Can knowing treatment options for a dislocated hip help individuals expedite rehabilitation and recovery?
Dislocated Hip
A dislocated hip is an uncommon injury but can happen due to trauma or following hip replacement surgery. It usually occurs after severe trauma, including motor vehicle collisions, falls, and sometimes sports injuries. (Caylyne Arnold et al., 2017) A dislocated hip can also occur after hip replacement surgery. Other injuries like ligament tears, cartilage damage, and bone fractures can occur alongside the dislocation. Most hip dislocations are treated with a joint reduction procedure that resets the ball into the socket. It is usually done with sedation or general anesthesia. Rehabilitation takes time and could be a few months before full recovery. Physical therapy can help restore motion and strength in the hip.
What Is It?
If the hip is only partially dislocated, it’s called a hip subluxation. When this happens, the hip joint head only partially emerges from the socket. A dislocated hip is when the head or ball of the joint shifts or pops out of the socket. Because an artificial hip differs from a normal hip joint, the risk of dislocation increases after joint replacement. A study found that around 2% of individuals who undergo total hip replacement will experience hip dislocation within a year, with the cumulative risk increasing by approximately 1% over five years. (Jens Dargel et al., 2014) However, new technological prosthetics and surgical techniques are making this less common.
Hip Anatomy
The hip ball-and-socket joint is called the femoroacetabular joint.
The socket is called the acetabulum.
The ball is called the femoral head.
The bony anatomy and strong ligaments, muscles, and tendons help to create a stable joint. Significant force must be applied to the joint for a hip dislocation to occur. Some individuals report feeling a snapping sensation of the hip. This usually is not a hip dislocation but indicates a different disorder known as snapping hip syndrome. (Paul Walker et al., 2021)
Posterior Hip Dislocation
Around 90% of hip dislocations are posterior.
In this type, the ball is pushed backward from the socket.
A hip dislocation increases the risk of developing joint arthritis following the injury and can raise the risk of needing a hip replacement later in life. (Hsuan-Hsiao Ma et al., 2020)
Developmental Dislocation of the Hip
Some children are born with developmental dislocation of the hip or DDH.
Children with DDH have hip joints that did not form correctly during development.
This causes a loose fit in the socket.
In some cases, the hip joint is completely dislocated.
Joint reduction is the most common way to treat a dislocated hip. The procedure repositions the ball back into the socket and is usually done with sedation or under general anesthesia. Repositioning a hip requires significant force. A hip dislocation is considered an emergency, and reduction should be performed immediately after the dislocation to prevent permanent complications and invasive treatment. (Caylyne Arnold et al., 2017)
Once the ball is back in the socket, the healthcare provider will look for bone, cartilage, and ligament injuries.
Depending on what the healthcare provider finds, further treatment may be necessary.
Fractured or broken bones may need to be repaired to keep the ball within the socket.
Damaged cartilage may have to be removed.
Surgery
Surgery could be necessary to return the joint to its normal position. Hip arthroscopy can minimize the invasiveness of certain procedures. A surgeon inserts a microscopic camera into the hip joint to help the surgeon repair the injury using instruments inserted through other small incisions.
Hip replacement surgery replaces the ball and socket, a common and successful orthopedic surgical procedure. This surgery may be performed for various reasons, including trauma or arthritis, as it is common to develop early arthritis of the hip after this type of trauma. This is why many who have a dislocation ultimately need hip replacement surgery. As a major surgical procedure, it is not without risks. Possible complications include:
Infection
Aseptic loosening (the loosening of the joint without infection)
Hip dislocation
Recovery
Recovering from a hip dislocation is a long process. Individuals will need to walk with crutches or other devices early in recovery. Physical therapy will improve the range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the hip. Recovery time will depend on whether other injuries, such as fractures or tears, are present. If the hip joint was reduced and there were no other injuries, it may take six to ten weeks to recover to the point where weight can be placed on the leg. It could be between two and three months for a full recovery. Keeping weight off the leg is important until the surgeon or physical therapist gives the all-clear. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic will work with an individual’s primary healthcare provider and other surgeons or specialists to develop an optimal personalized treatment plan.
Chiropractic Solutions for Osteoarthritis
References
Arnold, C., Fayos, Z., Bruner, D., Arnold, D., Gupta, N., & Nusbaum, J. (2017). Managing dislocations of the hip, knee, and ankle in the emergency department [digest]. Emergency medicine practice, 19(12 Suppl Points & Pearls), 1–2.
Dargel, J., Oppermann, J., Brüggemann, G. P., & Eysel, P. (2014). Dislocation following total hip replacement. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 111(51-52), 884–890. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2014.0884
Walker, P., Ellis, E., Scofield, J., Kongchum, T., Sherman, W. F., & Kaye, A. D. (2021). Snapping Hip Syndrome: A Comprehensive Update. Orthopedic reviews, 13(2), 25088. https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.25088
Cornwall, R., & Radomisli, T. E. (2000). Nerve injury in traumatic dislocation of the hip. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, (377), 84–91. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003086-200008000-00012
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Hip dislocation. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/hip-dislocation
Kellam, P., & Ostrum, R. F. (2016). Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Avascular Necrosis and Posttraumatic Arthritis After Traumatic Hip Dislocation. Journal of orthopaedic trauma, 30(1), 10–16. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOT.0000000000000419
Ma, H. H., Huang, C. C., Pai, F. Y., Chang, M. C., Chen, W. M., & Huang, T. F. (2020). Long-term results in the patients with traumatic hip fracture-dislocation: Important prognostic factors. Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA, 83(7), 686–689. https://doi.org/10.1097/JCMA.0000000000000366
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2022). Developmental dislocation (dysplasia) of the hip (DDH). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/developmental-dislocation-dysplasia-of-the-hip-ddh/
Individuals who have suffered cervical acceleration-deceleration/CAD more commonly known as whiplash, can experience headaches, and other symptoms like neck stiffness, pain, fatigue, and shoulder/neck/back discomfort. Can non-surgical and conservative treatments help alleviate the symptoms?
Cervical Acceleration – Deceleration or CAD
Cervical acceleration-deceleration is the mechanism of a neck injury caused by a forceful back-and-forth neck motion. It happens most commonly in rear-end vehicle collisions when the head and neck whip forward and backward with intense acceleration and/or deceleration causing the neck to flex and/or extend rapidly, more than normally, straining and possibly tearing muscle tissues and nerves, ligaments, dislocation of spinal discs and herniations, and cervical bone fractures.
For symptoms that do not improve or worsen after 2 to 3 weeks, see a healthcare provider or chiropractor for further evaluation and treatment.
Whiplash injuries strain or sprain the neck muscles and/or ligaments, but can also affect the vertebrae/bones, disc cushions between the vertebrae, and/or the nerves.
Whiplash symptoms can present right away, or after several hours to a few days after the incident, and tend to worsen in the days after the injury. Symptoms can last a few weeks to a few months, and can severely limit activity and range of motion. Symptoms can include: (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2023)
Pain that extends into the shoulders and back.
Neck stiffness
Limited neck motion
Muscle spasms
Numbness and tingling sensations – paresthesias or pins and needles in the fingers, hands, or arms.
Headaches – A whiplash headache usually starts at the base of the skull and can vary in intensity. Most individuals experience pain on one side of the head and toward the back, though some can experience symptoms all over their head, and a small number experience headaches on the forehead or behind the eyes. (Monica Drottning. 2003)
The headaches can become aggravated by moving the neck around, especially when looking up.
Headaches are often associated with shoulder pain along with sensitive neck and shoulder muscles that when touched can increase pain levels.
Whiplash headaches can lead to chronic neck-related headaches known as cervicogenic headaches. (Phil Page. 2011)
It is also important to rest your neck area following the injury.
A cervical collar can be utilized temporarily to stabilize the neck, but for long-term recovery, it is recommended to keep the area mobile.
Physical activity reduction until the individual can look over both shoulders, and tilt their head all the way forward, all the way back, and from side to side without pain or stiffness.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories – NSAIDs – Ibuprofen or Naproxen.
Muscle relaxers
If symptoms do not improve, a healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy and/or stronger pain medications. For whiplash headaches that last for several months, acupuncture, or spinal injections may be recommended.
Neck Injuries
References
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Whiplash Information Page.
Drottning M. (2003). Cervicogenic headache after a whiplash injury. Current pain and headache reports, 7(5), 384–386. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-003-0038-9
Page P. (2011). Cervicogenic headaches: an evidence-led approach to clinical management. International journal of sports physical therapy, 6(3), 254–266.
As one of the most load-bearing joints in the body, the hips nearly affect every movement. If the hip joint is involved in a vehicle crash, the space in the joint/hip capsule can fill with fluid, causing joint effusion or swelling, inflammation, dull-immobilizing pain, and stiffness. Hip pain is a common injury symptom reported after a vehicle crash. This pain can range from mild to severe and may be short-term or last for months. No matter the level of pain being experienced, action must be taken quickly to avoid long-term damage. Individuals need high-quality, patient-focused care from experienced specialists as soon as possible to get on the road to recovery.
Vehicle Crash Hip Injury
The hip joints must be healthy and work as effectively as possible to stay active. Arthritis, hip fractures, bursitis, tendonitis, injuries from falls, and automobile collisions are the most common causes of chronic hip pain. Depending upon the type of injury, individuals may experience pain symptoms in the thigh, groin, inside of the hip joint, or buttocks.
Associated Injuries
The most common injuries that cause pain in the hip after a collision include:
A hip ligament sprain or strain is caused by overstretched or torn ligaments.
These tissues attach bones to other bones and provide stability to the joints.
These injuries may only require rest and ice to heal, depending on the severity.
Chiropractic, decompression, and physical massage therapies may be necessary for realignment and to keep muscles flexible and relaxed.
Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, or the fluid-filled sac providing cushioning/material between bones and muscles.
It is one of the main causes of hip pain after an automobile collision and requires immediate medical attention.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a type of injury that affects soft tissues like tendons and ligaments, as opposed to bone and muscle.
Tendonitis can result in chronic pain and various discomfort symptoms in and around the hip area if left untreated.
Hip Labral Tear
A hip labral tear is a type of joint damage in which the soft tissue/labrum that covers the hip’s socket gets torn.
The tissue ensures that the thighbone head moves smoothly within the joint.
Damage to the labrum can lead to severe pain symptoms and affect mobility.
Hip Dislocation
A hip dislocation means the femur ball has popped out of the socket, causing the upper leg bone to slide out of place.
Hip dislocations can cause avascular necrosis, which is the death of bone tissue from a blockage in the blood supply.
Hip Fractures
The hip bones can be broken down into three parts:
Ilium
Pubis
Ischium
A hip fracture, or broken hip, occurs whenever a break, crack, or crush happens to any one of these parts of the hip.
Acetabular Fracture
An acetabular fracture is a break or a crack outside the hip socket that holds the hip and thigh bones together.
A fracture to this body part is not as common because of the location.
Significant force and impact are often necessary to cause this type of fracture.
Symptoms
If any of the following symptoms after a vehicle crash are experienced, it could be a hip injury and should be examined by a medical professional. These include:
Soreness or tenderness at the site of injury.
Bruising.
Swelling.
Difficulty moving the hip/s.
Intense pain when walking.
Limping.
Loss of muscle strength.
Abdominal pain.
Knee pain.
Groin pain.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
A doctor or specialist should always evaluate hip problems and pain symptoms. With the help of a physical examination and diagnostics like X-rays, CT Scans, or an MRI, a physician can diagnose and recommend treatment options. Treatment after a vehicle crash depends on the severity of the damage. For example, hip fractures often require immediate surgery, while other injuries may only necessitate medication, rest, and rehabilitation. Possible treatment plans include:
Rest
Pain, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medication.
Surgery – after surgery, a physical therapist can help stretch and work on muscles around the hip to gain mobility and flexibility for a complete recovery.
Total hip replacement
Our team collaborates with the necessary specialists to provide the complete care needed to experience full recovery and healing for long-term relief. The team will work together to form a comprehensive treatment plan to strengthen the hip muscles for better support and increased range of motion.
Movement as Medicine
References
Cooper, Joseph, et al. “Hip dislocations and concurrent injuries in motor vehicle collisions.” Injury vol. 49,7 (2018): 1297-1301. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2018.04.023
Fadl, Shaimaa A, and Claire K Sandstrom. “Pattern Recognition: A Mechanism-based Approach to Injury Detection after Motor Vehicle Collisions.” Radiographics: a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc vol. 39,3 (2019): 857-876. doi:10.1148/rg.2019180063
Frank, C J et al. “Acetabular fractures.” The Nebraska medical journal vol. 80,5 (1995): 118-23.
Masiewicz, Spencer, et al. “Posterior Hip Dislocation.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 22 April 2023.
Monma, H, and T Sugita. “Is the mechanism of traumatic posterior dislocation of the hip a brake pedal injury rather than a dashboard injury?.” Injury vol. 32,3 (2001): 221-2. doi:10.1016/s0020-1383(00)00183-2
Patel, Vijal, et al. “The association between knee airbag deployment and knee-thigh-hip fracture injury risk in motor vehicle collisions: A matched cohort study.” Accident; Analysis and Prevention vol. 50 (2013): 964-7. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2012.07.023
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
“Motor Vehicle Safety.” Annals of emergency medicine vol. 68,1 (2016): 146-7. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.04.045
Sims, J K et al. “Automobile accident occupant injuries.” JACEP vol. 5,10 (1976): 796-808. doi:10.1016/s0361-1124(76)80313-9
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
Back injuries from vehicle collisions vary from person to person. Common injuries may include strains, sprains, herniated discs, and fractures, and individuals dealing with certain spinal conditions like spinal stenosis may cause the medical condition to accelerate. Still, the force and physical impact the body absorbs during a crash, no matter how minor the accident or how safe the car is, will cause bodily aches and pains with the potential for other spinal conditions. Chiropractic care, massage, decompression, and traction therapy can relieve symptoms and restore mobility and function.
Back Injuries From Vehicle Collisions
Depending on how the impact affects the spine, problems can present in various areas of the back. The violent motion can sprain, strain, and fracture spinal components. Even minor incidents can impact mobility. Symptoms can stem from inflammation, compressed nerves, or fractures. Any damage can have long-lasting effects on the vertebrae, nerve roots, and back muscles. A vehicle collision can affect the following:
Lumbar vertebrae – lower back
Thoracic vertebrae – middle/upper back
Cervical vertebrae – neck
Each area consists of bones, tissues, muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments extending from the neck to the pelvis.
The most common back injuries are to the neck and lower back, where the most movement and shifting occurs, often causing nerve damage.
The central placement and rigid structure make middle back injuries less common.
Upper back injuries that connect the rib and chest region can affect breathing.
Soft tissue injuries might not show up immediately.
Symptoms
After a vehicle collision, it’s common to feel sore all over. The symptoms can range from manageable discomfort to complete immobility. Individuals may experience the following:
Muscle spasms
The muscle may repeatedly twitch, feel like hard knots, and feel tender to the touch.
Muscle spasms can vary in pain levels from mild to debilitating.
Stiffness
Individuals may not feel as flexible because of the muscle tension that activated during the crash to protect the body.
Stiffness can go away after light stretching or continue throughout the day.
Burning or Shooting Pain
A burning or shooting pain may travel down the back and buttocks through the back of one or both legs.
It can be mild, dull aches and pains that go away quickly or last for days.
Changing positions, such as sitting up after waking up or standing up after sitting, can cause sharp acute pain.
Certain physical activities can cause a throbbing sensation or mild pain when attempting to perform various tasks.
Tingling and/or Numbness
Tense muscles can pinch nerves leading to sensations of tingling or numbness in the legs, feet, arms, or hands.
Head Issues
Headaches, dizziness, or disorientation can present.
Spinal Disorders
Back injuries from vehicle collisions can result in a degenerative disc disorder months or years later. It can also speed up health issues individuals didn’t know they had before the crash. As the body ages, previous damage combined with degeneration can result in:
Micro-tears within the muscles and ligaments are common and cannot be found through a standard x-ray.
Spinal adjustments can bring the spine back into alignment, producing natural anti-inflammatory properties to assist with discomfort and heal the tears.
Scar Tissue Breakdown
Muscles can get scarred, causing stiffness and soreness.
Chiropractic massage targets these areas and breaks down the build-up quicker than if it was left to heal on its own.
Less scar tissue means faster recovery.
Range of Motion and Mobility Restored
Back injuries can result in restricted mobility.
It may be difficult to turn or move when the muscles are inflamed.
Mobilizing the spine through adjustments restores the proper range of motion.
Decreased Medication Use
Prescription pain medications can turn into dependency.
Chiropractic adjustments can ensure that the injury is healed and the pain is not just masked.
Long-Term Benefits
Receiving chiropractic care can help prevent minor injuries from worsening into serious and chronic conditions.
Post Whiplash Symptoms
References
Erbulut, Deniz U. “Biomechanics of neck injuries resulting from rear-end vehicle collisions.” Turkish neurosurgery vol. 24,4 (2014): 466-70. doi:10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.9218-13.1
National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. (2020) “Spinal Cord Injury: Facts and Figures at a Glance.” https://www.nspine injurysc.uab.edu/Public/Facts%20and%20Figures%202020.pdf
Rao, Raj D et al. “Occupant and Crash Characteristics of Elderly Subjects With Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Injuries After Motor Vehicle Collisions.” Spine vol. 41,1 (2016): 32-8. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000001079
Rao, Raj D et al. “Occupant and crash characteristics in thoracic and lumbar spine injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions.” The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine Society vol. 14,10 (2014): 2355-65. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2014.01.038
Many complex spinal surgeries take place in a hospital environment. The individual spends a night or two in the hospital, so medical staff can monitor them if any complications arise. However, outpatient surgeries have increased with new developments in minimally invasive procedures, pain management, and home rehabilitation. The improvements compared to traditional spinal surgical procedures are significant. These advancements have made it possible to perform more complex surgeries outside of a hospital. Outpatient surgeries have:
Accelerated recovery times
Decreased complications
Decreased infections
Healthier overall outcomes
Outpatient Surgery Candidates
Determining if outpatient surgery can be performed effectively depends on the injury/s and/or conditions that the individual is going through. An individual who is debilitated or has underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications or do not have support at home to assist with recovery and rehabilitation is recommended to have the surgery done in a hospital. To be considered for outpatient spine surgery, a surgeon looks at:
Standalone ambulatory surgery centers offer same-day surgical procedures for individuals that meet specific criteria. Medical staff assess the patient’s condition and determine recovery at home. If issues arise, the individual can be transferred to a hospital. Some facilities are single-specialty facilities, focusing on one medical specialty, and others are multi-specialty, meaning they offer a range of medical services from:
Orthopedic
Podiatry
Pain management services
Procedures
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion – ACDF
ACDF is a two-part surgery. First, the surgeon removes part of an intervertebral disc with bulged and compressed nerves from the spinal cord. Because there is less cushion, the vertebrae above and below are fused to prevent and eliminate painful movement. The discectomy:
Provides more accessible access to the vertebrae
Reduces healing time
Causes less pain
ACDF outpatient procedure treats several neck conditions that include:
Cervical spinal stenosis
Cervical radiculopathy
Neck-related degenerative disc disease
Herniated disc
Cervical spinal fracture
Individuals recover in the surgical center for one to several hours following the surgery before returning home. Traditional ACDF procedure takes three weeks to three months to recover.
Lumbar Discectomy
A lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasiveprocedure that repairs a lower back herniated disc compressing the surrounding nerves. This procedure provides compression relief and allows the nerve to heal. A traditional lumbar discectomy takes four to six weeks to recover.
Lumbar Laminectomy
This minimally invasive procedure removes thickened ligaments and lamina from the lower back. This opens the spinal canal space, relieving pressure and bringing pain relief. The surgery commonly treats lower-back spinal stenosis. A traditional laminectomy takes four to six weeks to recover.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Outpatient lumbar spinal fusion permanently connects two or more vertebrae in the lower back. The surgery helps stabilize the spine from severe arthritis or herniated disc removal. Spinal fusion has been found to be effective for correcting certain spinal deformities. The surgery involves a short recovery time at the outpatient center, after which the individual can return home the same day. A traditional or open spinal fusion requires a two-to-three-day hospital stay. After four to six weeks and with a doctor’s clearance, individuals can return to light activities, with full recovery requiring six months.
Chiropractic Spinal Decompression
References
International Journal of Spine Surgery. (April 16, 2021) “The expanding frontier of outpatient spine surgery.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33900984/
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) “Spinal fusion.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spinal-fusion/about/pac-20384523
Neurosurgeons of New Jersey. (July 21, 2019) “Lumbar discectomy recovery timeline: Your guide to recovery.” https://www.neurosurgeonsofnewjersey.com/blog/lumbar-discectomy-recovery-time/#:~:text=The%20overall%20lumbar%20discectomy%20recovery,discectomy%20recovery%20time%20should%20progress
Rothman Orthopaedics. (March 2, 2017) “Outpatient spine surgery: A new way to look at surgery.” https://rothmanortho.com/stories/blog/outpatient-spine-surgery
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