4 Common Types of Injuries Chiropractors Treat

When you find yourself in an unexpected accident, there are many different injuries that might occur. Chiropractors are trained to expertly treat a variety of accident injuries, but there are a few that are more common than the rest. If you find yourself suffering from any of these aches and pains, it’s a good idea to head into a chiropractor’s office so they can help you manage and relieve your symptoms. Here are 4 common types of injuries that chiropractors can treat. 

Whiplash

One of the injuries that people are most familiar with in regards to car accidents is whiplash. During a car accident, muscles in the shoulders, upper back, and neck can tense up on impact, while the head can jolt forward. The result is a strain, sprain, or other pain spreading from the base of the skull down your back. Chiropractic care for whiplash involves loosening the muscles while encouraging them to heal, and adjusting your spine and shoulders so that your body can heal in the properly aligned position. Chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to rid yourself of this uncomfortable pain and recover more quickly. 

Herniated disk

While herniated disks often occur in the lower back, they can occur throughout the spine. Some people experience pain in their legs and neck as well as the back. A slipped disk is the result of other spinal trauma that occurs in car accident victims, and can stem from a whiplash injury. The force of impact in a car accident can also cause the vertebrae to move in different directions, allowing the disk to press up on your spinal cord and cause you pain. 

A chiropractor will manipulate the spine and help the disk slide back into its proper place. Sometimes, they will also utilize massage therapy to help alleviate symptoms of pain. By easing the pressure of the disk pressing on your nerves, your chiropractor can provide relief following a car accident. 

Rotator cuff injury

Your rotator cuff is what allows your arm to move in different directions. During a car accident, it is common for too much stress to be placed on the tendons, which can cause them to tear away from your shoulder bones. This is extremely painful and can result in excessive swelling. Chiropractic care is aimed at realigning the bones, ligaments, and tendons on the shoulder. Then, a chiropractor will work to help you strengthen your rotator cuff again so that everything will stay in place. Chiropractic care that includes a rehabilitation routine increases flexibility, getting you back to your daily activities.

Bursitis

Bursitis is commonly caused by sudden force, like one caused by a car accident. It occurs when you absorb impact with your shoulder, elbows, hips, or other joints, leading to damage and inflammation. While this can be extremely painful, surgery is rarely needed and the pain can be managed through regular chiropractic care. 

A chiropractor will usually recommend pain killers, rest, and ice. They will also utilize soft tissue therapy and spinal manipulation. By adjusting the spine and other skeletal structures, chiropractors relieve the pressure that may build up in the nerves. This treatment also helps prevent bursitis in the future.

Play it safe, get checked out

If you’re experiencing any sort of pain after an accident, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional. Chiropractors have experience dealing with car accident injuries specifically, and use their expertise to provide pain relief. This is important not only for your recovery journey, but also for your future health so that you can resume your daily activities pain free. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop to help you recover physically and financially from your car accident, Accident Treatment Centers is here for you. With our network of experienced doctors and physical therapists, we can help find a treatment plan that works for you. 

Contact us here to start your treatment and recovery journey.