Car accidents often result in soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains and ligament sprains. Chiropractors may employ several soft tissue therapy techniques in order to address these issues.
Techniques like massages and trigger point therapy can help reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, and promote healing in the injured tissues.
This is another process that many people seek even if they haven’t been in a car accident. It can do a lot to loosen the body and ensure more energy and comfort during the day.
Therapeutic Exercises
Chiropractic professionals will design specific exercises that are crafted to strengthen and stabilize the areas affected in a car accident.
These sorts of exercises are downright crucial for anyone hoping to restore mobility, prevent long-term, constant, chronic pain, and aim for long-term recovery.
Clients will often be given a customized plan for rehabilitation that will include certain exercises that they should perform at home, along with some in-office treatments too.
Posture Corrections
Car accidents can lead to changes in posture, which will add to the pain and dysfunction felt after the crash.
Because of this, chiropractors will focus on correcting a client’s posture through the use of targeted exercises and adjustments.
In the end, this not only helps alleviate direct discomfort but also stops long-term issues that may be caused by this sort of poor posture.
Electro Therapies
Some chiropractors incorporate techniques that are called electro therapies.
These may include processes and procedures like electrical muscle stimulation or an ultrasound. Both of these will help reduce inflammation in the muscles as well as alleviate pain and promote future tissue healing too.
Nutritional Counseling
Another thing that chiropractors do is emphasize the vital importance of added nutrition in the process of healing.
These experts on the body will likely provide plain, easy-to-understand guidance about a healthy diet to support the body’s recovery, reduce inflammation, and enhance well-being.
Lifestyle Modifications
A chiropractor might emphasize some important changes that a client needs to pursue in order to feel better after a car accident.
They will work with patients so they can identify and modify lifestyle choices that could contribute to their injuries or slow down and stop the healing process.
Some of the adjustments they might suggest include ergonomic changes at work and home, proper lifting techniques, and guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Everything from the way that someone sleeps, walks, lifts, and eats will be examined and possibly adjusted.
Pain Management
Chiropractors address pain through a combination of manual therapies, and lifestyle recommendations.
They are aiming to ultimately reduce reliance on medications by getting to the root causes of the pain and then also promoting natural healing that can be done simply by the body.
Education
Chiropractors will also work hard to empower patients with a sort of knowledge about their condition. They will stress the importance of ongoing self-care, even after the body is healed from the car crash. All of this education assists patients as they take an active role in their recovery and prevent future injuries.
Final Thoughts
Chiropractors are going to use a very comprehensive approach to treat car crash victims, addressing both the immediate symptoms and the underlying causes of musculoskeletal injuries.
By combining adjustments to the body, soft tissue therapies, exercises, and lifestyle modifications, these doctors will aim to help the body’s healing process and also promote well-being for years to come.
