A not-so-fun fact about chiropractic care: we see a good portion of our patients after a car accident. Car crashes injure or disable between 20 to 50 million people every year, according to the ASIRT. The spine is one of the most crucial areas to treat afterward. Even in something as light as a fender-bender, your back will sustain stress and can leave you with lingering pain. If it is left untreated, the pain in your back can spread to your arms and legs.
Disc Injury
From both auto accidents and sports injuries, we will see spinal disc injuries. These are the more debilitating injuries with sharp pain and a lack of mobility. Here at North Houston Spine and Sports Medicine, we have all of the equipment necessary for a diagnosis. Sometimes the doctor can find the location and severity of the injury by checking your upper and lower back for sensitivity. If it is worse, an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or Myelogram might be the next step. Rehab, chiropractic treatment, and spinal decompression help with a herniated disc, surgery only in the most severe cases.
Whiplash
Far more common in a car accident and far more untreated is whiplash. In an activity that jolts you forward like a wreck, your body is pushed as your head tries to catch up. This force puts a lot of strain on your neck. When you walk away from the wreck, you may not feel much pain at all, or it may be very severe. If it does begin to hurt within a few hours, you should get it checked and treated.
The neck is a sensitive and vital area that we are used to moving around. Being unable to will be quite debilitating. The most significant trouble with whiplash is that the slightest movement can make the injury difficult to heal. Rest is the best medicine, along with rehab, chiropractic treatment, spinal decompression, and acupuncture to help the aggravation.
Our Referrals
We also understand that the physical pains will not be the only stressors in your life after an auto accident. While your auto insurance takes care of your car, Aetna and Dr. Runnels will take care of you. After having cared for auto accident victims for years, we have a list of highly qualified attorneys. Ask us while you are in the office, and they can help you with any lawsuits or settlements that you have on your plate.
If you are in need of recovery, contact us by calling (281) 443-1287 to schedule your free consultation.
