Many car accident injuries involve damaged muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Those injuries can cause pain that persists, especially when not treated properly. Many people rely on solid painkillers to manage their symptoms. However, these medications only mask the pain and don’t address the underlying issue. Chiropractic care addresses the root of the problem and reduces reliance on medication.
Better Breathing
See a chiropractor after a car accident and ensure you get enough oxygen-rich blood. However, this can be challenging if you’re suffering from an injury that causes pain and limits movement. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help improve your breathing by addressing the immediate symptoms and the underlying cause of your discomfort.
This may include spinal adjustments to re-align your spine, soft-tissue therapy to relax tight muscles, and stretches and exercises to increase flexibility and strength. In addition to physical treatments, chiropractors also deeply understand the human body. They can use their knowledge to offer guidance on healthy eating and exercise habits and provide referrals to integrative medicine experts if necessary.
Taking these steps can improve your ability to move and breathe normally and speed up your recovery from the physical trauma of the car accident. Finally, addressing your mental wellness after a car accident is essential. This is especially true if you’re experiencing emotional distress like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Taking the time to prioritize your mental health can help you recover more quickly and return to your everyday life.
Improved Sleep
Sleep problems are common for car accident victims. However, you must talk to your doctor about it to get proper treatment for your injuries and make a recovery plan. Abnormal snoozing may be a sign of a traumatic brain injury, especially if you passed out after the accident or have other symptoms like confusion. You may also have closed head wounds, which can be challenging to detect.
Your doctor can run tests to determine the cause of your problem and provide treatment accordingly. Early medical documentation can help you avoid problems with your health insurance or No-Fault auto insurer later. This will prevent them from denying that your collision-related injuries are why you sleep so much. It can also help you qualify for attendant care, medical mileage, and replacement services if your injuries have kept you from working.
Reduced Inflammation
When an injury occurs in the body, inflammatory cells travel to the site to help jumpstart the healing process. While this is good, it can also lead to pain, tenderness, and swelling. A chiropractor can manipulate the spine to reduce the amount of inflammatory cells sent to the area, leading to less pain.
A chiropractor can also restore the range of motion in the injured areas, which is essential for allowing people to move around more freely and without pain or stiffness. This can improve their ability to get back to normal activities and work.
In addition to seeing a chiropractor, patients need to drink plenty of water and take it easy following a car accident. This will allow the body to heal quickly and avoid additional complications like muscle weakness or scarring. Eating recovery foods, like fruits, vegetables, and protein, is also a good idea, which can help speed up the healing process.
Better Immune System Function
When you get injured in a car accident, your body’s immune system triggers an inflammatory response, essential to alert the immune system about the damage. However, if inflammation persists, it can weaken the immune system, making your body more prone to infections and illnesses.
Chiropractic manipulations can help reduce inflammation and improve the immune system’s ability to function correctly. They also enhance the activity of the nerves that control cell functions, which helps the immune system fight off infections and other health issues. Studies have revealed that chiropractic adjustments targeting the cervical spine (neck) can lower blood pressure as effectively as some commonly prescribed medications.
Moreover, chiropractic adjustments that address spinal misalignments can help improve balance and reduce debilitating dizziness and vertigo often associated with traumatic head or neck injuries. An adequately aligned spine achieved through chiropractic care can also increase blood flow to the brain.