Portland Car Accident Cervical Pain Chiropractor
Have you been experiencing cervical pain after a car accident?
ProCare Chiropractic treats cervical injuries caused by car accidents. Our team understands the challenges and pain associated with these injuries.
If you want relief from your cervical pain and a personalized treatment plan that focuses on your specific needs, ProCare Chiropractic is here to help. Our approach to healing will not only alleviate your pain but also promote long-term recovery and improve your quality of life.
Don’t wait any longer to find relief. Contact ProCare Chiropractic Center today to schedule your appointment. Call us at (503) 899-0707 to book a free consultation today!
Cervical Injury
A cervical injury refers to any damage or trauma that occurs to the cervical spine, which is the area of the spine located in the neck. A cervical injury can result from various incidents, car accidents being a common cause. The cervical spine is made up of several bones called vertebrae, as well as intervertebral discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerves.
When a person is involved in a car accident, their neck is susceptible to sudden jolts or jerks due to the impact. This can cause the soft tissues in the neck to stretch or tear, leading to a range of symptoms and discomfort.
It is estimated that there are approximately 869,000 traffic crash-related cervical spine injuries seen in hospitals in the US annually, including around 841,000 sprain/strain (whiplash) injuries, 2800 spinal disk injuries, 23,500 fractures, 2,800 spinal cord injuries, and 1,500 dislocations. [1]
Common Causes of Cervical Pain After a Car Accident
Whiplash occurs when the neck undergoes a rapid back-and-forth motion, usually from a rear-end collision. This can strain or sprain the neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to pain and stiffness.
These occur when the soft tissues in the neck are stretched or torn due to the sudden jerking motion during the accident. Neck sprains and strains can result in pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
These types of neck injuries may occur in high-impact accidents or when the neck bears a significant amount of force. Neck fractures can cause severe pain and may require medical attention and immobilization of the neck.
A herniated disc refers to when the soft inner portion of the disc protrudes through the tougher outer layer, potentially compressing nearby nerves and causing pain, tingling, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Car accidents can also cause nerve damage in the cervical spine. The impact can put pressure on the nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands.
Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae of the spine that allow for movement and stability. These joints can be injured in car accidents, leading to pain, inflammation, and restricted range of motion in the neck.
Cervical Injury Symptoms After a Car Accident
Symptoms of a cervical injury include:
Chronic neck pain can range from mild to severe and can be persistent or intermittent. It can also radiate to other parts of the body, like the shoulders, arms, or upper back.
This stiffness can make it challenging to move the neck or turn the head properly, leading to discomfort and a limited range of motion.
The impact of a car accident can disrupt the normal function of the neck muscles and nerves, leading to these vision-related issues.
Victims of cervical injury may also experience muscle strains and spasms in the neck. These involuntary muscle contractions can cause pain and discomfort.
These symptoms can be indicative of nerve damage or compression in the cervical spine.
When Should I Worry About My Neck Pain After a Car Accident?
If your neck pain is intense, sharp, or persistent, it may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
If your neck pain extends beyond the neck region and travels down your arms or legs, it may suggest nerve impingement or spinal cord compression.
If you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, it could indicate nerve compression or spinal cord injury.
If you have difficulty moving your neck or notice a significant decrease in your range of motion, it may suggest a more severe cervical injury. It could include cervical fractures or damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the neck.
Persistent headaches or dizziness following a car accident, in conjunction with neck pain, may indicate a more severe injury such as whiplash or concussion.
If you notice a change in your ability to feel or coordinate movements in your hands, arms, legs, or feet, it could indicate nerve or spinal cord involvement.
These symptoms should not be ignored as they may indicate more severe injuries to the cervical spine. Any difficulty in breathing or swallowing needs urgent medical evaluation.
How is Cervical Pain Treated After an Auto Accident?
Our chiropractors will begin by conducting a thorough evaluation of your condition. We review your medical history, discuss details of the accident, and perform a physical examination to assess the extent of your cervical injury.
Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are a primary treatment technique used by chiropractors. By applying controlled and precise forces to the spine, our chiropractors restore proper alignment and mobility to the cervical vertebrae. which can help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and promote healing.
Our chiropractors may also employ soft tissue therapies to address cervical pain. This includes massage, trigger point therapy, or myofascial release to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain in the neck and surrounding areas.
Our chiropractors may prescribe specific stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility, restore muscle balance, and enhance stability in the neck. Stretching and strength exercises can help speed up recovery, prevent future injuries, and promote long-term neck health.
Car accidents can disrupt proper spinal alignment and lead to poor posture. Our chiropractor will address any postural imbalances or misalignments that may be contributing to your neck pain. Ergonomic modifications, lifestyle changes, and postural exercises to support the healing process and prevent recurrent pain may be recommended.
Chiropractors often provide guidance on healthy lifestyle habits and nutrition to support overall well-being and optimize the healing process. Specific dietary changes, stress management techniques, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce inflammation and promote a faster recovery are things chiropractors may recommend.
Why Choose ProCare Chiropractic Centers for Cervical Pain?
ProCare Chiropractic Center has established a strong reputation for treating and managing neck injuries.
Each patient receives an evaluation to determine the underlying causes of their neck pain. This approach allows our chiropractors at ProCare to develop customized treatment strategies that address individual needs and promote optimal healing.
Our chiropractors are able to provide targeted adjustments and therapies that alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve overall cervical health.
Whether it’s a muscle strain, joint inflammation, or soft tissue damage, our chiropractors utilize various techniques to address specific issues. Spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, massage therapy, and other modalities that promote healing and pain relief may all be used.
At ProCare Chiropractic Center, our chiropractors take the time to thoroughly explain the nature of the injury, the treatment options available, and the expected outcomes. We empower patients to actively participate in their own healing process and make informed decisions about their care.
We work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and medical doctors, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. This allows for a holistic treatment approach that addresses not only the immediate symptoms but also the underlying causes of cervical pain.
Here are some of the benefits of chiropractic care:
Chiropractors use manual techniques to reduce the pressure on nerves and relieve pain in the neck, shoulders, and spine.
Chiropractors can help to improve range of motion by releasing tension in tight muscles and increasing flexibility.
Regular chiropractic treatments can help prevent further injury or discomfort from occurring in the future.
Improper posture leads to neck pain; regular chiropractic treatments can help to improve your posture and reduce the risk of further pain.
Chiropractic care can help to improve overall health and well-being, it helps to reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and promote relaxation.
In addition to manual therapy, chiropractors may also use rehabilitative exercises to improve the strength and flexibility in the small muscles of the neck.
Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle modifications that can help reduce pain and improve overall health.
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help to reduce pain and discomfort with neck pain.
Our highly trained and experienced chiropractors are committed to delivering the highest quality of care possible. We understand that every patient is unique and strive to develop individualized treatment plans designed to meet your specific needs.
Our goal is to help our patients feel their best and get back to living a healthy and active lifestyle.
Don’t let cervical pain hold you back any longer. Schedule an appointment with ProCare Chiropractic today!