Anyone who has been in a car accident can attest to how quickly the whole thing happens. In most cases, you have no warning your vehicle is about to be smashed into by another, or if you are aware of the imminent danger, it is literally a second or two to react. In that second or so, the body’s fear response kicks in. Breathing comes more rapid, muscles tighten up, pupils dilate, all as the body releases stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol). Then the crash occurs.
The damage the crash inflicts on the victim’s body depends on several factors. The speed at which the vehicles were traveling, the size and type of vehicle that hits you, the position the vehicle hits you, and more. After the impact, a person may not realize that they’re injured or not realize how serious they are injured. This is because of those stress hormones that were released at the moment of the accident. It is not uncommon for a victim to not feel the full effect of the injuries they have suffered for a few days, sometimes weeks, after the incident.
One of the most common types of delayed injuries from a car crash is soft tissue injuries. The most frequent soft tissue injury is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the tissues in the neck become injured because of the jerking back and forth motion of the head at the movement of crash impact. People who have whiplash usually have stiffness in their neck, back pain, and can even suffer from cognitive issues. These symptoms often appear gradually over several days. While many people think whiplash is a minor injury, the truth is that if it is left untreated it can turn into a long-term condition, with victims suffering from chronic neck and back pain.
Other types of soft tissue injuries include contusions, sprains, and strains. Symptoms of these injuries include bruising, stiffness, and swelling.
Can a Chiropractor Help with Soft Tissue Injuries?
Since soft tissue injuries – like other types of injuries – can have delayed symptoms, it is so important to get checked out by a medical professional. Contacting a chiropractor to get checked out as soon as possible after the accident is important in order to make sure treatment for any injuries happen right away and not be delayed. A delay can result in the injury becoming even more serious.
Unlike traditional medical treatment for soft tissue injuries that usually involve painkillers and injections, a chiropractor will use spinal manipulation and soft tissue rehabilitation as car crash treatment in Glen Burnie, MD. In addition to manual manipulation of the spine, some of the more common forms of treatment include electro-stimulation, massage therapy strength exercises, and stretching.
Thanks to Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into chiropractic care and treatment after a car accident.