Have you been injured in an auto accident? Chances are, you’re not alone. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) the most updated statistics show there were 273,473 total car crashes on New Jersey municipal, county, state, interstate and toll road ways in 2016 – 46,017 of which took place in Monmouth and Middlesex County.
If you have been in an auto accident and are questioning when you should seek chiropractic care, the answer is immediately. Pain after a car accident is a good indication that you suffered an injury. Pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, wrist and back; stiffness; dizziness; headaches; and blurred vision can also be signs of a serious injury after an auto accident.
Unfortunately, many of those who are injured in a minor accident don’t seek chiropractic care; as a result, they are faced with life-long complications, or in some cases surgery being their only option for a proper recovery.
The best way to deal with symptoms is early on. Do not wait to seek treatment until you feel pain.
Broken bones, lacerations and visible bruising are the most common injuries one can immediately acknowledge after an auto accident; whereas whiplash and ligament or micro-tears are injuries that are not always immediately apparent, yet still very serious and uncomfortable for the body. It could take hours or even a few days for whiplash symptoms to surface. Whiplash symptoms include:dizziness, headaches, soreness, or pain in the upper back and neck.
Minor accident injuries can become serious long-term problems if the conditions are left untreated. What may appear as “no big deal” might really be a big deal. If you suffer from minor neck or back injuries from an accident, the inflammation that occurs can prevent your blood and nutrients from traveling to their proper destination which will ultimately slow down your healing process.
Micro-tears in the ligaments and muscles are common injuries that create severe pain not recognized until waking up the morning after an accident. Ignoring a potential injury can lead to long-term pain; your injuries need to be assessed, documented properly and treated early on so you can begin the healing process. Seeking chiropractic care is a step in the right direction.
Another extremely important ingredient in the rehabilitation of whiplash and related cervical spine injuries are the activities prescribed for home on a daily basis. With the proper treatment and care, the symptoms can be eased within a few months. It is also extremely important for patients to maintain a relatively active lifestyle within reason to avoid the atrophy of muscles located in other parts of the body.
Here are some relatively simple exercises patients can perform two to three times daily, provided they can be completed comfortable without increasing pain or the severity of other symptoms:
Shoulder blade squeezes: Stand tall with back straight while squeezing shoulder blades together. Hold for five seconds and repeat 10 times.
Rotations: Hold the back and neck straight with shoulders back slightly, turn head over one shoulder without poking forward. Repeat 10 times on each side.
Chin tilt: Tilt chin forward to chest. Raise slowly and then tilt backward to look at ceiling. Hold for several seconds in each direction and then repeat 10 times.
The non-invasive chiropractic adjustments realign the spine and joints, significantly reducing pain and promoting healing without the need for surgery. A chiropractic doctor will use spinal manipulations to realign the spinal cord helping your body release an anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation in conjunction with a pain-reducing hormone that help the affected injured area to feel less painful. These adjustments will mobilize your spine, restore range of motion, and overall allow the body to begin the natural healing process at a must faster rate.
One of the most common questions is, “When can I resume my normal activities?” The answer is “start slow and let comfort be your guide. Pain free results should be the key for any activity.”
Dr. DeLuca at Deluca Family Chiropractic has the training and experience necessary to provide you with the best treatment required to avoid long-term pain and promote your bodies natural method of healing. For more information, contact DeLuca Family Chiropractic at 732-679-2414 or visit www.dfcares.com. The office’s professional staff located at 2309 Route 516 in Old Bridge is dedicated to tailoring chiropractic programs targeted toward wellness, athletic, personal and auto injuries.