Millions of people are involved in serious auto accidents or minor “fender-benders” every year. Speeds as low as 15 miles per hour can cause injury regardless of whether or not the occupants of the car wear a seat belt. While victims of serious accidents are treated in a hospital right away, victims of minor accidents usually walk away. These people do not even realize that they have been injured until days or even weeks after the event when they start to feel symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, headaches or dizziness. These unseen injuries are generally referred to as “soft tissue” injuries. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and treat soft tissue injuries and to look for the causes of potential pain.
After an auto accident, even if you are not feeling pain, it is highly recommended that you visit a Chiropractor. Here are some of the most common symptoms resulting from auto accidents that Chiropractors can evaluate and treat:
Whiplash: Whiplash is a term used to describe neck pain following an injury to the soft tissues of your neck (ligaments, tendons, and muscles). It is caused by an abnormal motion or force applied to your neck that causes movement beyond the neck’s normal range of motion.
Headaches: Many accident victims will experience headaches. Post traumatic headaches that get better in four to six weeks are considered acute headaches, but those that stay at the same pain level, start to get worse, or go beyond six weeks are more concerning.
Numbness: Numbness and tingling down the arms and legs, also known as paresthesia, can also include symptoms such as pain, burning, pricking, or creeping along the skin. These symptoms generally indicate a malfunction of sensory nerves. Chiropractors can examine the spine to check for injuries.
Dizziness (Vertigo): Dizziness is a common description for many different feelings and can be hard to describe. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is one form of Vertigo. Vertigo is a medical term to describe the feeling of spinning, whirling, or motion either of yourself or your surroundings.
Lower Back Pain: Back pain is one of the most prevalent types of chronic pain resulting from spinal injury caused by a car accident. The forces created during a high speed car accident are enough to cause vertebral fracture and spinal instability which results in pain throughout the back. Chiropractic treatment takes the pressure off the joints of your spine, calming the nerves and relieving the pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or have recently been involved in an auto accident, contact your local Chiropractor, Dr. Hirsh to schedule an initial consultation and exam. Dr. Hirsh, at Hirsh Chiropractic Center, specializes in postural problems and is available to meet with you to discuss any concerns. Please call (240) 292-1047 to schedule an appointment.
