RESEARCH
CHIROPRACTIC RESEARCH
AUTO ACCIDENTS
Most auto accidents, even when they are at a low speed, will cause a sudden jolt which can cause injury to the skeletal system. During these impacts, numerous areas of your body can be impacted, causing pain, and a visit to your local chiropractic clinic can help to relieve that pain.
COMMON AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES
Anyone who has been in an auto accident, will be familiar with the standard injuries. The common areas of injury are the neck with Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD) and Lower Back Pain (LBP). With over 6 million auto accidents per year in the US, WAD occurs in about 15% of those accidents. Studies show that lower back pain from an auto accident is likely to cause repeated episodes of back pain in the future.
CHIROPRACTIC SOLUTIONS
Studies have been done to report the effects of chiropractic care in relation to auto accident injuries. Of the top injuries, whiplash and lower back pain, vertebral adjustments assist in relieving pain and helping with resolution of the injuries. One study showed that a lower back injury in an auto accident will most likely result in troublesome back pain in the future, but if treatment is performed with chiropractic adjustments, the problems are less persistent and appear less often, if at all. The evidence shows that receiving chiropractic care after an auto accident can assist in pain relief, but the surprising results were that it will also prevent recurring pain later on, well after the accident has happened.
WHIPLASH-ASSOCIATED DISORDERS (WAD)
Whiplash-Associated Disorders is the most common injury in an auto accident, likely due to the motion of the head when a sudden impact occurs. Most WAD effects are reported within 1 to 2 days of the accident, if not right away. One research study showed that chiropractic care can improve cervical range of motion as well as relieve pain associated with WAD. The sooner you involve a chiropractor into your treatment plan for auto accident recovery, the more quickly you can receive relief and prevent additional pain later on.
TREATMENT PLANS
When a chiropractic care plan is laid out, there are certain standards and procedures that your chiropractor will take in dealing with your pain. When you first receive treatment, the initial plan is for manipulation, mobilization, and range of motion. A study has shown that these steps are taken for the first three months and take care of most WAD and LBP issues related to an auto accident. If the pain persists for greater than three months, then other procedures like stress self-management and soft tissue therapy and massage may be prescribed to help to deal with more serious, long-lasting injuries.
CHIROPRACTIC RESULTS
Once an injury occurs during an auto accident, the body can suffer from both short- and long-term effects that can cause pain and debilitation. The studies show that involving a chiropractor after an auto accident is not only a wise choice, but it will also help with pain and suffering further down the road, in addition to providing more immediate relief.
To schedule an appointment for car accident relief call Fortitude Family Chiropractic (904-316-3404) or come to our office.
SOURCES
Bussieres, A.E., Stewart, G., Al-Zoubi, F., Decina, P., Descarreaux, M., Hayden, J., Hendrickson, B., Hincapie, C., Page, I., Passmore, S., Srbely, J., Stupar, M., Weisburg, J., Ornelas, J. “The Treatment of Neck Pain-Associated Disorders and Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline.” Journal of Manipulation and Physiological Therapies, 2016 Oct; 39(8): 523-564.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27836071
Nolet, P.S., Kristman, V.L., Cote, P., Carroll, L.J., Cassidy, J.D. “The Association Between a Lifetime History of Low Back Injury in a Motor Vehicle Collision and Future Low Back Pain: a Population-Based Cohort Study.” European Spine Journal, 2017: 1-9.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00586-017-5090-y
Shaw, L., Descarreaux, M., Bryans, R., Duranleau, M., Marcoux, H., Potter, B., Ruegg, R., Watkin, R., White, E. “A systematic review of chiropractic management of adults with whiplash-associated disorders: Recommendations for advancing evidence-based practice and research.” Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, & Rehabilitation, 2010; 35(3): 369-394.