Despite being remarkably strong and flexible, the neck is surprisingly delicate. This part of your spine, known as the cervical spine, contains the seven smallest vertebrae in your spinal column. Your spinal cord, which acts as the information highway between your brain and the rest of your body, passes through the cervical spine, making it a particularly sensitive spot when it comes to traumatic injuries.
Automobile accidents are among the worst culprits when it comes to neck injuries. There are so many different kinds, and they can all affect your body’s ability to function at full capacity. That said, chiropractic care is the ideal treatment for identifying and correcting neck injuries after an accident. See below for some of the most common cases and associated symptoms, and learn how chiropractic can help.
• Herniated Disc. The shock-absorbing discs that sit between your vertebrae are filled with a gel-like substance which helps cushion your spine. A traumatic injury can cause the tough outer edge of the disc to burst, allowing the spongy center to push its way out.
• Radiculopathy. More simply defined as pinched nerves in the neck, radiculopathy can have far-reaching effects. You might feel pain or numbness in your extremities, all the way to your arms and legs.
• Facet Joint Injury. Facet joints are what connect the vertebrae and give your spine its flexibility. Cervical facet joints are particularly susceptible to injury, and symptoms include soreness and stiffness.
• Whiplash. Due to the high forces at play in a car accident, the sensitive muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold your neck in place can suffer moderate to severe trauma. Symptoms of whiplash include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Chiropractors have a number of tools and techniques at their disposal when approaching auto accident neck injuries. Here are just a few examples:
• Cervical Adjustment. More generally known as spinal manipulation, this hands-on technique allows the chiropractor to correct any misalignments in the neck directly.
• Spinal Decompression Therapy. With the help of a specialized traction table, a gentle stretch of the spine can alleviate any pressure that’s been placed on the discs in your cervical spine.
• Therapeutic Massage. Massage therapy will assist in preventing muscle spasms, increasing blood flow, and releasing built-up tension and stiffness in the neck area.
Automobile accidents can be particularly tough on your neck, shoulders, and back. But don’t let that stop you from experiencing wellness. Visit us here at Chiropractic Health Charlotte, and you’ll see that relief and recovery are possible. Contact us to schedule an appointment and start feeling better today!