If you are suffering from lower back pain after a rear-end collision, a chiropractor will render assistance based on the needs of your injury. This could include gently massaging the problem area or manipulating the spine. The chiropractor might also stretch the muscles in the back, hoping to increase your range of motion after getting hurt. You could also benefit from chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, traction, electric stimulation, or ultrasound therapy.
Many injuries can result from rear-end collisions, such as broken bones, torn ligaments, and whiplash. A chiropractor can provide treatment for these and other injuries. They can also address injuries that affect the shoulders, hips, pelvis, jaw, knees, and ankles, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Common Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Typically, your first visit with a chiropractor will start with a consultation and evaluation. The doctor may request diagnostic tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, x-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to get a closer look at your condition. Once they identify the problem, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is the injury most commonly associated with rear-end collisions. However, other ailments can affect the lower back as well.
Some injuries that can arise from a rear-end collision include:
Disc Damage
The spinal cord is made of delicate discs. The impact of a crash can cause these discs to become displaced or damaged, resulting in severe pain. This injury can make it difficult to perform certain movements.
Disc damage can occur at any part of the spine. A chiropractor could address this issue by employing spinal manipulation, massage, and physical therapy.
Disc Herniation
Disc herniation occurs when the disc’s interior protrudes through the outer layer as a result of trauma. The rupture itself is usually not painful. However, sometimes, the protruded material comes into contact with nearby spinal nerves. Nerve pain can be extremely painful.
Back Strain
A strain occurs when the muscles or tendons in the back are torn, twisted, or pulled. This can inhibit your range of motion and cause severe pain.
Back Sprains
Sprains occur when the ligaments and soft tissues are damaged from sudden trauma. This can cause intense pain, muscle cramping, and a decreased range of motion.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the space around the spine narrows. This can put pressure on the surrounding spinal nerves. While this injury can develop gradually over time, it can also be the result of sudden trauma.
Spinal Fracture
If someone rear-ended you at high speed, the impact might have been significant enough to cause a spinal fracture, in which one or more vertebrae break. Typically, fractures occur in the mid or lower back. Symptoms can vary widely but generally include pain, muscle spasms, numbness and/or tingling, and bowel or bladder changes. In severe cases, it may also cause paralysis.
How a Chiropractor Can Help
A chiropractor may employ different techniques depending on your condition. This may include prescribing medications and hot and cold therapies for prompt pain relief. However, chiropractic medicine aims to address the underlying issues rather than masking symptoms with drugs.
In addition to relieving discomfort and mobility restrictions, chiropractic care may prevent the development of secondary complications. Spinal injuries can affect various other parts of the body, causing subsequent ailments such as knee pain and headaches. Addressing the root cause of your pain can work to enhance your overall well-being.
A chiropractor may need to realign the spinal discs or manipulate soft tissue to relieve pressure, tension, and discomfort. They may also recommend other treatments, such as massage. In some cases, you may need physical therapy as well. A chiropractor can diagnose your condition and implement techniques that could work to improve your quality of life.
Get in Touch with Dominguez Chiropractic to Schedule an Appointment
If you are interested in learning more about how a chiropractor can help you with lower back pain after a rear-end collision, consider getting in touch with the team at Dominguez Chiropractic. Our goal is to be your One-Stop Auto Injury Center. We have five office locations for your convenience in Gainesville, Marietta, Lawrenceville, Decatur, and Doraville. We also have a medical doctor on staff.
We help people who have suffered injuries in the following scenarios:
- Bike accidents
- Bus accidents
- Driving under the influence (DUI) accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Hit-and-run accidents
- MARTA accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Taxi accidents
- Truck accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
Our bilingual staff can help you recuperate and move forward after an accident. You can take the first step toward a pain-free life by getting in touch with our team. You can call Dominguez Chiropractic at (404) 800-3000.