Joint injury from a car crash is more often than not to be expected. Dynamic forces of the impact will be too overwhelming for the body to overcome. Direction and magnitude affect the joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The force on your joints is too great to escape injury. There are also many other variables that can cause the risk of joint injury. Unawareness of the impending collision and body position in the car at the time of impact is a few. Sometimes the injury to a joint following an auto accident is obvious, but other times not so much. At first, an injury to a joint may manifest as some generalized stiffness and low-grade achiness. Or, sometimes the injured joint may only manifest symptoms during use but not at rest. In either case, regardless of the severity of the symptoms, it is always wise to get an examination from a chiropractor that specializes in assessing auto collision injuries.
After a car crash, many people believe that their injuries are mild and will resolve on their own without examination and treatment. This could not be further from the truth. Often times joint injuries that seem mild will worsen over time. This results in more consistent and severe pain patterns. And can be the beginning of the onset of degenerative or arthritic changes to the joint. It also contributes to a more negative impact on everyday routine activities.
There are a lot of nuances of auto accident joint injuries. It is important to address them as soon as possible following a car crash. The best advice is to get checked out by a doctor that specializes in auto collision injuries. This simple step could save future complications arising from an auto accident that seems minor.
Chiropractic Care for Joint Injury
Chiropractic care is an effective approach in treating joint injuries. Yet, not all chiropractors are the same. Make sure to choose a clinic that has advanced certification in the diagnosing and treatment of auto accident joint injuries. A doctor with advanced training is better equipped to discover injuries to joints that often get overlooked. He or she can also prescribe a more comprehensive treatment program. As a result, will ensure a more complete and faster recovery.
Why a Joint Injury Needs Comprehensive Treatment
The different components that make up a joint need to be healthy to function properly. This includes the cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, bone, nerves, and blood vessels. Only one modality or treatment will make recovery ineffective. A damaged joint responds better with a multi-prong treatment approach. It addresses these different joint components.
Achieving maximum recovery from a joint injury requires a combination of treatment procedures. The procedures must be at the appropriate time and stage of recovery the patient is in.
A comprehensive approach to auto accident joint injuries will address all these parts needed.
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament tears,
- Range of motion.
- Pain
- Alignment
- Inflammation
- Strengthening
Addressing all these needs helps prevent potential relapses.
So, you might be asking how do I know whether the clinic is treating my joint injury with a well-rounded comprehensive treatment program? The following is a sample list of what to look for:
- Heat/Ice therapy
- Chiropractic Adjustments
- Massage Therapy
- ART
- Rehabilitation Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
- Traction Therapy and/or Decompression Therapy
- Nutraceuticals and/or Pharmaceuticals
- Home Instructions
- Braces, Supports, and Orthopedic Supplies
Some Common Types of Joint Injuries and Diseases That We Treat
- Sprains – A joint injury that involves damage to joint ligaments. Overextension of the joint is a common cause.
- Subluxation or Dislocation – A type of joint injury that forces joint out of alignment.
- Bursitis – Is inflammation of a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint.
- Arthritis – The inflammation of a joint. Over time, the joint may become severely damaged. Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of trauma to the joints that can occur due to a car crash.
A joint injury is a very complex part of the body and you do not want to skimp on your care. Poor quality treatment leads to injuries not being fully resolved and life-long chronic pain. Make sure you seek the right doctor for your care.