Chiropractic care is a great way to help people recover from motor vehicle injuries and other types of injuries, as well as to prevent them. Research has shown that chiropractic can reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, reduce muscle pain and tension, and improve the body's ability to heal itself. Spinal manipulation (MS) is an effective option for treating certain types of spinal pain and some headaches, but there is a potential risk of traumatic injury if the manipulation is not done properly. Unfortunately, there have been cases where patients have suffered serious injuries after seeing a chiropractor.
Chiropractic is widely used by college and professional sports teams across the country to help their athletes recover from injuries and prevent new ones when they return to the field of play. One hundred percent of teams in the National Football League and Major League Baseball have chiropractors on their roster, while 72% of golfers in the Professional Golf Association receive treatments while on tour. Injuries caused by a car accident can cause both sprains and strains in the driver and passengers, which can worsen over time without proper treatment. Common injuries that people seek chiropractic care for after being involved in a car accident include muscle pain, strains, and sprains.
Chiropractic works by restoring normal spinal function, allowing tissues to heal and be pain-free. A study of Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 to 99 found that those who went to the chiropractic office had a 76% lower risk of suffering a neuromusculoskeletal problem or of injuring their head, neck or trunk within seven days compared to those who saw a primary care doctor. The cumulative probability of injury in the chiropractic cohort was 40 incidents of injury per 100,000 subjects, compared to 153 incidents per 100,000 subjects in the primary care cohort. In addition to manipulation or mobilization, the chiropractor may recommend massages, soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy, flexion-distraction therapy, traction, electrical nerve stimulation treatments, or ultrasound therapy.
It is important to fully understand the limits of chiropractic treatment, as well as the possible risks associated with aggressive or spasmodic movements of the neck and spine. Overall, chiropractic care can be an effective way to treat and prevent sports injuries by restoring optimal joint mobility, aligning the spine, and eliminating nerve interference. It can also be beneficial for those who have been injured in car accidents or other types of accidents. However, it is important for patients to understand what type of care they receive and to be aware of the potential risks associated with aggressive or spasmodic movements of the neck and spine.
