Motor Vehicle Accidents

Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic

Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which may not manifest immediately. The sudden impact of a car accident can cause your body to move in ways it wasn't designed to move. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to diagnosing and treating these injuries, promoting recovery and preventing long-term complications.

Common Injuries Treated by Chiropractors

• Whiplash (Strains & Sprains): This is perhaps the most well-known MVA-related injury.  It involves a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, causing strain or tears in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.   

• Neck Pain: Even without a full-blown whiplash diagnosis, neck pain is extremely common after a car accident.  It can result from muscle strains, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation.   

• Back Pain: The impact of a collision can put significant stress on the spine, leading to muscle spasms, disc herniations, facet joint problems, and other back-related pain.

• Headaches:  Headaches after an MVA can be caused by whiplash, neck pain, muscle tension, or even concussions (though chiropractors don't treat concussions directly, they can address related musculoskeletal issues).  Cervicogenic headaches, originating from the neck, are particularly common.   

• Shoulder Pain: The force of the impact or the use of seatbelts can cause shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff strains, dislocations, or other soft tissue damage.   

• Sciatica: This pain radiates down the leg and can be caused by a herniated disc or other spinal issue resulting from the accident.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

• Non-Invasive Treatment: Chiropractic care focuses on manual adjustments to realign the spine, reducing pain and improving function without the need for surgery.

• Pain Management: Through spinal manipulations, chiropractors can alleviate pain by addressing its root cause rather than merely masking symptoms.

• Restoration of Mobility: Chiropractic adjustments help restore range of motion by reducing joint restrictions and muscle tightness.

• Prevention of Chronic Conditions: Early chiropractic intervention can prevent acute injuries from developing into chronic pain conditions.

Seeking chiropractic care after a motor vehicle accident can be instrumental in identifying and treating injuries that might otherwise go unnoticed. By addressing the underlying issues, chiropractic treatment promotes natural healing and helps prevent long-term health problems.