The consequences of a car accident affect not only the driver of the vehicle. A car passenger can also suffer whiplash and spinal cord injuries. These injuries might not be apparent right after the accident. To avoid complications, turning to a chiropractor if you are a passenger in a car involved in an accident is vital.

Common Injuries Sustained by a Passenger in a Car Accident

The injuries you receive in a car accident can depend on many factors, including the type of accident, the speeds at which the vehicles traveled, and whether you were wearing a seat belt or not.

The two most common injuries that chiropractors see in people who were in car accidents are whiplash-related injuries and spinal cord injuries.

Whiplash is when your body experiences violent movement in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

Some of the symptoms of whiplash from a car accident include the following:

• Loss of movement in the neck
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Neck stiffness
• Dizziness
• Back pain
• Pain in the arms and hands
• Vision problems
• Vertigo
• Ringing in the ears

These symptoms do not always appear right after a car accident. For many people, including the passenger, they can begin a full 24 hours after the collision.

A spinal cord injury from a car accident can cause permanent damage. Seek medical attention and contact a chiropractor if you experience the below symptoms:

• Migraines
• Numbness and tingling in your hands or feet
• Back pain
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Pain in the abdomen
• Loss of coordination
• Cognitive issues
• Inability to feel heat or cold

It can take days and even weeks for these symptoms to appear after a car accident.

How Chiropractors Can Help a Car Accident Passenger

Turning to a chiropractor ensures that even a car accident passenger can get the right treatment. Since there can be an overlap in symptoms between whiplash and a spinal injury, you need a professional to diagnose you correctly.

Chiropractors can help minimize inflammation by manipulating your spine to align it. When that happens, your body lowers its inflammatory response to the injuries.

Visiting a chiropractor can help resolve any flexibility issues you may experience in your neck and back after a car accident. With chiropractic adjustments, you can regain the full use of your body.

Pain is common after a car accident. A chiropractor can perform spinal manipulations that stimulate your body to release pain-relieving hormones.

Get the Expert Help You Need

When you turn to Veeva Clinic, you can get the help you need from chiropractors specializing in car accident injuries. Call today to make an appointment.