Neck and back pain are commonly associated with car accident injuries and can often be linked back to injury or damage to the nervous system. Many victims of car accidents want to find treatment options that only include surgery as a last resort. There are doctors of neurology in San Antonio who focus on non-surgical neurological treatments in order to provide car accident victims with the most noninvasive or minimally invasive treatments when possible.
Car Accident-Related Neurological Conditions
Many common car accident injuries involve the nervous system and can benefit from treatment by a neurologist.
Concussion
A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury that can occur from a blow to the head. While concussions are more commonly associated with sports like football and soccer, it is possible to get a concussion from a car accident. The force of the accident can cause you to hit your head on part of the car like the window, steering wheel, or dashboard. If the blow to your head is strong enough it can lead to a concussion.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common type of car accident injury because it affects the parts of your body that are not otherwise restrained by a seatbelt: your head and neck. Whether you were in a rear-end collision or side-swiped by another vehicle, the force of impact can cause your head to snap forward and backward rapidly, causing strained neck muscles and damage to your spine. Swelling and inflammation in these areas can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to neurological pain symptoms like tingling and numbness.
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can occur due to a number of reasons if you’ve been in a car accident. You can get a pinched nerve from whiplash, or possibly from how your back was jostled and twisted during the accident. Car accidents can cause misalignments in the spine that can put pressure on nearby nerves. When these nerves are compressed too much it can affect their functioning and send stabbing pain, tingling, and numbness through to your extremities.
Non-Surgical Neurological Treatment Options
Whether you are suffering from a concussion, whiplash, pinched nerve, or another type of car accident injury, you may be able to try non-surgical neurological treatments instead of surgical intervention. Here are a few types of non-invasive or minimally invasive treatment options, which may be beneficial depending on the type and severity of your injury.
Pain Management
Reducing and managing pain are key to your healing and recovery process. When you need neurological treatment for an injury, a key aspect of your treatment plan will involve addressing the root cause of your back pain so you can experience long-term pain relief. Your neurologist can also talk to you about ways you can supplement your treatment at home by staying active and hydrated.
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage can help with a variety of injuries to the neck and back after a car accident. These types of musculoskeletal injuries involve the spine, muscles, and other supportive soft tissues that may be experiencing inflammation, soreness, and pain. Massage therapy helps restore healthy blood flow to the area and neuromuscular massage can help release stiffness and strain in muscles.
Injections
Your neurologist may recommend injections as part of your pain management treatment plan, which may involve injecting a steroid or anesthetic medicine into the affected area. This can help block pain messages and numb areas where you are experiencing pain. There are many types of injections available and your neurologist can talk with you about which might be most appropriate for your injury.
Chiropractic Care
Your neurologist may also want to incorporate other treatment options and refer to healthcare providers like chiropractors to help manage your neurological pain and symptoms. For example, ProCare Medical Centers offers in-house referrals for neurologists alongside chiropractors and primary care providers. Chiropractors can use therapeutic adjustment techniques to restore proper spinal alignment and even talk to you about diet and lifestyle changes to promote healthier habits going forward.
Going to the doctor after a car accident can be a stress-less experience when you have a team of providers who are highly knowledgeable and skilled in addressing all types of car accident injuries. At ProCare Medical Centers, our team provides primary care, chiropractic care, and in-house referrals for neurology in San Antonio so you experience the best in comprehensive care all in one convenient location. Visit us online to learn more and schedule an appointment to find out what non-surgical options are available for you.
