common Car Crash injuries
Concussion mTBI
Medically a concussion is defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by immediate and transient alteration in brain function, including alteration of mental status or level of consciousness, that results from mechanical force or trauma. In the case of a rear end collision the forces transferred during the time of the collision are more than sufficient to cause a mild traumatic brain injury such as a concussion to its victims.
Concussions are one of the most common car crash injuries.
Concussion is one of the most commonly missed diagnosed conditions resulting from a motor vehicle collision we see. Emergency medical professionals are concerned with immediate life threatening conditions, concussion (although its affects can be life altering) is not a immediate life threatening condition. Thus, there is a need to see a properly trained physician like those at Agape to be properly examined if a concussion is suspected.
Medical literature shows a high likelihood of developing a co-current upper cervical dysfunction with a concussion. An upper cervical dysfunction is detectable and treatable through joint palpation and manipulation. Thus, again outlying the importance of seeing a physician who understands the complexities these cases can have.
whiplash from Motor Vehicle Accident
Whiplash is a term used to describe the injuries resulting from a rapid violent backward and forward movement of the head and neck. Typically, the pain symptoms from whiplash include;
Neck pain and stiffness
Worsening of pain with neck movement
Loss of range of motion in the neck
Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull
Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms
Tingling or numbness in the arms
Fatigue
Dizziness
Mild forms of whiplash result in minor muscle tears also called muscular strain. If the forces of the trauma create more damage than the ligaments of the cervical spine become torn this is known as a cervical sprain. Further, the force from the trauma of a whiplash can cause a disc injury such as bulges and annular tears. If the force is sufficient enough the bone can become injured leading to a fracture. Additionally, the nerves in the neck may also become injured with a whiplash injury, this may manifest with pain, numbness and tingling. We at Agape are equipped to examine, diagnose and treat whiplash and its associated injuries.
jaw dysfunction TMJ
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, and you have one on each side of your jaw. TMJ disorders can be triggered by car accidents, generally originating from whiplash (see above).
Research published in the JADA (Journal of the American Dental Association) states that up to one-third of people that experience whiplash trauma in a car accident will develop TMJ within a year after the crash.
Seeing a TMJ chiropractor in Las Vegas can help reduce pain and discomfort as well as reduce the amount of time needed to recover from whiplash.
Radiculopathies
Radiculopathy generally starts with pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs and arms, and is common after a car crash. Other radiculopathies symptoms can include pain localized in the neck and back, and pain that radiates down a lower extremity (commonly referred to as sciatica).
By checking your reflexes and muscle strength, your chiropractor will check for nerve damage and refer out as needed.
With regular treatment, many patients can improve within 6 weeks.
sciatica from a car crash
Compression, pinches, and irritation can inflame your sciatic nerve, causing pain that travels from the lower back through the buttocks, legs, and feet. The compression of a car crash can severely increase risk of developing sciatica.
In addition to chiropractic treatment, walking is surprisingly effective for relieving sciatic pain. Regular walking signals the release of pain-fighting endorphins and reduces inflammation.
torn muscles
The impact of a car crash is usually substantial, and can twist or pull the body, causing painful tears in muscle, tendon, or ligament tissue. Tears in the back, hamstrings, and other major muscle groups can be very painful and require direct treatment.
Our team at Agape Health has Las Vegas’s best car crash chiropractors to help you get back to work and normal life as soon as possible. Contact us today for a personalized, empathic approach to your unique situation.