There’s no doubt that a car crash in Kennewick WA can up-end your life instantly. But, from the damage to your vehicle to the injuries you may have sustained, it might take time to get back to feeling like yourself again. And while some injuries are immediately apparent, others might develop and cause pain over days or weeks.

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Treatment for Car Crash Injuries in Kennewick WA

If involved in a vehicular crash, it is in your best interest to seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re injured. You can treat many injuries with medication and rest, but others may require surgery or physical therapy. And in many cases, chiropractic care can help to relieve pain and improve the range of motion.

Further, for people who are leery of taking medication or undergoing surgery, chiropractic care offers a drug-free, surgical-free option for treating pain.

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Among the common injuries that a chiropractor can help to treat:

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in a car crash. This condition occurs when the head and neck suddenly and forcefully get whipped back and forth. When stretched beyond a normal range of motion, it can cause pain and tenderness.

Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Some people may also experience blurred vision, ear ringing, or difficulty swallowing. If left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and reduced range of motion in the neck.

Chiropractic care can help to relieve pain and improve the range of motion in the neck. Chiropractors often use gentle manipulations and adjustments to realign the spine and release muscle tension. In some cases, chiropractors may also recommend exercises or stretch to prevent future injuries and improve the range of motion.

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Herniated Discs

The medical condition of a herniated disc occurs when the soft cushioning material between the vertebrae in your spine leaks out. For example, when involved in a vehicular accident, the force of the impact can cause this material to leak out, irritating the nearby nerves and causing pain.

Symptoms of a herniated disc include localized pain in the neck or back and radiating pain down the arms or legs. In some cases, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area can occur.

Chiropractic care can help to relieve pain and improve the function of the nerves by gently manipulating the spine and stretching the muscles.

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Facet Joint Dysfunction

Facet joint dysfunction is a condition that occurs when the small joints between the vertebrae become irritated or inflamed. For example, an automobile accident can cause these joints to become compressed, leading to pain and stiffness in the neck or back.

Symptoms of facet joint dysfunction include localized pain in the neck or back, headaches, muscle spasms, and difficulty moving the head or neck. Some people may also experience pain down the arms or legs.

Chiropractic care can help to relieve pain by gently manipulating the spine and stretching the muscles. Further, they may advise patients to follow a routine of exercises or stretching routines to help improve their range of motion.

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Injuries To Soft Tissue

Injuries to the soft tissues can occur to any of the body’s tendons, ligaments, or muscles when involved in a vehicular accident. These injuries result from the impact force, which can cause the tissues to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.

Symptoms of injuries to the soft tissue could include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected area. In some cases, people may experience muscle spasms.

Under the care of a chiropractor, patients will often receive other holistic treatments such as massage therapy, electrical stimulation, and ice/heat therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation.

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Expectations: Your First Chiropractic Appointment

At your first chiropractic appointment, they will likely ask you about your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. Additionally, they might perform a physical examination, including tests such as range of motion and muscle strength.

After the initial examination, the chiropractor will develop a treatment plan, which may involve a combination of chiropractic adjustments, exercises, and stretches. The recommended treatment plan can vary depending on the severity of your condition.

In most cases, patients will significantly improve their symptoms after just a few treatments. However, it is crucial to follow the treatment plan prescribed by the chiropractor to prevent further injuries and to ensure long-term relief.

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Contact Akridge today to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing pain or other symptoms due to a car crash.