Common injuries after a car crash

 Common Injuries After a Car Crash: What You Need to Know


By Dr. Aaron Corley, D.C.


Phone: 941-539-3412


Car accidents are sudden, traumatic events that can cause a wide range of injuries. Some injuries are immediately obvious, while others may not become apparent until hours or even days later. Whether you’re involved in a minor fender bender or a severe collision, it’s important to understand the types of injuries that can occur and seek appropriate medical care as soon as possible.


As a chiropractor specializing in post-accident recovery, I see firsthand how untreated injuries can lead to chronic pain and long-term health problems. In this article, we’ll explore the most common injuries after a car crash, their symptoms, and what steps you should take for recovery.



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1. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries


One of the most common injuries after a car accident is whiplash. This occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, straining the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Whiplash is especially common in rear-end collisions, even at low speeds.


Symptoms of Whiplash:


Neck pain and stiffness


Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)


Dizziness and fatigue


Shoulder and upper back pain


Reduced range of motion in the neck



Other Soft Tissue Injuries:


Aside from whiplash, other soft tissue injuries include sprains and strains in the back, shoulders, and limbs. These injuries can cause swelling, tenderness, and a decreased ability to move the affected area.


Treatment:


Chiropractic adjustments to restore alignment and relieve pressure


Massage therapy to reduce muscle tension


Physical therapy to improve mobility


Ice and heat therapy to manage swelling and pain




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2. Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)


A blow to the head or a violent shaking of the brain can cause a concussion or more severe forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries can happen if the head hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or window during impact.


Symptoms of a Concussion:


Headache and dizziness


Nausea or vomiting


Confusion and memory problems


Sensitivity to light and noise


Difficulty concentrating



Signs of Severe Brain Injury:


Loss of consciousness


Slurred speech


Seizures


Persistent headaches that worsen over time



Treatment:


Immediate medical evaluation, especially if symptoms worsen


Rest and avoidance of activities that require focus (e.g., screen time, reading)


Chiropractic care to address neck and spinal misalignments contributing to headaches




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3. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries


The spine absorbs a great deal of impact in a car crash, which can result in herniated discs, fractures, and nerve compression. In more severe cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis.


Common Back Injuries After a Crash:


Herniated Disc: A bulging or ruptured disc can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.


Facet Joint Injuries: Small joints in the spine may become inflamed or damaged, leading to chronic pain.


Sciatica: If the sciatic nerve is irritated due to spinal misalignment, it can cause sharp pain radiating down the legs.



Symptoms of a Serious Spinal Injury:


Loss of sensation or movement in the arms or legs


Severe, persistent back pain


Difficulty walking or maintaining balance



Treatment:


Chiropractic spinal adjustments to relieve pressure on nerves


Decompression therapy for herniated discs


Physical therapy and core strengthening exercises




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4. Fractures and Broken Bones


The impact of a car crash can lead to fractures in the ribs, arms, legs, collarbone, or even the pelvis. Some fractures are immediately noticeable, while others (such as hairline fractures) may take time to become painful.


Symptoms of a Fracture:


Severe pain and swelling


Bruising and tenderness around the affected area


Inability to bear weight or move the limb normally



Treatment:


X-rays or imaging tests to assess the damage


Immobilization with a cast or brace


Chiropractic adjustments to correct misalignment after healing




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5. Chest Injuries (Rib and Sternum Damage)


Many car crash victims experience blunt force trauma to the chest due to seat belts, airbags, or impact with the steering wheel. While seat belts save lives, they can also cause bruised or broken ribs in high-impact collisions.


Symptoms of a Chest Injury:


Difficulty breathing or sharp pain when taking deep breaths


Bruising or tenderness along the ribs


Pain radiating to the back or shoulders



Treatment:


Rest and avoiding heavy lifting


Pain management through chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy


Deep breathing exercises to maintain lung function




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6. Shoulder and Knee Injuries


The force of a crash can cause the body to twist or slam into the dashboard, leading to joint injuries. Two of the most commonly affected areas are the shoulders and knees.


Shoulder Injuries:


Rotator Cuff Tears: Damage to the tendons and muscles that stabilize the shoulder.


Dislocations: The shoulder joint may pop out of place due to impact.


Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder.



Knee Injuries:


Meniscus Tears: A torn cartilage in the knee from twisting upon impact.


ACL Injuries: A torn or sprained ligament in the knee, common in high-speed crashes.


Patellar (Kneecap) Fractures: Direct impact can break the kneecap.



Treatment:


Chiropractic care to realign the joints


Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises


Ice therapy and rest for swelling and inflammation




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7. Psychological Trauma and PTSD


Not all injuries are physical. Many car accident victims experience emotional trauma, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a crash.


Signs of Psychological Trauma:


Fear of driving or riding in a car


Nightmares or flashbacks of the accident


Difficulty sleeping and heightened anxiety


Mood swings, depression, or irritability



Treatment:


Therapy or counseling to process trauma


Mindfulness and relaxation techniques


Chiropractic care to relieve tension and stress-related pain




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What Should You Do After a Car Crash?


1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel pain right away. Some injuries take time to develop.



2. Monitor your symptoms over the next few days. If you experience stiffness, headaches, or numbness, seek care.



3. Get a chiropractic evaluation to assess any spinal misalignments or soft tissue injuries.



4. Follow a recovery plan, including stretching, physical therapy, and chiropractic adjustments.





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Final Thoughts


Car crashes can cause a variety of injuries, from minor sprains to severe spinal damage. Ignoring these injuries can lead to chronic pain and long-term health complications. Seeking chiropractic care after an accident can help speed up recovery, relieve pain, and prevent further issues.


If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Call me today for a post-accident evaluation and customized treatment plan.


Dr. Aaron Corley, D.C.


Phone: 941-539-3412


Hashtags:


#DrAaronCorley #CarAccidentRecovery #WhiplashRelief #ChiropracticCare #AutoInjuryHelp


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