That “minor” fender bender? It can have a bigger impact on your body than you might realize.
While you might walk away feeling fine, your spine has just absorbed forces that can trigger issues days — or even weeks — later. So, here’s what you need to know about how accidents affect your body (and how chiropractic care can help!).
Common Car Accident Injuries
We’re always told, no matter how minor of an accident, always exchange insurance info with the other driver. Why? Well, injuries and pain could arise after the fact and you never know what’s going on under the hood. In other words, just in case! So, what common injuries could potentially creep up on you after an accident?
1. Whiplash
Think of your neck like a whip—when your car suddenly stops, your head keeps moving, snapping forward and backward violently. This motion can damage the delicate structures in your neck, creating problems that might not surface for days or even weeks. Without proper care, these hidden injuries can become chronic issues that affect your daily life.
Back Injuries
In a collision, your spine becomes a shock absorber, taking tremendous forces it wasn’t designed to handle. Discs can slip out of alignment, while muscles and ligaments stretch beyond their limits. If you’ve been rear-ended, your lower back is especially vulnerable to injury. These injuries often reveal themselves through persistent aches and reduced mobility.
Shoulder Trauma
While your seat belt saves your life, it can also leave its mark. During impact, the sudden lock of your safety belt can strain or tear rotator cuff muscles. Many accident victims find themselves struggling with ongoing shoulder blade pain or difficulty with everyday movements like reaching or lifting.
Post-Accident Headaches
Those headaches after an accident aren’t just from stress. They often signal deeper problems, stemming from neck trauma or whiplash. These aren’t your typical tension headaches — they frequently come with unexpected symptoms like dizziness, visual disturbances, or sensitivity to light.
Joint Injuries
Your body braces for impact in a crash, putting tremendous stress on your joints. Knees can slam into the dashboard, while wrists and elbows absorb shock as you brace yourself. Without proper treatment, these impact points can develop into chronic pain spots that affect your daily activities.
How Your Bessemer Chiropractor Can Make a Difference
At Premier Chiropractic Center, we’ve seen how car accidents can affect the body in surprising ways and not always immediately after the accident! Luckily, chiropractic care can help.
Chiropractic treatment approach targets both your immediate comfort and long-term health. Through gentle adjustments, we help restore proper spinal alignment, supporting your body’s natural healing process and preventing chronic issues from taking hold.
While your car can be replaced, your body can’t. Early treatment after an accident leads to better outcomes, and your health deserves professional attention after experiencing trauma.
Ready to take the first step toward proper healing? Book your appointment today!
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