Car Accident Chiropractor

What causes car accident injuries?

Car accident injuries often occur when your vehicle collides with another car or object, or when someone else crashes into you. The sudden impact can cause a range of musculoskeletal injuries that affect your bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. Even if you feel fine after a car accident it’s crucial to visit a car accident chiropractor- such as Elite Family Chiropractic.

Many injuries like whiplash can take hours or even days to develop noticeable symptoms. Early intervention from a chiropractor can prevent these issues from worsening and support a more effective recovery.

What are some common car accident injuries?

At Elite Family Chiropractic, Dr. Gorski diagnoses and treats a variety of car accident injuries. Some injuries may be minor others can be more significant here is a of common car accident injuries:

Head and Brain Injuries

• Concussion: A mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or sudden jolt.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Ranging from mild to severe, these injuries can cause lasting brain damage and cognitive impairment.
• Contusions: Bruising on the brain caused by the impact of the brain striking the inside of the skull.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Damage to the brain’s connecting fibers (axons), leading to widespread brain injury.

Neck and Spine Injuries

• Whiplash: Soft tissue and or connective tissue damage to the neck, commonly caused by rear-end collisions.
• Cervical Radiculopathy: Nerve root irritation or compression in the neck, leading to pain radiating down the arms.
• Herniated or Bulging Discs: Damage to the intervertebral discs that can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Fractured Vertebrae: Broken bones in the spine, which can lead to paralysis if severe.
• Neck Sprains: Ligament injuries that can cause pain and dysfunction.
• Neck Strains: Muscle injuries that can cause stiffness and pain.
  
  Back and Thoracic Injuries
• Thoracic Spine Injuries: Injuries to the upper and mid-back, including fractures, sprains, or disc injuries.
• Lumbar Spine Injuries: Lower back injuries, including strains, herniated discs, and fractures.
• Internal Bruising or Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma can cause bruising or damage to organs in the back area.
  
  Chest and Rib Injuries
• Rib Fractures: Broken ribs that can lead to severe pain and difficulty breathing.
• Sternal Fractures: Fractures of the breastbone, often caused by seat belts or airbags.
• Pulmonary Contusions: Bruising of the lung tissue, leading to impaired breathing.
  
  Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries
• Internal Bleeding: Damage to internal organs leading to blood pooling in the abdomen or pelvic region.
• Liver, Spleen, or Kidney Damage: These organs are susceptible to trauma in car accidents, potentially causing life-threatening internal injuries.
• Pelvic Fractures: Breaks in the bones of the pelvis, which can be serious and require extensive recovery.
• Bladder Rupture: Damage to the bladder, which can occur during severe pelvic trauma.
  
  Upper and Lower Extremity Injuries
• Fractured Arms, Wrists, or Hands: Common in people bracing themselves for impact.
• Shoulder Injuries: Including dislocation, fractures, or rotator cuff tears.
• Clavicle Fracture: Breaks in the collarbone, common in front-impact crashes.
• Dislocated Joints: Shoulders, elbows, hips, or knees can be dislocated during a collision.
• Knee Injuries: Damage to the meniscus, ligaments (ACL, PCL), or fractures from impact with the dashboard.
• Leg and Ankle Injuries: Common in side-impact crashes or high-speed collisions.
• Foot and Toe Injuries: Broken bones or soft tissue damage from bracing or being trapped during the crash.
  
  Soft Tissue/Connective Tissue Injuries
• Bruises and Contusions: Damage to soft tissues from impact with the seatbelt, airbag, or other objects.
• Muscle Strains: Damage to muscles and tendons due to sudden force or tension.
• Ligament Injuries: Tears or overstretching of ligaments, particularly in the knees, shoulders, or spine.
• Tendon Tears: Damage to tendons, especially in the arms, legs, or neck.
  
  Facial Injuries
• Facial Fractures: Broken bones in the nose, cheekbones, or jaw.
• Dental Injuries: Broken, cracked, or knocked-out teeth.
• Eye Injuries: Damage to the eyes from debris, airbag deployment, or direct impact.
• Facial Burns: Caused by airbag deployment or contact with hot surfaces or chemicals.
  
  Psychological Injuries
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety, flashbacks, or fear associated with the traumatic event.
• Depression: A potential result of dealing with chronic pain, loss of mobility, or changes in lifestyle.
• Anxiety Disorders: Fear or worry, especially surrounding driving or riding in vehicles.
• Sleep Disorders: Insomnia or nightmares related to the trauma of the accident.

While musculoskeletal injuries are common car accidents can also place significant stress on the spine and surrounding joints. Even if injuries seem minor a chiropractic evaluation and other noninvasive treatments from a car accident chiropractor can help restore your body’s balance and promote a faster recovery.

How are car accident injuries diagnosed?

When you visit Elite Family Chiropractic, Dr. Gorski works to identify the root cause of your pain. Car accident injuries can stem from a variety of tissues including muscle, ligament, bone, nerve, or disc problems. The injuries may also be mechanical in nature, affecting the alignment and function of your spine and joints.

Dr. Gorski will conduct a thorough physical examination, checking the affected area for bruising, swelling, and tenderness. He will also assess your muscle strength, reflexes, and flexibility. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, he may utilize advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays, x-ray digitization, or MRI scans. These imaging tools allow Dr. Gorski to evaluate the condition of your bones, joints, and connective tissues, and pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort.

How are car accident injuries treated?

Dr. Gorski takes an integrative and holistic approach to treating car accident injuries, focusing on both immediate pain relief and long-term healing. Treatment plans are customized based on the severity of your injuries and may include:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• Ice and Heat Therapy
• Manual Therapy
• Activity Modification
• Spinal Rehabilitation
• Class IV Laser Therapy
• Cervical Traction
• Interferential Therapy
• Shockwave Therapy

The goal of chiropractic care for car accident injuries is twofold. First, Dr. Gorski aims to manage your pain and provide immediate relief. Second, he works to correct any mechanical dysfunctions in your spine or joints. By addressing these underlying issues, you can reduce the risk of long-term complications and support your body’s ability to heal.

Depending on the extent of your injuries, it may take a combination of treatments to achieve lasting relief. Dr. Gorski will guide you through every step of the process and provide personalized instructions to ensure a positive outcome. Dr. Gorski may also refer and collaborate with other providers during your recovery.

Why should I choose a car accident chiropractor for my recovery?

A car accident chiropractor, like Dr. Gorski, specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries that affect the spine and body following a collision. Chiropractors use noninvasive techniques to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore mobility. Unlike traditional medical approaches that may focus solely on pain management, chiropractic care takes a holistic view, addressing the mechanical and structural issues caused by the accident.

Dr. Gorski collaborates with a network of healthcare providers, including pain management specialists, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and physical therapists, to ensure you receive comprehensive and collaborative care. This multidisciplinary approach can be particularly beneficial for complex or severe injuries, as it ensures that every aspect of your recovery is addressed.

What should I expect from chiropractic visit?

When you visit a chiropractor like Dr. Gorski, your treatment will likely involve two main phases. The first phase focuses on managing your pain and discomfort, while the second phase addresses the structural and mechanical problems in your spine and joints.

During the pain management phase, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and other noninvasive treatments can reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and alleviate muscle tension. Once your pain is under control, Dr. Gorski will focus on correcting any underlying misalignments or mechanical dysfunctions that could contribute to future issues.

Chiropractic care is a gradual process, and recovery times vary depending on the severity of your injuries. However, regular appointments with your car accident chiropractor will help ensure a successful recovery and prevent long-term complications from untreated injuries.

Why choose a fellowship-trained chiropractor for accident injury recovery?

Fellowship-trained chiropractors undergo extensive training. Dr. Gorski is a trauma-qualified chiropractor and is Fellowship trained. After earning your trauma qualification in a 1-year program as a prerequisite, the Fellowship is a 2-year program involving significant literature study, documentation, testing, and clinical rotations in the following specialties:

• Rotation #1: Pain Management - Clinical Practice
• Rotation #2: Pain Management - Procedural Observation
• Rotation #3: MRI Physics - MRI Technician
• Rotation #4: Neuroradiology - Radiology Observation
• Rotation #5: Orthopedic Surgery Extremities - ClinicalPractice
• Rotation #6: Orthopedic Surgery Extremities - Surgical Observation
• Rotation #7: Orthopedic Surgery Spine - Clinical Practice
• Rotation #8: Orthopedic Surgery Spine - Surgical Observation
• Rotation #9: Neurosurgery - Clinical Practice
• Rotation #10: Neurosurgery - Surgical Observation
• Rotation #11: Emergency Medicine - Emergency Room Observation
• Rotation #12: Family Practice - Clinical Practice (In/Out-Patient)

These are done in both the hospital and private clinical settings in our community.

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s essential to seek immediate care from a trusted car accident chiropractor. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in your recovery process. This prevents further damage and ensures that you regain your health as quickly and safely as possible.

At Elite Family Chiropractic we are here to guide you through every step of your healing journey.