Almost three million Americans a year suffer injuries in automobile accidents. When a fast-moving vehicle comes to a crashing stop, some degree of trauma on the spinal column will occur. Whether it’s a whiplashed neck or an injury that requires surgical intervention, vehicular accidents are responsible for many spinal injuries.
The good news is the spine is amazingly resilient, so if you’re suffering from such an injury, take heart. Healing will occur in most cases without the need for back surgery. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek less invasive forms of treatment right away. Symptoms of bruising, swelling and nerve impingement will soon appear – sometimes within a matter of minutes or hours after injury. Oftentimes the sensations extend into days or weeks.
In many roadway collisions, the vehicle’s occupants are ambulatory immediately following the crash. Often the surge of adrenaline that comes just before the impact may mask the extent of the injuries to the skeleton and musculature. We’ve all heard about those amazing stories in which an accident victim emerges from a vehicle, walks around for some time and appears to be quite normal until the initial shock wears off.
At this point, there are two developments that occur in short order. First, the spinal pain grows in intensity. Then tingling sensations, which indicate trauma or even impingement of a nerve, begin. At this point, the body goes into overdrive to heal the injury. It is during the immediate aftermath of the accident that a visit to a chiropractor can really make a difference in the rapidity of your recovery.
Eating a nutritious diet during the healing period is also essential, as your body needs high-quality foods to supply the nutrients that will repair the injury. A diet similar to one suitable for an athlete, including carbs and protein, will supply the nutrients essential to repair the damage.
So if you are suffering from a spinal injury, there is good news: Healing will occur, but it’s crucial to seek a consultation with a chiropractor in the days immediately following an accident and continue under his or her care until you have fully healed from your injuries. Don’t delay – make an appointment right away, and you’ll be back to your old self sooner that you thought possible.