At Sea Change Wellness, we specialize in treating injuries from auto accidents, especially those affecting the neck and back. While injuries and their severity will vary from patient to patient, there are certain injuries that we repeatedly see or treat.
Being aware of the most common injuries can help those who have been involved in a car wreck understand what their pain is potentially stemming from, however, we always recommend scheduling a visit to see our doctors in person as soon as possible after the accident for a full evaluation.
Neck Injuries
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis can occur as a result of an untreated injury that commonly affects the neck as well as the lumbar (lower back) region. Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal column, which adds pressure, pinching the nerves inside the channel while forcing the vertebrae outwards. Spinal stenosis in the neck can feel like tingling in the fingers and arms, neck stiffness, or trouble lifting up lightweight items. Spinal stenosis in the lumbar region can cause sore hips, tingling in toes and legs, and lower back stiffness.
Whiplash
When your head experiences the abrupt movement caused by a car accident, it can damage the tissues, muscles, and ligaments in the neck and upper back, leading to whiplash. Whiplash causes pain and disorientation soon after the accident and can last for long after. Whiplash symptoms may not show up immediately and are often overlooked, so it’s critical to see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash to diagnose it and begin treatment if necessary.
Back Injuries
Herniated Disc
Disc herniation is one of the most common back injuries from auto accidents that occurs as a result of the force of whiplash compressing the spongy structures in the spine called vertebral discs. If these discs are compressed or knocked out of alignment, it can lead to pain in the arm or leg, numbness or tingling, and weakness.
Facet Injuries
Facet joints help your body manage the movement that occurs between spinal vertebrae. Facet injuries can lead to joint freezing or muscle spasms, but chiropractic care can be an excellent treatment option, as realignment and therapeutic massage can help restore the joint to its proper function.
General Symptoms of Neck and Back Injuries from Auto Accidents
Back and neck injuries present differently in individual patients and may occur immediately or several days after the accident. While anyone who’s been in an accident should seek a doctor’s evaluation, anyone experiencing the following symptoms commonly attributed to neck and back injuries should make it an immediate priority:
- Neck, back, head, or shoulder pain
- Pain that comes on or gets worse with activity
- Unusual sensations including tingling, pricking, burning, or numbness
- Sagging joints
- Headaches and vertigo
- Limited range of motion
- Lack of mobility
- Grinding sensation during neck or back movement
- Inflammation or bump near the injury
- Swelling, redness, or bruising
Whether you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or not, it’s smart to schedule an appointment with our car accident chiropractors at Sea Change Wellness in St. Petersburg, FL, for an evaluation. Chiropractic care offers many treatment modalities that may be able to help.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and start feeling better.
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