Individuals who have fractured their scaphoid bone may experience pain and swelling in the wrist just below the thumb. Can immobilization with a cast and physical therapy help?
Scaphoid Fracture
A scaphoid fracture is a break in one of the wrist’s small or carpal bones. This type of fracture occurs most often after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Symptoms typically include swelling and pain in the wrist just below the base of the thumb. These fractures can be difficult to diagnose since they don’t always appear on an X-ray. If the X-ray is negative and the healthcare provider suspects a scaphoid fracture, an MRI may be necessary. Surgery may be required in more severe cases or when the injury is not healing correctly. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2023)
A Break In The – Navicular Bone
The scaphoid is one of eight carpal bones in the wrist. It is located just below the thumb’s base and is shaped like a kidney bean. This bone can be identified by holding a thumbs-up position and feeling for the hollow between the two tendons below your thumb. The scaphoid is located at the base of the hollow. A break in the scaphoid bone most commonly occurs in the middle of the bone but can also happen at either end. A scaphoid fracture can be displaced or non-displaced (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2023)
Displaced Fracture
It is when the bone fragments have moved out of alignment.
Non-displaced Fracture
It is when the fragments are still in their normal location in the hand.
The scaphoid’s blood supply comes from a small vessel that enters the most distant part of the bone and flows back through the bone. Because of this one small blood supply, a fracture in the center can stop the circulation to the proximal portion of the bone. Because of this, scaphoid fractures need immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms
Pain or deep aching on the thumb-side of the wrist, typically after a fall on an outstretched arm, could be a scaphoid fracture. Other symptoms experienced include: (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2023)
A healthcare provider will evaluate the hand for tenderness and pain in the hollow and/or the bone. If a break is suspected, they will order an X-ray. (Clementson M., Björkman A., & Thomsen N. O. B. 2020) Many patients are diagnosed with a wrist sprain when they have a fracture. Diagnosis can be difficult because the fracture often doesn’t appear on X-rays until weeks after the healing process starts. Physicians commonly treat a wrist injury as a scaphoid fracture initially and then repeat X-rays within two weeks. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2023) If the injury doesn’t show on an X-ray, the provider may order an MRI, as these fractures can be easier to see on an MRI. An MRI can help ensure appropriate treatment immediately. (Wong S. B. S., & Peh W. C. G. 2019)
Treatment
If a wrist fracture is diagnosed, the wrist will be immobilized in a cast. However, a healthcare provider may also put the wrist in a cast if the X-ray is negative but they suspect a fracture. This will stabilize the injury until an MRI can be performed. With immobilization and follow-up treatment, scaphoid fractures often heal without surgery. Repeat X-rays are taken over several weeks or months so the provider can make sure the injury is healing correctly. If it is not healing correctly, surgery may be recommended. (Clementson M., Björkman A., & Thomsen N. O. B. 2020) If the fracture is displaced, healing correctly may be a challenge. In this case, a physician may recommend initial surgery to reposition the bones. (Clementson M., Björkman A., & Thomsen N. O. B. 2020) This type of surgery involves pinning the bone in place with screws.
Rehabilitation is an important part of healing because immobilization takes a long time. Wrist range-of-motion exercises can be started, followed by strengthening exercises for the wrist flexors and extensors. Supination, pronation, and grip exercises are also part of physical therapy.
This condition causes degeneration of the cartilage in the joint.
Avascular Necrosis
This is when the blood supply to the bone is reduced or cut off, causing the bone to die.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to build optimal health and wellness solutions. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. The clinic can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Skateboarding Injury Treatment
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2023). Scaphoid fracture of the wrist. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/scaphoid-fracture-of-the-wrist
Clementson, M., Björkman, A., & Thomsen, N. O. B. (2020). Acute scaphoid fractures: guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. EFORT open reviews, 5(2), 96–103. https://doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.5.190025
Wong, S. B. S., & Peh, W. C. G. (2019). The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of scaphoid fractures. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 66(1), 3–4. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.316
Almigdad, A., Al-Zoubi, A., Mustafa, A., Al-Qasaimeh, M., Azzam, E., Mestarihi, S., Khair, Y., & Almanasier, G. (2024). A review of scaphoid fracture, treatment outcomes, and consequences. International orthopaedics, 48(2), 529–536. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-023-06014-2
Experiencing a whiplash injury can be disorienting and painful. Can recognizing the signs of more serious complications, seeking timely medical intervention, and following a structured whiplash rehabilitation plan help individuals find relief and restore function and quality of life?
Whiplash Rehabilitation
For individuals who have recently been in an automobile accident, once the initial neck pain and stiffness have passed, it’s crucial to recognize potential delayed symptoms, such as nerve damage. While many recover quickly, some may experience prolonged symptoms requiring more aggressive treatment and management.
Neck Injury
Whiplash injuries result from sudden, forceful whipping back and forth of the head, commonly occurring in rear-end vehicle collisions, and are one of the most common neck injuries. Other potential causes include: (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024)
Following a healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding medication use, including dosage and duration, is critical to managing symptoms while effectively minimizing potential side effects.
Rehabilitation Steps
To determine the appropriate treatment whiplash rehabilitation plan, a healthcare provider will assess how much the pain affects daily life, including mental health and the ability to do regular activities (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2024). X-rays or other imaging tests will be done to determine how serious the damage to the neck or spine is. Resting and icing the injured area are recommended to relieve inflammation. A provider may recommend slowly increasing neck movements several times daily and continuing with normal daily activities, as exercise will help maintain flexibility. Not moving the neck may prolong pain, stiffness, and healing. Physical therapy may be recommended if symptoms continue for over one or two weeks. (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2024)
Symptoms last longer than the healthcare provider estimated
Other symptoms develop, like weakness, numbness, or a sensation of pins and needles.
Long-Term Injury Side Effects
Individuals in whiplash rehabilitation usually recover in a few weeks to months, but some may have longer-lasting pain as the injury can cause nerve damage. (Fundaun J. et al., 2022) Discuss any new or worsening symptoms with a healthcare provider for guidance. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024)
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
Muscle relaxants for tightness and tension.
Prescription pain medications.
If pain becomes chronic, antidepressants such as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors may be prescribed. These medications can help manage pain and improve sleep quality. (Ferreira G. E. et al., 2023) For severe inflammation and pain, corticosteroid injections directly into the affected area can provide relief. Healthcare providers administer these injections, offering long-lasting effects. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2015)
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Navigating a whiplash injury can be challenging, but understanding the whiplash rehabilitation process can significantly aid in recovery. A healthcare provider can determine the most effective treatment strategies. It is important to talk with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and extent of the injury to provide individualized patient education regarding treatment. This can include physical therapy, rest, health coaching, medication, and surgery, which may be recommended in certain cases. Overcoming these limitations is possible. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. (2024). Cervical whiplash. https://www.aapmr.org/about-physiatry/conditions-treatments/musculoskeletal-medicine/cervical-whiplash
Rush University Medical Center. (2014). 5 facts about whiplash. https://www.rush.edu/news/5-facts-about-whiplash
National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. (2024). Whiplash. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/9853.htm
National Health Service NHS. (2023). Whiplash. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/whiplash/
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2024). Whiplash injury. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=p01388
National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. (2020). Pregabalin. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605045.html
Fundaun, J., Kolski, M., Baskozos, G., Dilley, A., Sterling, M., & Schmid, A. B. (2022). Nerve pathology and neuropathic pain after whiplash injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain, 163(7), e789–e811. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002509
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2023). Back pain: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
Ferreira, G. E., Abdel-Shaheed, C., Underwood, M., Finnerup, N. B., Day, R. O., McLachlan, A., Eldabe, S., Zadro, J. R., & Maher, C. G. (2023). Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of antidepressants for pain in adults: overview of systematic reviews. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 380, e072415. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072415
Harvard Health Publishing. (2015). New recommendations aim to improve safety of pain-relieving spinal steroid injections. Harvard Health Publishing
Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-recommendations-aim-to-improve-safety-of-pain-relieving-spinal-steroid-injections-201505077991
Can learning about comminuted fracture symptoms and repair help individuals and healthcare providers develop effective treatment and rehabilitation programs?
Comminuted Fractures
A comminuted fracture is a severe break in which the bone splits into at least three pieces. Comminuted fractures typically happen in the long bones like those in the arms and legs. But they can also happen in other places, including the ribs. (Corinne Tarantino, 2022) They are usually caused by intense impact, like an automobile collision/accident or a severe fall. Depending on the location of the fracture, recovery from a comminuted fracture can take months and often involves:
Surgery – A surgeon will place screws and rods to hold the pieces of the bone in position. Sometimes, the hardware is left in permanently. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021)
Wearing a cast for several months.
Physical therapy.
Types
In these types of fractures, the bone is completely broken, not just cracked. The break is a highly comminuted fracture if the bone is broken into four or more pieces. (Corinne Tarantino, 2022)
Symptoms
The symptoms are the same as those of other broken bones, but they can be more intense because the bone is broken in multiple areas, which means there may also be more soft tissue injuries than with a simple fracture. Broken bone symptoms include: (MedlinePlus, 2024)
Persistent pain
Swelling
Bruising
Deformity – the bone looks out of place or is at an odd angle.
Tingling
Numbness
Difficulty moving the limb.
Causes
An intense force causes a comminuted fracture, often a car accident or a hard fall, but it can also result from sports injuries. (Corinne Tarantino, 2022)
Diagnosis
A comminuted fracture is diagnosed by X-ray, which shows where the bone has broken and how many pieces it has split into (MedlinePlus, 2024). Healthcare providers will diagnose any broken bones but also look for other injuries.
Treatment
Typically, broken bones can be treated with casts, braces, or a boot to keep them immobilized. (MedlinePlus, 2024) Because comminuted fractures are more severe, they often need other treatments, including surgery. Sometimes, the bone can be reset instead of surgery using a closed reduction technique, where the healthcare provider resets the bone manually. Surgery may be recommended if that’s not possible or doesn’t work.
Types of Surgery
Surgery allows the healthcare provider to correctly position all the pieces of the bone to heal in a strong, stable formation. The two types commonly used to treat comminuted fractures are: (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021)
External Fixation
This surgery uses rods and screws outside the body to stabilize the bone.
This external frame is placed during surgery and later removed.
Open Reduction Internal Fixation – ORIF
During this surgery, the bone is stabilized with metal plates, screws, rods, and/or wires placed inside your body.
Sometimes, these are permanent, but in other cases, they are removed later.
An orthopedic surgeon performs these surgeries.
Casting
After surgery, a cast is usually needed to prevent the bone from moving and allow healing. Typically, the cast is worn for six to eight weeks, but it may need to be worn longer with comminuted fractures. Some need a cast for several months (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021). Sometimes, those with an external fixation must continue wearing a cast after removing the pins and rods, giving the bone more time to stabilize. The healthcare provider will inform the patient how long the cast will need to be worn and which sports activities should be avoided even after the cast comes off.
Physical Therapy
The healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy to help treat the fracture. Usually, when the cast is removed, physical therapy is activated to help rebuild strength and range of motion. (Corinne Tarantino, 2022)
Prognosis
Although these fractures are severe, they are treatable. The prognosis is good for individuals who follow their healthcare provider’s treatment plan. Most don’t have lingering pain after the initial injury and can eventually return to regular activities. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021)
Recovery
Healing a comminuted fracture can take months. During that time, it’s helpful to focus on tasks that can be accomplished, like new hobbies that don’t involve physical injury. Talk to the healthcare provider about any problems with the cast or ongoing pain and what to expect during recovery.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution through an integrated approach to treating injuries and chronic pain syndromes, improving flexibility, mobility, and agility programs to relieve pain and help individuals return to normal. Our providers create personalized care plans for each patient. If other treatments are needed, Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective treatments.
The Path to Healing Personal Injury
References
Corinne Tarantino, MPH. Osmosis. (2022). Comminuted Fracture: What is it, Examples and More. https://www.osmosis.org/answers/comminuted-fracture
Throckmorton T.W. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Fractures (broken bones). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/fractures-broken-bones/
MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine. (2024). Fractures Also called: Broken bone. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/fractures.html
Finger sprains and dislocations are common hand injuries that can happen during work, physical/sports activities, or in automobile collisions and accidents. Can recognizing the symptoms help in developing an effective treatment strategy?
Finger Sprains and Dislocations
Finger sprains and dislocations are common injuries of the hand that cause pain and swelling.
A sprain happens when the finger tissue that supports a joint gets stretched beyond its limits in a way that stresses the ligaments and tendons.
The ligament tissue can be partially or completely torn. If the damage is bad enough, the joint comes apart.
This is a dislocation – A dislocation happens when the joint in the finger gets shifted out of its normal position.
Both injuries can cause pain and stiffness in the finger and hand.
Sprains
Finger sprains can happen any time the finger bends in an awkward or unusual way. This can happen from falling on the hand or getting hurt when engaged in physical activities like sports or household chores. Sprains can occur in any of the knuckle joints in the finger. However, most commonly, the joint in the middle of the finger gets sprained. It’s known as the proximal interphalangeal or PIP joint. (John Elfar, Tobias Mann. 2013) Symptoms of a finger sprain can include:
Other treatments to help a sprained finger include:
Elevate the hand if swelling and inflamed.
Gentle finger exercises/movements to prevent stiffness.
Icing the injured finger.
Take an anti-inflammatory medication.
Individuals who have not broken bones or dislocated the joint will probably be able to move their finger in about a week. A doctor will set a timeline for when to start using the finger normally.
Individuals who sprain their finger that feels swollen and stiff for longer than a few weeks are recommended to consult a doctor or specialist.
Thumb sprains and finger sprains in children may need to be splinted or taped for longer periods, as the ligament is not fully developed or as strong, which could lead to a tear.
Dislocations
A finger dislocation is a more severe injury involving the ligament, joint capsule, cartilage, and other tissues that causes misalignment of the finger. The ligaments and the joint capsule get torn when a joint is dislocated. The joint needs to be reset, which can be a simple process, or in severe cases, patients may need to be placed under anesthesia or undergo surgery to reset the joint properly.
In these cases, tendons or other tissues might be preventing the joint from getting into position.
Putting the finger back into the right position is known as”reduction.” Once reduced, the finger needs to be splinted.
Individuals also need an X-ray to ensure the joint is lined up correctly and that any bones were not broken or fractured when they sustained the injury. (James R. Borchers, Thomas M. Best. 2012)
Once reset, caring for a dislocated finger is basically the same as a sprained finger. Using ice on the finger, keeping the hand elevated to reduce swelling.
Elfar, J., & Mann, T. (2013). Fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 21(2), 88–98. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-21-02-88
OrthoInfo from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2022) Hand fractures.
Hung, C. Y., Varacallo, M., & Chang, K. V. (2023). Gamekeeper’s Thumb. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
OrthoInfo from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2022) Finger fractures.
Borchers, J. R., & Best, T. M. (2012). Common finger fractures and dislocations. American family physician, 85(8), 805–810.
Automobile accidents and collisions can cause knee and ankle injuries in various ways. Automobile crashes are considered high-energy collisions versus slip and fall traumas which are generally low-energy. However, a 30mph or under-collision can have serious and detrimental effects on the knees and ankles. The sudden forces can cause the knees to collide with the dashboard or push the feet and legs into the body, generating intense pressure and compressing the bones, muscles, and ligaments damaging soft tissues and bone structures from the impact. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team can rehabilitate, realign, strengthen, and restore function to individuals with minor to severe auto collision injuries.
Knee and Ankle Injuries
Musculoskeletal motor vehicle crash/collision injuries affect the body’s movement. The impact can pull, tear, crush, and smash bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, and nerves. These injuries restrict the range of motion and can cause pain and sensation symptoms. The National Accident Sampling System reports 33% of injuries sustained during vehicle collisions are to the lower extremities.
Despite the knees and ankles having soft tissues that absorb and distribute the energy’s impact, the forces from the collision often happen instantly and unexpectedly, causing the individual to tense up, which overwhelms the structures.
Even panic stepping on the brake pedal can cause injury to the ankle and foot.
A passenger’s reflex of trying to resist forces can experience foot, ankle, and knee injuries from bracing off the vehicle’s floorboard.
Automobile collisions can cause strains, sprains, fractures, and dislocations.
Torn, Strained, or Sprained Knee
If the foot becomes planted on the floorboard while the body continues to move forward or sideways, the force can travel into the knee, causing twisting or shearing.
Depending on the injury type, the impact strength can damage different ligaments.
The ligaments resist forces that push the knee inwards/medially and outwards/laterally and slightly resist rotational forces.
When any of these ligaments are damaged, swelling, pain, and limited ranges of motion can result.
Putting weight on the affected leg can be difficult.
In some cases, the ligaments tear completely, necessitating surgical repair.
Once the individual can engage in mild activity, they can begin a rehabilitation program to restore function.
Recovery times vary based on the location and severity of the injury.
Fractured Knee or Ankle
When a fracture occurs in a joint, like the knees or ankles, surgical procedures may be necessary to repair the broken bone/s.
Broken bones can result in simultaneous damage and/or inflammation of the connective tissues that can cause the muscles to contract/tighten or atrophy during the recovery and healing phases.
Joints and bones are kept healthy with moderate movement and weight-bearing.
Fractures require immobilization of the affected area.
A physical therapy rehabilitation program can begin when the brace or cast comes off.
Targeted exercises and resistance will strengthen and stretch the joint to improve flexibility and promote healing through improved circulation.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a C-shaped area of cartilage that rests between the thigh and shin bones.
It acts as a shock absorber.
The meniscus can become torn, resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss of motion.
This injury can heal independently with the right rest and therapeutic exercises.
A chiropractic auto collision specialist can diagnose the severity of the tear and provide the recommendations needed to rehabilitate and strengthen the knee.
If the tear is severe enough, surgery may be required.
Strained or Sprained Ankle
Strained tendons and sprained ligaments can result from the ankle being subject to tremendous force.
Strains and sprains vary in severity.
Both indicate that the connective tissue has been damaged or stretched beyond normal limits.
They can present with pain, inflammation, and problems moving the affected area.
With proper medical attention and rehabilitation, recovery is possible.
Torn Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel and is necessary for walking, running, physical activity, and bearing weight.
If the tendon gets torn, surgery will be required to reattach the muscle and tendon.
After recovery, the individual can begin physical therapy to work the tendon and muscle, slowly building strength and range of motion.
It is critical to do this with the supervision of an expert in musculoskeletal rehabilitation to avoid re-injury or developing new injuries.
Chiropractic Treatment
Any musculoskeletal motor vehicle injuries can result in intense pain that worsens with activity, inflammation, swelling, redness, and/or heat in the affected area. This is why correctly diagnosing the injury is essential if the condition is to be properly and thoroughly treated. A physical examination will vary based on the individual’s state and can include:
Strength assessment
Range of motion
Reflexes
Other variables to determine the underlying issues.
Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can help identify and clarify injuries’ extent, nature, and location and rule out problems.
A qualified healthcare professional will combine the data with medical history to develop an accurate diagnosis. Our ability to effectively treat accident individuals is based on applying clinical expertise in musculoskeletal diagnosis and care. Our medical team takes a practical approach to help individuals quickly heal from musculoskeletal injuries using the latest treatments possible. When you meet with one of our professionals, you will feel relaxed and confident that you have come to the right place.
From Injury To Recovery
References
Dischinger, P C et al. “Consequences and costs of lower extremity injuries.” Annual proceedings. Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine vol. 48 (2004): 339-53.
Fildes, B et al. “Lower limb injuries to passenger car occupants.” Accident; analysis and prevention vol. 29,6 (1997): 785-91. doi:10.1016/s0001-4575(97)00047-x
Gane, Elise M et al. “The impact of musculoskeletal injuries sustained in road traffic crashes on work-related outcomes: a protocol for a systematic review.” Systematic reviews vol. 7,1 202. 20 Nov. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13643-018-0869-4
Hardin, E C et al. “Foot and ankle forces during an automobile collision: the influence of muscles.” Journal of biomechanics vol. 37,5 (2004): 637-44. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2003.09.030
Li, Wen-Wei, and Cheng-Chang Lu. “Knee deformity following a motor vehicle accident.” Emergency medicine journal: EMJ vol. 38,6 (2021): 449-473. doi:10.1136/emermed-2020-210054
M, Asgari, and Keyvanian Sh S. “Crash Injury Analysis of Knee Joint Considering Pedestrian Safety.” Journal of biomedical physics & Engineering vol. 9,5 569-578. 1 Oct. 2019, doi:10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.424
Torry, Michael R et al. “Relationship of knee shear force and extensor moment on knee translations in females performing drop landings: a biplane fluoroscopy study.” Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) vol. 26,10 (2011): 1019-24. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2011.06.010
Automobile accidents are emotionally and physically traumatic events. After an accident, individuals assume that they are okay if they don’t have any broken bones or gashing cuts. However, even minor accidents can lead to significant damage, but the individual doesn’t know it. An invisible/delayed injury is any injury that is not immediately obvious or is not experienced by the individual until hours, days, or weeks later. The most common are soft tissue injuries, back injuries, whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding. This is why it is imperative to see a doctor or chiropractic accident specialist as soon as possible after an accident.
Invisible Injuries Auto Accidents
The body goes into a fight or flight mode in a vehicle accident. That means a massive adrenaline surge makes anything happening to the body go unnoticed and unfelt. The individual does not feel pain and discomfort symptoms until later or much later.
Soft Tissue
A soft tissue injury affects muscles, tendons, ligaments, and body parts other than bone.
Even at low speeds, accidents, and collisions generate a significant force on the body.
Drivers and passengers often come to a sudden stop along with the vehicle or get thrown around.
This places intense stress on joints and other areas of the body.
Whiplash
The most common invisible soft-tissue injury is whiplash.
Where the neck muscles are suddenly and forcefully thrown forward and then back, causing the muscles and ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.
The injury typically results in pain, swelling, reduced mobility, and headaches.
Symptoms may not present right away.
Left untreated, whiplash can lead to long-term chronic pain.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are another common invisible injury.
Even if the head did not hit/impact anything, the force and momentum can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.
This can lead to a concussion or even more serious brain injuries.
Concussion
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury. Individuals can have a concussion without losing consciousness, depending on the accident’s severity. Symptoms may be delayed or not experienced, but delayed treatment can lead to a longer recovery. Symptoms can include:
Fatigue.
Headache.
Confusion.
Inability to remember the accident.
Nausea.
Ringing in the ears.
Dizziness.
Back Muscles or Spine Injuries
Back muscles and spinal cord injuries are invisible injuries that can happen after an automobile accident. Signs of a back injury include:
The back muscles can be strained due to the impact and tension build-up.
Sore muscles or pain may not present until a day or two later.
Body stiffness.
Reduced mobility.
Muscle spasms.
Trouble walking, standing, or sitting.
Headaches.
Numbness and tingling.
Injuries to the spine, even serious ones, may not be apparent immediately.
The impact can cause the spine to shift out of alignment profoundly.
Swelling and bleeding in or around the spinal cord can cause numbness or paralysis that can gradually progress.
This invisible injury can have long-term consequences, including paralysis.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is an effective treatment for neuromusculoskeletal injuries. The chiropractor will assess the damage and its severity to determine the best treatment for the individual. It relieves pain and discomfort symptoms, loosens and relaxes the muscles, and restores alignment, mobility, and a full range of motion. Chiropractic uses several tools and techniques to restore the spine and body balance. Results include:
Barach, P, and E Richter. “Injury prevention.” The New England Journal of Medicine vol. 338,2 (1998): 132-3; author reply 133. doi:10.1056/NEJM199801083380215
Binder, Allan I. “Neck pain.” BMJ clinical evidence vol. 2008 1103. 4 Aug. 2008
Duncan, G J, and R Meals. “One hundred years of automobile-induced orthopedic injuries.” Orthopedics vol. 18,2 (1995): 165-70. doi:10.3928/0147-7447-19950201-15
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Vassiliou, Timon, et al. “Physical therapy and active exercises–an adequate treatment for prevention of late whiplash syndrome? Randomized controlled trial in 200 patients.” Pain vol. 124,1-2 (2006): 69-76. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2006.03.017
When the body goes through intense trauma like a car, truck, crash, or accident, the trauma can slip, bulge, herniate, or rupture the spinal fluid-filled discs that can extrude from the disc space, causing the nucleus pulposusto tear through the annulus fibrosus and compress the nerve roots causing pain. Depending on the severity and force of the crash or accident, a herniated disc can cause the vertebrae to push into the spinal canal, where it can compress, irritate, and/or injure the spinal cord, which can lead to other health issues. Nerve impingement from a herniated disc can also cause numbness and tingling in the hands, arms, legs, and feet. A chiropractic spine disc herniation decompression treatment plan can heal the herniation, realign the spine, stretch the muscles and joints, and rehabilitate the body back to top form.
Spine Disc Herniation
Symptoms of Herniation
Signs and symptoms depend on the spinal area and whether the disc is rubbing or compressing a nerve. Pain is often described as a sharp or burning sensation. A herniated disc usually affects one side of the body.
Pain Presents When Sitting Down – sitting causes a significant strain on the lower spinal discs. When sitting, the pain experienced can worsen.
Arm or leg pain – Depending on the herniated disc, pain can spread to other surrounding areas.
For a lower herniation, this could be the buttock, thigh, calf, and foot.
For a herniated disc in the neck region, pain can be felt in the shoulder and arm.
Pain can present in the arm or leg when coughing, sneezing, or moving into certain positions.
Numbness or tingling – presents from the compressed nerves and spreads as the average blood/energy flow is disrupted.
Muscle Weakness – the affected nerves that support the spinal muscles can lose normal strength causing awkward postures and fatigue.
A herniated disc can be present without symptoms – individuals won’t know unless spinal imaging is ordered.
Sciatica Sensations – the damaged nerve roots affect the ability to function correctly and can cause burning pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling along the front and/or back of the thigh, leg, and/or foot. This can result from direct compression or chemical irritation from a leaked out herniated disc that causes inflammation around the nerve root area.
Chiropractic Injury Care
When a disc herniates, it inhibits the body from communicating and healing itself. To activate proper communication from the brain to the rest of the body, chiropractors perform spine disc herniation decompression which clears the neural system and opens the lines of communication.
Spine Disc Herniation Decompression
Nonsurgical spinal decompression gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure and heal the herniated disc. It is a safe procedure considered a natural alternative compared to surgery or pharmaceutical approaches. Spinal decompression therapy:
It is safe for all ages
It is non-invasive
Sessions take between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the individual and the injury that could require multiple sessions.
Offers a quicker recovery time
It is performed on a computer-controlled table customized to the individual’s specific needs and injuries.
A treatment plan can expedite the recovery process, rehabilitate and strengthen the whole body, and help avoid minimally invasive spine surgery.
Neurosurgeon DRX9000
References
Atlas, Steven J et al. “The impact of disability compensation on long-term treatment outcomes of patients with sciatica due to a lumbar disc herniation.” Spine vol. 31,26 (2006): 3061-9. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000250325.87083.8d
Dydyk AM, Ngnitewe Massa R, Mesfin FB. Disc Herniation. [Updated 2022 Jan 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441822/
Gane, Elise M et al. “The Impact of Musculoskeletal Injuries Sustained in Road Traffic Crashes on Work-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,21 11504. 1 Nov. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph182111504
Scuderi, Gaetano J et al. “Symptomatic cervical disc herniation following a motor vehicle collision: return to work comparative study of workers’ compensation versus personal injury insurance status.” The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine Society vol. 5,6 (2005): 639-44; discussion 644. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2005.04.007
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