Unfortunately, many people who have been in a car accident do not think to visit a chiropractor after their accident to seek injury treatment and rehabilitation. Life happens and most people are in a hurry to get back to work despite any lingering aches and pains.

However, a chiropractor in Santa Rosa can be particularly helpful in helping you recover from any injuries related to your accident. An experienced chiropractor can perform an evaluation of your injuries and recommend a treatment. Below are several reasons why you should seek out a chiropractor if you have been in a car accident recently.

MAJOR BENEFITS OF POST-ACCIDENT CHIROPRACTIC CARE

REDUCES INFLAMMATION
While some amount of inflammation is normal during the healing process, too much inflammation can lead to immense discomfort while slowing your body’s ability to heal.

An experienced chiropractor will manipulate your spine to realign the spinal cord and in turn your body will respond by cutting down on the production of cytokines which cause inflammatory responses. A telltale sign of excessive inflammation is stiffness and acute pain after sitting or sleeping for a long period of time. If you wake up feeling sore, you should schedule an appointment with a chiropractor right away.

MINIMIZES PAIN

One of the greatest benefits of chiropractic adjustments after an accident is pain relief. During these sessions, your body will release several pain-relieving hormones such as cortisol and oxytocin. You will be surprised at how much better you will feel after the very first session. Just remember that consistency is key. Be sure to follow through with the treatment recommended by your chiropractor.

RESTORES RANGE OF MOTION

Accidents can leave you stiff. Your neck and back can lose flexibility and cause you a lot of grief. Loss of flexibility can stem from inflammation, scar tissue, and misalignment of joints in the spine. Many patients suffer from a loss of range of motion after an accident.

REDUCES SCAR TISSUE

Another common post-accident problem is the development of scar tissue. When muscles or tendons are hurt in an accident, the body tries to heal them by forming scar tissue which can cause pain and stiffness. In certain cases, scar tissue can cause discomfort and will need attention. An experienced chiropractor can use certain techniques to break up the scar tissue and help the injured area heal faster.

HEALS BONE FRACTURES

Facet joint injuries and bone fractures are common in accidents as a result of a sudden impact. The facet joints are small protrusions in your spinal column that prevent you from exerting your spine. An experienced chiropractor can treat bone fractures as well as facet joint injuries that often get overlooked, but can cause immense pain and discomfort.

REDUCES LIGAMENT AND NERVE PAIN

Pain after an accident can be due to a variety of reasons. Your neck and back consist of an array of ligaments, nerves, and muscles. If these are impacted during the accident, you may experience acute pain. Thankfully, a chiropractor can diagnose the pain and treat the right muscles so that you get immediate pain relief.

HELPS WITH BULGING OR HERNIATED DISK

Another common complaint of car accident victims is a herniated or bulging disk. 1 of every 5 people involved in a car accident develop problems with intervertebral disks. These disks are spongy and soft cushions between the bones of your spinal cord that help in absorbing impacts and also facilitate movement.

During a sudden impact, one of these disks may be pushed out of their usual position and can trigger intense pain and limit mobility. Chiropractic manipulations can help heal and alleviate the pain due to bulging or herniated disks.

FAST AND LASTING RESULTS

Most post-accident treatment focused to attenuate physical pain can be expensive. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, is more affordable and allows you to enjoy lasting results. Once you are on your feet, bi-annual adjustments will be all that you need to enjoy sustained relief.

DECREASED NEED FOR MEDICATION

It is not uncommon to be prescribed painkillers and medication to help treat the symptoms of an injury from an accident. While consuming heavy painkillers may alleviate pain in the short term, it can turn into a continued addiction that can get hard to break.

On the other hand, chiropractic care can ensure that your injuries are treated and healed. This means you get relief from pain and you do not get addicted to painkillers or suffer from the side effects of strong painkillers.

If you suffer from chronic pain, but do not wish to go in for invasive surgeries, chiropractic care is worth a try. Chiropractors use various techniques to align the spine and help restore joint flexibility without surgical intervention. Contact Toth Chiropractic today at (707) 526-1390.