As if it isn't enough to deal with the stress of a car accident, getting repairs, and filing insurance claims, many people are hit with back or neck pain after the collision. Identifying the culprit of the spinal pain is paramount to relief. You could be suffering from a herniated disc, a torn ligament, a pinched nerve, a strained muscle, or simply aggravation of existing arthritis.
A 2002 paper conducted by scientists at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine illustrates one mechanism resulting in back pain during a car accident. Researchers looked at the biomechanics of lumbar spine trauma from rear-end crashes and discovered that the car seat is most likely the culprit in these kinds of injuries.Your spine has a natural curved structure that absorbs shocks and stresses and at the same time permits freedom of movement.There are dozens, if not hundreds, of distinct styles of car seats with unique forms, coverings, stiffnesses and geometries. If your car seat doesn't accommodate your spinal column precisely, the violent acceleration of the carseat during an impact can cause some parts of your spine to shift much more than other parts.This shearing movement can stretch or tear the ligaments of your spinal column, producing pain, swelling, scar tissue, nerve injury, and even long-lasting damage.
As an experienced chiropractor, Dr. Rivano works like a detective as he investigates the source of your symptoms, then creates a comprehensive treatment plan to get you out of pain. This care, which is completely individualized for your needs, could include cold laser therapy, Active Release Technique, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT), chiropractic adjustments, and exercise rehabilitation. These tried-and-true chiropractic methods bolster your body's innate healing capacity — so you can recover more efficiently, and without the use of surgery, drugs, or steroid injections.
Some people are fortunate enough to bounce back from minor auto injuries with just a bit of rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory drugs. This isn't the case for many patients however: It is all too common for someone to say they'll simply "wait and see" how they feel next week, only to sink deeper into a state of acute pain which gradually morphs into chronic problems if left untreated. The smartest move after a car accident is to seek prompt health care to determine the full extent of your injuries and to hash out a rehabilitation plan immediately. Doing so could mean the difference between discomfort lasting for a few weeks, a few months, or even, several years.
If you have been in a car crash and have symptoms of back pain, Dr. Rivano is here to help. Call our office in Florham Park, NJ today at (973) 845-6282 for a consultation or for more advice.