About one-half of visits to the ER for motor vehicle traffic injuries are back-related. People who’ve been in car accidents suffer from sprains and strains of the neck and back, spinal disorders, or contusions.
The human body can’t handle the impact of a car collision, even at low speeds. A seemingly minor fender-bender can result in recurring back pain that lasts for years.
It’s quite common to have back pain after car accident cases. Trying to deal with the nagging pain and discomfort can easily disrupt your daily life.
What can you do, on your own, to relieve the pain? Here are some tips that could help you.
1. Back Pain After Car Accident Cases Warrant a Visit to the Doctor
First things first, if you’re experiencing any type of car accident pain, you should go see a doctor immediately. Your doctor can determine the severity of your injury. They can deploy a number of diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to pinpoint the source of your pain.
Most back injuries will recover with non-invasive treatments available, such as pain medications and therapy. However, serious back injuries may require surgery. If you want to consult a top-rated chiropractor for massage therapy, click here now for a free initial consultation today! We are happy to take same-day appointments and walk-ins.
Your doctor can figure out the best way to move forward after a back injury.
2. Rest and Gentle Exercise
After any type of injury, rest will always be vital for healing. Staying in bed for a couple of days will not only afford pain relief but also allow your body to repair the damage.
For back injuries though, staying in bed for too long isn’t good for your back.
Even if you don’t feel like it, you should try to keep moving. Gentle exercises can improve the blood flow to your back muscles and help maintain their tone. You need strong back muscles to support your spine and prevent long-term car accident back pain.
3. Ice and Heat
Like rest and exercise, ice and heat seem contradictory. Yet, both ice and heat applications work great for pain from most soft tissue injuries.
In general, ice can minimize swelling and inflammation. On the flip side, heat can promote recovery by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle tension.
Some people prefer heat, others ice. Find out what method works best for you. You can also alternate between ice and heat.
4. Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
If you’re in severe pain, over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen can help. This category of drugs can also reduce inflammation.
However, if you find that you’re relying on painkillers too much, go see your doctor. They may order further diagnostic tests to evaluate your back injury and/or prescribe stronger medications.
5. Seek Specialist Treatment
Your doctor may suggest supplementary treatment from other health professionals. You may get good results from manual therapy by a car accident injury chiropractor, PT, or massage therapist. Manual therapy involves massage and gentle force to the muscles, bones, and joints to reduce back pain.
Your MD may also recommend going to exercise classes that can improve your posture and strengthen the back muscles.
Get Back on Track
Back pain after car accident events is quite common and can be debilitating if not managed properly. Follow the tips in this article to get your back and your life back on track.
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