You may think it will never happen to you, but auto accident injuries are more common than you think. Around 1.35 million people die as a result of car crashes each year. That’s a shocking 3,700 lives lost every single day. The people who are lucky enough to survive being in an accident on the road rarely get off lightly.

Between 20 and 50 million people each year suffer non-fatal injuries as a result of auto accidents. Many of these injuries develop into long-term disabilities. Mild pain or discomfort which you think is nothing at the time can easily transform into something major that can affect you for the rest of your life.

To keep yourself and your family safe, it’s important you maintain full concentration on the road. But sometimes, through no fault of your own, accidents happen. And when they do, it’s essential you know what to do in order to avoid becoming another statistic.

The most common auto accident injury

The injury you’re most likely to experience following an auto accident is soft tissue damage. This type of damage affects your body’s connective tissues, such as your tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Soft tissue damage can cause all kinds of discomfort, from digestive pain, headaches, and sprains to bruises, stiffness, and swelling.

The symptoms you get following soft tissue damage aren’t always obviously caused by a car accident. For example, you’re unlikely to think a persistent headache was the result of a crash on the road. This is why it’s always important to seek medical treatment shortly after any serious accident.

Whiplash is one of the most common types of soft tissue damage caused as a result of an auto accident. This happens when your ligaments and muscles are unexpectedly stretched due to the sudden movement of your neck and head during a crash.

The same force that causes damage to your neck can also affect other soft tissues in your body, such as those on your back. This is why many people who have been in auto accidents report pain in their lower and middle back regions.

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How to prevent it

The easiest way to avoid soft tissue damage is simple — become a safer driver. While accidents are inevitable and you can’t force other people on the road to drive more safely, you can control the way you conduct yourself while driving.

A rear-end collision is the most common cause of soft tissue injuries on the road. To avoid this type of accident, always try to keep your distance, avoid driving when drowsy, and stay away from situations that could cause you to suddenly use your breaks. Keeping your eyes on the road and away from your smartphone or others in the car will also help you stay safe.

You can also get hurt in single-vehicle accidents by colliding with road barriers, animals, or even swerving off the road completely. To prevent injuries caused by these hazards, drive at a suitable speed for the weather. If visibility is too low, delay your journey until things improve and you can drive safely.

If it happens to you

If you experience whiplash or any other type of soft tissue damage, it’s wise to contact a chiropractor as soon as you can. The longer you wait to seek medical treatment, the more time your injuries have to develop and become more serious.

You may feel fine after your auto accident — but that doesn’t necessarily mean your body hasn’t suffered damage. Over time, you may notice a pain in your back or neck that simply won’t go away. The longer it goes untreated, the more likely it is to grow into something severe, instead of something that can be treated quickly and easily.

When treating you for whiplash, your chiropractor will use spinal manipulation techniques to release the tension and pain you’re experiencing. Your doctor will gently move the damaged joint in the direction it’s currently restricted. You’ll feel an immediate release after your first session and, over the course of your treatment, the pain and tension will usually disappear entirely.

Sometimes more complex treatments and procedures are necessary to improve whiplash symptoms. But most people get total relief from several spinal manipulation and massage sessions.

If you’re concerned about the cost, you really don’t need to be. Treatment for injuries following an auto accident is typically included in your auto insurance PIP coverage. This means you could pay as little as $0 out of pocket for your chiropractic care.

Get help today

If you’ve recently been in an auto accident and haven’t yet received treatment, schedule an appointment online with us today. Our experienced chiropractors can answer any questions you may have and give you advice on the best way to move forward.

The longer you postpone seeking medical attention, the worse your injuries will become. Do yourself a favor and get in touch today to avoid your minor injury becoming something serious.