Neck pain is one of the most common complaints among patients after a car accident. In fact, over 80,000 car crashes result in neck injuries in the United States each year. Left alone, a neck injury from an automobile accident can lead to chronic pain, and even severe complications. 

Chiropractors are medical professionals that focus on the neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment often involves adjustments to improve spinal alignment and relieve pressure on the spine. If you’re experiencing neck pain after a car accident, a chiropractor can implement various methods to heal your injury and relieve pain.  (more…)

Soft tissue surrounds vital organs and supports various structures in the body. The muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia in the body all consist of soft tissue. Unfortunately, soft tissue is also highly susceptible to injury.  

Soft Tissue Injuries

The sudden impact that a car crash exerts on the body can cause various soft tissue injuries. Among the most common soft tissue injuries that occur in automobile accidents include sprains, strains, and contusions.

The Dangers of Auto Accident Soft Tissue Injuries

When treated promptly, soft tissue injuries can heal completely. However, if left untreated, a soft tissue injury can intensify and become a chronic issue.  (more…)

The sudden impact of an automobile accident can lead to many different types of injuries. Soft tissue injuries are particularly common after auto accidents, often leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. However, with prompt treatment, it’s possible to heal soft tissue injuries and prevent lasting damage. 

Some of the most common soft tissue injuries that can result from car accidents include:

Sprains

A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which are the bands of tissue connecting two bones together, are stretched or torn. Sprains can occur when a severe impact is placed on a ligament and may affect any area of the body. In car accidents, sprains most often affect the back or neck. Some people refer to neck sprains as whiplash. (more…)

Car accidents can cause an abrupt impact on the body, especially the spine. The sudden physical stress of an automobile accident can cause serious injuries, including a herniated disc. 

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Also called a bulging, ruptured, or slipped disc, a herniated disc is a spinal injury that impacts the discs located between the vertebrae of the spine. The spinal discs cushion the vertebrae, making it possible to comfortably move the spine. But, a sudden impact or wear and tear can cause the tough outer layer of a spinal disc to crack. When this occurs, the soft interior of the disc can push through the crack and may put pressure on a nearby nerve. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.  (more…)

Whiplash is among the most common auto accident injuries; it results from a sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck that often occurs with rear-end accidents.

All too often, patients don’t recognize the symptoms of whiplash as a significant injury after a car crash. This can keep them from qualifying for PIP insurance coverage, given that Florida patients must receive care within 14 days of the crash to use their PIP coverage. Unfortunately, leaving whiplash untreated can also lead to a lingering, long-term effects, including:

Headaches 

Headaches are a common symptom of whiplash. Without prompt treatment, these headaches may persist long after the injury occurs. When left untreated, whiplash may even lead to chronic, worsening headaches that typically occur at the base of the skull.  (more…)

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: (more…)

Whiplash is one of the most common auto accident injuries. It occurs when the head whips back and forth suddenly, causing trauma to the neck. Unfortunately, it can take days or even weeks for the full effects of whiplash to set in. In Florida, it’s essential to seek treatment within 14 days of an auto accident to use PIP insurance for the medical costs. By waiting to get treated until you feel the effects of whiplash, you may have to pay for the treatment out-of-pocket. 

There are a few reasons why whiplash pain is often delayed, including:

Adrenaline

When you’re in a car accident, your body’s fight-or-flight response is triggered. This response is designed to protect your body against danger. Part of the fight-or-flight response is the release of adrenaline from your adrenal glands. Adrenaline is a hormone that prepares your muscles to act by increasing heart rate, airflow, and the amount of glucose in the blood. (more…)

Back pain is a common issue, and it impacts most people at different stages of their lives. While minor back pain can often be resolved with rest and ice to relieve inflammation, more serious back pain should be evaluated by a specialist. Back pain can be a sign of a more severe medical condition and can eventually become chronic. 

You should schedule an appointment with a specialist, like one of the doctors at Florida Spine & Injury Institute of Lakeland, if: 

Your Pain Goes Beyond The Back. 

Back pain that extends beyond the back and into one or both legs is a sign of a more severe injury. Shooting pain that extends from the back to the leg can indicate a damaged spinal disc. Spinal discs are difficult to heal, so prompt treatment is necessary to minimize the damage. Chiropractic care and other specialized treatments for the spine can relieve pressure on the spinal discs so that the injury doesn’t worsen.  (more…)

It’s common knowledge that cold and heat therapy is recommended to help heal injuries. But, what many people are less sure of is when to use cold therapy and when to use heat therapy. While the answer can differ from case to case, there are guidelines that you can follow to ensure that you’re taking the best possible care of your injury. 

When To Use Cold Compression

Cold compression is usually most effectively used for acute injuries. In the first few days after the injury occurs, cold compression can help reduce inflammation and pain. Ice can also help manage inflammation and pain for chronic injuries. After activities that cause a chronic injury to flare up, using a cold compress can help you manage the injury and prevent it from swelling. 

It’s also important to note that cold compression is only beneficial if you use it properly. Apply the ice for no longer than 20 minutes at once. Place a thin rag or towel in between the compress and your skin to prevent damage to your skin. 

During an auto accident, the spine is particularly vulnerable to injury. The impact of the accident can lead to spinal issues, including whiplash, herniated disc, and even spinal fracture. That said, spinal injury symptoms sometimes don’t appear until days after the auto accident, at which point patients are already behind in receiving treatment. 

See a doctor promptly after an auto accident is essential for the diagnosis of any injuries. Additionally, chiropractic care may be crucial to treat the injury. Here’s why:

Your Chiropractor Can Restore The Alignment of The Spine. 

Chiropractors specialize in the musculoskeletal system and understand how a misalignment of the spine can impact the nerves, muscles, connective tissues, and other bones in your body. An auto accident can bring your spine out of alignment, which puts pressure on other tissues and can cause pain.