Car Accidents

Car accidents are among the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain, affecting millions of Americans each year. At Lake Travis Chiropractic in Austin, Texas, experienced chiropractor Ryan Smith, DC, treats car accident injuries using the Gonstead Method of chiropractic care. This noninvasive treatment approach relieves pain, improves musculoskeletal alignment, and promotes healing. Call Lake Travis Chiropractic today to schedule car accident injury treatment, or book your appointment online.

How do car accidents cause musculoskeletal pain?

Car accidents happen when your car collides with another vehicle or object or when another vehicle crashes into you. The sudden impact of the collision causes your head to snap back and forth, increases your risk of soft-tissue injuries, and can even break bones.

What are some common injuries caused by car accidents?

At Lake Travis Chiropractic, Dr. Smith treats various car accident injuries, including:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones (fractures)
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Headaches
• Muscle strains
• Ligament sprains
• Arm and leg pain
• Knee trauma

Even if you don’t experience symptoms at first, making an appointment with a chiropractor is a good idea. Many car accident injuries develop slowly. Treatment reduces your risk of complications.

How does a chiropractor diagnose car accident injuries?

Dr. Smith reviews your medical records and asks about your accident, including how fast you were driving when it happened, whether you were wearing your seatbelt, and what symptoms you’re experiencing.

Next, he completes a physical exam and orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an MRI, to check for injuries to your bones, joints, and surrounding soft tissues. The Gonstead Method of chiropractic care is one of the few techniques that embrace diagnostic imaging and similar technologies.

After pinpointing the source of your discomfort, Dr. Smith develops a personalized treatment plan that relieves pain, promotes healing, and helps you return to your routine.

How does a chiropractor treat car accident injuries?

Dr. Smith treats car accident injuries using an integrative and minimally invasive approach. He could suggest:

• Chiropractic adjustments to realign your bones, joints, and vertebrae
• Exercises and stretches to increase circulation and reduce inflammation
• Proper ergonomics to improve your posture
• Ice and heat therapy
• Topical pain relievers (for example, ointments and lotions)
• Stress management techniques to relax tense muscles
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Most car accident injuries benefit from several of the above treatments. Dr. Smith monitors your symptoms at routine checkups and adjusts your treatment plan when needed to ensure lasting pain relief.

Can I reduce my risk of car accident injuries?

Practicing defensive driving is the easiest way to reduce your risk of car accident injuries. Dr. Smith recommends always wearing a seatbelt (it’s mandated by law in most places anyway), following the speed limit, and keeping a safe distance between yourself and other cars.

Call Lake Travis Chiropractic today to schedule auto accident injury treatment, or book your appointment online.