According to the CDC, injuries related to motor vehicle crashes send over 2.3 million people to the hospital each year. This staggering statistic goes to show that auto accidents are a key cause of injury in the United States. Many different injuries can result from car crashes, many of which can be treated with chiropractic care. 

The most common car accident injuries that are treated by chiropractors include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is among the most common car accident injuries; it occurs when the impact of the accident whips the head back and forth suddenly, damaging the soft tissues in the neck.

Symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Lost range of motion in the neck
• Headaches
• Arm tingling or numbness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Unfortunately, symptoms of whiplash can take time to appear after an automobile accident. Whether or not you experience symptoms of an injury after a car crash, it is crucial to receive a medical evaluation as soon as possible so that you can get the care that you may potentially need. Many chiropractic methods can be used to help you recover from whiplash, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and spinal manipulation. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Car accidents that involve a blow to the spinal cord or the ligaments, vertebrae, and discs surrounding the spinal cord can result in significant injury. Spinal cord injuries can range in severity, causing a variety of symptoms including loss of sensation, pain, difficulty breathing, and even paralysis. Chiropractic care can aid in the recovery of spinal cord injuries by relieving pressure on the spine, improving alignment, reducing inflammation in the spinal tissues, and restoring the spine’s range of motion. 

Back Pain

Back pain is an extremely common side effect of being in a car crash. Whether due to a compressed spinal nerve, strain, sprain, or another back injury, this pain after a car accident may become worse over time. Your chiropractor can help you overcome back pain after an automobile accident with adjustments, spinal decompression, and manual therapy to realign the spine and ease inflammation. 

In Florida, you must receive care for auto accident injuries within 14 days of the crash to use your PIP insurance for the medical expenses. If you were recently in an accident, schedule an appointment at the Florida Spine & Injury Institute of Lakeland for an evaluation today.