Chiropractic is a field of health that deals with the diagnosis, care and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions and the effects these disorders produce on the function of the nervous system and health in general. The nervous system is directly related to the performance and health of the body in general, therefore a better functioning of it will provide you with a better quality of life and a better state of health. The nervous system is the communication between the brain and the body. The nerves go through the vertebrae of the spine to all the organs and tissues of the body. Sometimes we are not able to adapt to the physical and emotional stress that our body constantly experiences and this results in muscular tension that in turn displaces the vertebrae out of place and causes irritation to the nerves that pass through them. This irritation not only causes pain, but also influences the normal functioning of other body systems, and consequently health.
Now, let’s talk about how a car accident can affect general health. After a car accident, the pain and discomfort may not manifest immediately, which is why regardless of how insignificant you may think the accident was, it is a must to consult with a health professional. The force of the impact that causes an accident can cause, among other things, a lot of stress in the neck, shoulders and back area. One of the most common injuries in car accidents is known as whiplash injury. A whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. This forced movement causes the muscles and ligaments in that area to tense and cause pain in the neck, shoulders, arms and even the head. Many people believe that they do not suffer any damage after an accident because the injuries are not visible to the naked eye but if an injury is left untreated, not only does it delay the treatment that you will inevitably have to receive, but it can lead to future complications that can greatly challenge your everyday life. Visiting a chiropractor quickly after a car accident is essential to diagnose the presence of any injuries and begin treatment to restore the individual’s original health.
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive form of alternative treatment used to treat a wide variety of injuries. Chiropractic treatment consists of spinal adjustments, manipulations of the extremities, and spinal decompression to relieve pressure on the nerves. Many chiropractors also use physical therapy to speed up the rehabilitation process. The most used physical therapy modalities are: hot /cold packs, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, laser, as well as strengthening and stretching exercises to restore the functioning of the muscles. Such treatments help reduce irritation and swelling around the tissues in the affected area and can also restore strength, mobility, flexibility and optimal functioning of the nervous system, which may reduce or eliminate the symptoms and improve the patient’s heath overall.
You should visit a chiropractor if you experience symptoms such as headache, back pain, neck, shoulder and arm pain, stiffness, numbness and tingling, ringing in the ear, blurred vision, or unexplained dizziness. Chiropractors evaluate patients to see if an underlying injury or possibly an underlying illness exists and is causing the symptoms. Remember that every time the body is in a car accident, the spine and spinal cord receive most of the impact and trauma.