It is often said that after a car accident, if your car sustained any physical damage, it’s likely that your body did as well. After all, your car is a large metal device designed to survive an impact, while bodies are much more fragile. This is especially true of the spine, which is a complex system of bones, tissues, and structures that controls nearly all of your bodily functions. In a crash, the lower part of your spine is particularly susceptible to serious injuries, leading to pain and discomfort. If this applies to you, you are likely looking for ways to address that pain- read on to learn about a chiropractor in Lithia Springs can help.
The Spine and Car Accidents
During the impact of a car crash, your body is subject to forces from all directions, many of which it is not prepared to properly absorb. Seatbelts and airbags can help cushion you and reduce movement that leads to car accident injuries, but the spine remains one of the most likely places to be injured due to its sensitive and complex construction. Once the spine is compromised, you can begin to experience symptoms that are painful, debilitating, and even chronic. To understand how to address these problems, it’s helpful to understand the anatomy of the spine itself.
The spine is composed of several structures that come together to support the body and provide function and flexibility, and many of these structures meet in the lower back (or lumbar spine). The main elements of the lower spine are:
- Vertebrae: The bones in your neck and back are formed as a column of bones, stacked on top of one another and separated by gel-like discs of cartilage that cushion the bones and allow for flexibility in the spine.
- Nerves: Starting from your brain and continuing down your spine, your central nervous system controls communication throughout your body. The nerves then branch out from this central location and reach into the rest of your body to provide sensations and movement.
- Muscles: Your back is packed with muscles that provide strength, balance, and range of motion. These muscles support the spine to help keep your body upright.
- Connective Tissue: Tendons and ligaments help connect all the above pieces of your spine, allowing them to work together and keep your body functioning.
Even slight damage to one of these systems can have impacts on your whole body and health. The sudden force put onto the body in a car crash can send your spine out of alignment, causing back pain and leading you to seek care from a chiropractor in Lithia Springs.
Treating the Spine
Because of the complexity involved in lower back injuries, treatments are usually performed over a course of time and are composed of multiple methods. While it may be weeks or months before you are recovered, treatment will focus primarily on managing pain and regaining strength in the injured area. Below are some of the most common methods a chiropractor in Lithia Springs may use or recommend:
- Rest: This may not feel like a treatment, but rest is crucial to your body’s healing process. Avoiding any stress on the back, whether it is physical activity or sitting at a desk, can stop the injury from worsening and give you better chances of healing fully.
- Medication: In general, chiropractors do not rely on medication as treatment for lower back pain, instead focusing on root causes. However, to manage the pain of your symptoms, over-the-counter medication may be helpful, particularly when it contains anti-inflammatory properties like ibuprofen.
- Chiropractic Adjustments: By manually adjusting your spine, a chiropractor in Lithia Springs can realign your vertebrae and encourage the body to begin working properly.
- Exercise: While rest is important, you should not remain inactive for an extended period. Physical therapy may be recommended to help the body regain strength and return to full mobility. This may be paired with home exercises that gently build up muscles. In addition to relieving pain and symptoms, this can help prevent future injuries or flare-ups.
- Invasive Treatments: While chiropractors will aim to treat your pain without invasive procedures, they may sometimes determine they are necessary. Injections of steroids can reduce severe pain and inflammation for temporary relief that may allow you to better move and encourage healing. In some cases, like a severe fracture, surgery may be necessary.
You might ask what doctor you should see after an accident. If you are experiencing lower back pain, a chiropractor in Lithia Springs will help you to determine what combination of treatment options is right for you. At AICA Lithia Springs, we aim to help you reach a full recovery and live a pain-free life. Call us today for your first consultation.