The warm weather brings so many possibilities. In the summer months we’re able to spend time outdoors, travel, and enjoy nature with friends and family. But just because there isn’t ice on the road doesn’t mean you don’t still need to drive carefully! Some drivers are more reckless in the summertime as they chase that essential summer breeze- which can result in high-speed car crashes.
High speed car accidents are more likely to happen during the warmer weather, leaving you with injuries such as whiplash, back pain, broken bones, and head trauma. Prompt treatment for such injuries is vital to reduce the possibility of future chronic pain issues. Luckily the talented team of chiropractors and physical therapists at BC + PT can help you through the recovery process for your specific injuries.
Common Car Crash Injuries
Car accident injuries may vary from mild irritation to life-threatening or even death. The higher the velocity of the cars when they collide, the more serious the impact. We compiled a short list of the most common injuries to occur in car crashes:
1. Cuts, bruises, scrapes, and broken bones
Cuts, bruises, scrapes, and broken bones are the most notable car accident injuries, as you can see them on your skin. Additional injuries may happen when you’re not correctly strapped in with your seatbelt and your body gets thrown around the vehicle during the crash.
2. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the more frequent neck injuries in any car crash, high- or low-speed. A quick forward and backward jerking motion can cause this injury by “whipping” the head and neck, potentially harming the ligaments, discs, muscles or vertebrae that give your neck support. Whiplash may cause muscle stiffness, severe headaches, and pain. A chiropractor may recommend spinal manipulation techniques to reduce pain and realign your vertebrae without surgery. Check out this blog to learn more about how whiplash can be treated with chiropractic care!
3. Back Pain
Car crash victims may also experience general back pain. Such pain or discomfort may occur when your body contacts a hard surface during a collision. Your back muscles might also tighten or spasm to protect injured tissue. Back pain may stem from herniated disc(s), ligament, muscle or bone injuries. Physical therapy may use a combination of passive and active therapies to reduce muscle spasms, improve range of motion, and reduce pain.
4. Muscle Soreness
Muscle soreness may develop gradually or abruptly from a car accident. If you endure painful muscle injuries, you might recognize a decreased range of motion in your arms, hips, and legs. You might also notice balance and mobility concerns that hinder you from completing your usual activities. Physical therapy may be the right fit to restore motion and reduce pain.
5. Joint Pain
Joint issues can appear weeks after the crash, making them difficult to detect initially. But, a physical therapist can have the expertise and knowledge to identify elbow, wrist, and knee injuries. They can help you with light exercise training to strengthen your joints and prevent further harm. They can also show you practical at-home rehab you could do if you begin to feel pain reemerge. Luckily, BC + PT is one of the only places in Buffalo you can get BOTH chiropractic and physical therapy in the same place!
Conservative Care Can Help
Based on the site of your injury and various other factors, your BC+ PT chiropractor can design a personalized treatment program. They might include the following techniques:
- Manual therapy and spinal manipulation
- and more! These techniques are designed to improve your range of motion and relieve your pain in the process of healing. If you were involved in a car accident and are experiencing pain, it's time to call the team at BC + PT to schedule your first appointment. Don’t wait to feel better; contact us today!