Auto injuries

Car Accident Injuries Q&A

​​​​​​​What are common car accident injuries?

Some victims of an automobile collision suffer injuries and walk away from the scene, mistakenly believing their injuries are "minor" and will heal on their own. Unfortunately for many people, these pains can become chronic conditions. Common problems you may experience after acar accident include:

Neck Pain after Car Accident

Whiplash occurs when your head "whips" forward and backwards from the impact of a car accident. This type of impact stretches the ligments of the neck and may move your cervical spine out of alignment, causing neck pain and various types of injuries. Whiplash can cause chronic neck pain, back pain, headaches at the base of your skull, migraines, shoulder pain, stiffness, soreness and more. Injury to the nerves and ligaments of the neck can cause neurological dysfunction, leading to chronic pain. Another common injury following a car accident is a herniated disk, which puts pressure on the spinal nerve. As a result of many injuries the body develops scar tissue, leading to a limited range of motion. Its important to seek chiropractic care immediately to prevent further scar tissue buildup and preserve your range of motion.

Back Pain After Car Accident

Back pain is a common auto injury treated in our Greenwich office. During a collision, the lumbar spine of the middle-back is compressed, leading to ligament and nerve injuries which cause pain and inflammation. Spinal adjustments from the chiropractor, paired with physical activity and massage therapy, can quickly reduce and relieve this form of back pain.

Headaches After Auto Injury

It is common to experience one of several types of headaches after a car accident. A cervicogenic headache is most common, and is caused by injury to the cervical spine, located in the neck. This heacache usually develops as a secondary condirion to whiplash. Muscle spasms and stress can also reslut in tension headaches. A patient with a history of migraines may experience elevated symptoms after a car accident. In order to assure your headaches are not a sign of of brain or vascular injuries, it is crucial to pinpoint the underlying cause.

The following conditions are also common after experiencing a car accident injury:

• Fractures
• Strains
• Leg, knee, or foot pain
• Concussions

What should I expect during chiropractic visits?

During chiropractic visits at Indian Harbor Chiropractic, Dr. Gailes checks your vital signs and reviews your medical and accident history. She completes a comprehensive physical examination to determine the type and severity of your injury.

Dr. Gailes could recommend undergoing blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures to diagnose your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.

What are common treatments for car accident injuries?

The pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion after a car accident can be so severe that the patient is unable to function normally. Some severe cases may require medical intervantion. Luckily, chiropractors are well trained to treat these severe neck pain, back pain, whiplash, and soft tissue injury. Some of the most common treatments available for auto accident injuries include:

Chiropractic adjustments

Dr. Gailes offers a variety of innovative chiropractic adjustments to relieve nerve pressure and muscle tension, realign your spine, and reduce pain naturally.

Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT)

Spinal manipulation is a technique where Dr. Gailes will apply a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine. This motion moves the joint more than it would on its own. SMT is actually a collection of techniques which include massage or mobilization of soft tissue, adjustment of spinal subluxations, trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, active release therapy, and mechanical traction on an area of the spine or on an extremity.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own pain killers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain. Tens also works on muscles and causes muscle contractions by stimulating α-motor neurons. It is highly effective in improving muscle function, strengthening muscles, and improving joint range of motion.

Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.

Massage

Dr. Gailes offers therapeutic massage to relieve muscle tension and nerve pressure while reducing back discomfort.

Physical therapy

What are common car accident injuries?

Some victims of an automobile collision suffer injuries and walk away from the scene, mistakenly believing their injuries are "minor" and will heal on their own. Unfortunately for many people, these pains can become chronic conditions. Common problems you may experience after a car accident include:

Neck Pain after Car Accident

Whiplash occurs when your head "whips'' forward and backwards from the impact of a car accident. This type of impact stretches the ligaments of the neck and may move your cervical spine out of alignment, causing neck pain and various types of injuries. Whiplash can cause chronic neck pain, back pain, headaches at the base of your skull, migraines, shoulder pain, stiffness, soreness and more. Injury to the nerves and ligaments of the neck can cause neurological dysfunction, leading to chronic pain. Another common injury following a car accident is a herniated disk, which puts pressure on the spinal nerve. As a result of many injuries the body develops scar tissue, leading to a limited range of motion. It's important to seek chiropractic care immediately to prevent further scar tissue buildup and preserve your range of motion.

Back Pain After Car Accident

Back pain is a common auto injury treated in our Greenwich office. During a collision, the lumbar spine of the middle-back is compressed, leading to ligament and nerve injuries which cause pain and inflammation. Spinal adjustments from the chiropractor, paired with physical activity and massage therapy, can quickly reduce and relieve this form of back pain.

Headaches After Auto Injury

It is common to experience one of several types of headaches after a car accident. A cervicogenic headache is most common, and is caused by injury to the cervical spine, located in the neck. This headache usually develops as a secondary condition to whiplash. Muscle spasms and stress can also result in tension headaches. A patient with a history of migraines may experience elevated symptoms after a car accident. In order to assure your headaches are not a sign of brain or vascular injuries, it is crucial to pinpoint the underlying cause.

The following conditions are also common after experiencing a car accident injury:

• Fractures
• Strains
• Leg, knee, or foot pain
• Concussions

What should I expect during chiropractic visits?

During chiropractic visits at Indian Harbor Chiropractic, Dr. Gailes checks your vital signs and reviews your medical and accident history. She completes a comprehensive physical examination to determine the type and severity of your injury.

Dr. Gailes could recommend undergoing blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures to diagnose your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.

What are common treatments for car accident injuries?

The pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion after a car accident can be so severe that the patient is unable to function normally. Some severe cases may require medical intervention. Luckily, chiropractors are well trained to treat these severe neck pain, back pain, whiplash, and soft tissue injury. Some of the most common treatments available for auto accident injuries include:

Chiropractic adjustments

Dr. Gailes offers a variety of innovative chiropractic adjustments to relieve nerve pressure and muscle tension, realign your spine, and reduce pain naturally.

Spinal decompression

Spinal decompression relieves pressure of nerves and surrounding tissues by creating space between the vertebrae. Spinal decompression helps stretch the spine, relieves pain, and increases spinal function and mobility.

Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT)

Spinal manipulation is a technique where Dr. Gailes will apply a controlled thrust to a joint of the spine. This motion moves the joint more than it would on its own. SMT is actually a collection of techniques which include massage or mobilization of soft tissue, adjustment of spinal subluxations, trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, active release therapy, and mechanical traction on an area of the spine or on an extremity.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own painkillers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain. Tens also works on muscles and causes muscle contractions by stimulating α-motor neurons. It is highly effective in improving muscle function, strengthening muscles, and improving joint range of motion.

Laser therapy

Dr. Gailes is currently the only chiropractor in Greenwich, CT offering Class IV Laser Therapy. Dr. Gailes uses chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and speed up recovery times for all types of injuries. Laser therapy will reduce pain by over 50% in three to four treatments and can complement chiropractic adjustments or be used as an independent form of treatment.

Massage

Dr. Gailes offers therapeutic massage to relieve muscle tension and nerve pressure while reducing back discomfort.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy stretches and strength exercises help diminish back pain, improve mobility, and give you a better quality of life.

Begin with chiropractic care today

To get treated for car accident injuries at Indian Harbor Chiropractic, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Physical therapy stretches and strength exercises help diminish back pain, improve mobility, and give you a better quality of life.
​​​​​​​

Begin with chiropractic care today

To get treated for car accident injuries at Indian Harbor Chiropractic, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.