Low-impact accidents cause early aging, degeneration, and wear and tear in the spine. Seemingly benign accidents occur at very low speeds or impact. Many symptom-filled people express surprise at the amount of degeneration and wear and tear present in their spine. Most determine that they cannot recall an isolated event severe enough to cause long-term damage. Yet research shows that even low-impact motor vehicle accidents still produce significant negative changes in the spine which include disc degeneration, bulges, and protrusions. Each of these conditions contributes to pain and discomfort easily treated by proactive health care treatment.

Researchers evaluated one-hundred, normal asymptomatic adults and compared them to one-hundred adult accident victims following rear low-impact motor vehicle accidents using an MRI. The ages ranged from eighteen to fifty-three years old with a median age of thirty-five years. Asymptomatic means the subjects experienced no symptoms. This study evaluated one group of 100 normal spines of individuals with no pain or symptoms and compared them to a group of 100 people involved in a low-impact motor vehicle accident within the previous 1214 weeks.

The following four categories help explain the results of the study:

                                                                100 Normal Subjects                                                      100 Whiplash Victims
Loss of good neck curvature                        4%                                                                                             98%

Frontward range of motion                 50 degrees                                                                                25 degrees

Backward range of motion                  60 degrees                                                                                35 degrees

Disc Herniations                                             2%                                                                                             28%

The study demonstrates that low impact accidents of any type can and will create significant problems in the spine which must be addressed. Some problems even occur without the presence of immediate symptoms but translate into permanent injuries after the body’s natural pain adaptation abilities deteriorate. Subjects in a low impact car accident lost 50% more range of motion in their spine, suffered twenty-five times more loss of proper neck curvature, and experienced fourteen times more disc herniations than those who had not been in a recent car accident.

The findings of this study demonstrate why anyone in any type of motor vehicle accident, high or low impact, needs to have their spine evaluated and cared for immediately following the accident. Chiropractors deliver gentle adjustments which improve spinal range of motion, halt or slow the degenerate process, and improve central nervous system function. Even the lowest speed car accidents and traumas possess the ability to create permanent spinal problems and degeneration. A proactive approach to spine and neck care creates the opportunity to halt or reverse pain and long-term health concerns. Accidents happen but Chiropractic helps repair the damage.

The post The Most Gentle Car Accidents Still Cause Whiplash Damage: Chiropractic Offers a Healthy Solution first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Even at low speeds, motor vehicle collisions can have a catastrophic effect on the human anatomy. Auto accidents damage bones, nerves, muscles, tendons and more, and the resulting pain can be debilitating.

Seeking chiropractic treatment as soon as possible is your best bet for overcoming the pain you are experiencing while accelerating the healing process. If you don’t seek out a trusted chiropractor, you risk allowing your injuries to lead to chronic pain that affects you for years.

According to survey of chronic pain sufferers, nearly half – 45 percent – reported that they could trace their condition back to an auto accident. Don’t be one of the people that deals with ongoing discomfort because they didn’t see a chiropractor after a collision.

Common Back Injuries Related Auto Accidents

There are many different types of injuries that car accident victims can experience. The spinal system’s complex network of nerves, discs, muscles, tendons and ligaments is very delicate and very vulnerable to the sudden impacts and shifts associated with collisions.

It doesn’t take much to cause damage. Even a 5 mph collision can lead to whiplash.

Here is a quick rundown of some of the most common back injuries that result from auto accidents:

Cervical Spine Injuries

When the head is whipped back and forth quickly during collision impact, injuries to the cervical spine are common. This type of condition is usually referred to as whiplash. Damage to the vertebrae and nerves can cause long-term pain and stiffness.

Thoracic Spine Injuries

Damage to the thoracic spine, or the upper back, is also common during a wreck. An injury to this part of the anatomy can result in permanent nerve damage and chronic pain.

Lumbar Spine Injuries

The strongest muscles and largest vertebra are located in the lumbar spine in your lower back. Damage here can limit mobility and bring a great deal of pain.

Herniated Discs

The discs between each individual vertebrae provide protection. During an accident, these discs can be knocked out of place, putting pressure on surrounding nerves. Herniated discs can create painful sensations in the lower back and throughout the legs.

Auto Accident Chiropractor in Broken Arrow

Dr. Travis Ring at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic recommends that you seek early treatment after a car collision. Early intervention is always the best approach because it allows you to begin to feel better sooner while speeding the process of healing.  To learn more about our auto accident chiropractic services, or to schedule an appointment, call 918-940-4630 now!

The post Chiropractic Care for Car Accidents in Broken Arrow first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.