When someone gets in an MVA, they may experience neck, back & other pain immediately or in the near future. It’s common for people to develop chronic issues as a result of their seemingly minor accident. These problems are normally dealt with by a doctor of chiropractic, because they specialize in the diagnosis, treatment & management of musculoskeletal injuries. Many patients also seek alternative care, because it doesn’t involve drugs or surgery. Here are the top five reasons you should visit our clinic after being involved in an accident:

Inflammation: An X-ray is not going to catch micro-tears that occur in someone’s ligaments and muscles after an auto accident. These microscopic tears in the muscle are one of the main reasons people wake up with severe pain the day after an accident. They are a result of whiplash in most cases; muscles cannot be jerked so quickly without experienced some negative side effects. When you go to a Chiropractor, they will be able to adjust the joint fixations, which in turn reduces the inflammation to the joint. The latest research suggests adjustments also help release IL-6, an important anti-inflammatory substance the body produces to help with acute injuries.

Restores Motion: When your neck and back are injured in an accident, the inflammation in the joint capsules between each vertebra are going to cause even more problems especially with range of motion. Chiropractic adjustments will help mobilize fixated joints, so normal motion is achieved and the healing process speeds up.

Reduces Scar Tissue: Most people think of old wounds on their skin when they hear the words “scar tissue,” but this type of tissue can also form inside the body as well. Muscles will develop scar tissue after an injury because it’s the body’s natural response. However, this tissue will cause someone to feel stiff and uncomfortable for some time, even though it will heal naturally. Chiropractic techniques (e.g. adjustments, graston therapy, rapid release & ultrasound) can target the damaged areas and break up the scar tissue faster than a patient can on their own.

Reduces Pain: Studies have shown that people who received chiropractic care after an auto injury experience less pain, because the physical manipulation of their body releases more pain-reducing hormones and restores normal joint function. These hormones are going to help the area that was affected by the auto accident, but also help any areas that were causing pain before the injury.

Reduces Long Term Effects: People who receive prompt chiropractic care after an accident are less likely to experience long-term issues. Chiropractic has been available for decades because it actually provides patients with results. People who continue working and staying active after an accident are the ones who will recover faster than those who stay in their bed all day. There’s no need to think about taking drugs or undergoing surgery unless it’s absolutely necessary. With most minor auto accidents, surgery is not required at all.