Many people experience back pain after car accidents. The force of the collision can damage your back and neck, even if it’s not obvious until later. Chiropractors have the training and experience to treat back pain and get you on the road to recovery.
The National Safety Council estimates that nearly 2.5 million people receive car accident-related injuries every year. These injuries come in many forms and levels of severity, but back and neck injuries are particularly common side effects that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Queens, NY, look no further than Bayside Physical Therapy, Chiropractic & Acupuncture. We specialize in work-related injuries, including those that are related to car crashes.
Common Symptoms After a Car Accident
Car accidents affect the body in many different ways. For example, spinal cord injury may be the result of the initial impact, a sudden change in velocity, or a collision with the airbag or headrest.
Various symptoms can appear after a collision. Seek help if you experience any of the following problems following a car accident:
- Stiff neck or limbs
- Sore muscles
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain in the lower back
- Muscle spasms
- Sprained ligaments
- Numbness or tingling
- Sciatica
- Weakness in the limbs
- Misaligned spine
- Shooting pains in limbs
- Ringing in ears
- Damaged joints
- Difficulty walking
- Bowel incontinence
Issues like this can affect your quality of life, and intense pain can cause mental and emotional stress. You may find it difficult to sleep, work, travel, or exercise if you’re dealing with these symptoms.
Fortunately, physical therapy and advice from a chiropractor can help.
How Can Chiropractors Treat Back Pain After Car Accidents?
Major and minor car accidents can lead to injuries. If you have a severe injury after a car accident, visit the emergency room first. Chiropractors are helpful, but they’re not equipped to provide emergency medical care.
If back pain develops later on, you should seek out a chiropractor. It might take a few days for symptoms to emerge, especially if you take painkillers that numb the area.
Once you book an appointment with a chiropractor, they can diagnose the issue and suggest some solutions.
The CDC reported that 39% of U.S. adults suffered from back pain in 2019. Within this population, there are many different types of injuries as well as a variety of potential cures. Individual treatment is necessary, so chiropractors use a case-by-case approach to make a recovery plan for their patients.
They may try a few different solutions, such as:
Manual Therapy
This practice is all about the manual manipulation of the spine. Chiropractors will bend, push, and stretch your back into different positions. They know how to perform this treatment within safe limits and will use it to realign your spine.
Gentle Exercises and Stretches
Chiropractors can help you get back on your feet by teaching you appropriate stretches. These exercises can reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen your back muscles.
Lumbar Support Items
Braces and other support items can speed up the recovery process as well. Chiropractors can prescribe braces and belts to patients who are suffering from persistent lower back pain. These items align the spine and minimize strain.
Hot and Cold Treatments
Temperature treatments can help soothe your back pain and speed up recovery. Ice packs numb the pain and reduce inflammation. On the other hand, heat relaxes muscles and improves blood flow within soft tissues.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy is a similar approach to the method above. A chiropractor will use gentle heat and vibrations to relax your muscles and improve circulation.
Electrical Stimulation
Although it may sound strange, this approach is not painful. Electricity can even alleviate back pain after car accidents.
A chiropractor uses a small device to send targeted pulses through your tissues. This electricity stimulates nerve responses and reduces inflammation.
Traction
Traction is a specialty of chiropractors. It restores the facet joints throughout your back and reduces scar tissue buildup. It also minimizes the pressure on your nerves.
Holistic Treatments for Home Recovery
Chiropractic work doesn’t just happen within the office. A chiropractor may suggest some holistic practices to implement in your everyday life as part of your treatment. For instance, there may be specific foods you should eat or avoid or helpful exercises you can try.
Benefits of Visiting a Chiropractor
Some people worry that visiting a chiropractor will make their pain worse. In reality, chiropractors perform safe, noninvasive procedures that are highly effective.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic care outperformed all other forms of treatment for back pain. 77% of patients reported that their treatment was effective.
Chiropractors can provide many benefits that aren’t available anywhere else. For instance:
- Chiropractors are specially trained to treat spinal problems.
- There’s a focus on non-surgical and noninvasive treatments.
- This practice improves mobility and flexibility.
- The drug-free approach reduces the risk of opioid addiction.
- Many different insurance plans cover chiropractic treatment.
- Patients enjoy an active recovery without much bed rest.
- It’s a holistic approach that heals the whole body.
Visit Bayside Physical Therapy Today
At Bayside Physical Therapy, Chiropractic & Acupuncture, our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection.) Same-day appointments may be available. You can also contact us with questions about physical therapy and chiropractic care.
We know how to treat back pain after car accidents, and our staff is specially trained to deal with collision injuries. Call 718-229-4878 to find a car accident doctor in Queens, NY.
FAQs
What Are the Delayed Symptoms of a Car Accident?
Common delayed symptoms of a car accident include whiplash and lower back pain.
What Can a Chiropractor Help With?
Chiropractors can help with herniated discs, misalignments, and back pain.
How Can You Fix Car Accident Back Pain?
You can fix back pain after a car accident by applying heat or ice packs, performing gentle stretches, and seeking advice from the chiropractic professional.