You’ve been rear-ended, or perhaps you were struck by a car while walking across the street. Paramedics on the scene of the auto accident assess whether you need to go the hospital for immediate medical treatment and address obvious injuries. But what if your trip to the E.R is inconclusive? Or what if you simply don’t feel right? It’s important to learn what musculoskeletal system disruptions can happen during a car accident so you know what sorts of treatments will speed your recovery..

Common Injuries and Body Reactions to Auto Accidents

Some people immediately experience pain or tightness, but many people don’t feel anything at all at first. This is because your body goes into shock, protecting itself. Your body releases a lot of chemicals and hormones when you experience a traumatic event, and some of those chemicals and hormones naturally suppress pain. For these people, symptoms of injury appear over time.

Whether you have been rear-ended or you caused the accident, your neck is usually the most vulnerable spot. This is because of the rapid changes in acceleration and deceleration. Your body remains mostly still (thanks to your seat belt), but your head and neck move. Your head is rather heavy, producing stress on the neck and the muscles in your shoulders and upper back. The rapid movement through an excessive range of motion causes hyperflexion-hyperextension injuries affecting the soft tissues, joint capsules, and interverte­bral discs in the neck. This is commonly referred to as whiplash.

What Should I Do After an Auto Accident?

It’s usually best to immobilize your neck for the first 48-72 hours immediately following an auto accident. This is because your body first responds with an inflam­matory reaction, making the injured area swell and become sensitive. Any attempt to move will aggravate the injured area, causing more pain. It is common to experience muscles spasms; your body is trying to splint the injured area and prevent further damage. However, muscles spasms can backfire, causing increased compression and intensified irritation.

Use ice (10 minutes at a time, alternating with heat to bring blood to the area) to reduce inflammation and to calm the spasm reaction.

After the first 48-72 hours, you should resume normal activities – with caution. Pay attention to pain and move slowly to stretch and rehabilitate the injured area.

It’s a good idea to see both a chiropractor, acupuncturist, and a massage therapist after an accident. The chiropractor will make sure any subluxations (misalignments) are adjusted so that the muscles don’t have to continually spasm, trying to realign the vertebrae. The acupuncturist will activate natural pain relief and stimulate healing. The massage therapist will relieve cramped muscles. This one-two-three combo results in a speedy and complete recovery.

Need a Chiropractor in Huntersville NC?

Been in a car accident? Dr. Doyle is a chiropractor and an acupuncturist in Huntersville NC, and he has a massage table in his office that speeds the relief of cramped muscles. Give us a call or book an appointment for quick and comprehensive treatment of auto accident injuries.