How your chiropractor in Chula Vista, California, can help you after an auto accident

Auto accidents are frightening and the trauma can affect your body for a long time afterward. Modern safety equipment in your car can help lessen the trauma, but your body will still be jostled around. You can suffer joint, muscle, tendon and ligament injuries that can keep you sidelined from being active.

Dr. Steven Wachs at Wachs Chiropractic Health Center in Chula Vista, CA, wants to help you get relief. He proudly serves the residents of Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido and North County San Diego.

Different types of car accidents affect your body in different ways:

• If you are hit from the rear, in a "whiplash" type accident, your head, chest, neck and spine can all be injured. These whiplash type traumas result in muscle imbalance, this pulls the spine out of alignment forcing the head forward resulting in pain and oftentimes impairment.
• If you are hit from the side, your head, chest, lower extremities and abdomen can be injured. You may even suffer damage to your internal organs.
• If you are hit from the front, your chest and lower extremities are at greater risk of injury in addition to the trauma sustained by the head and neck and spine; and if you are not wearing a seatbelt, you may suffer injuries to your head and face.

To help prevent auto accident injuries, always wear your seatbelt, even for short distances; and always be aware of your surroundings. There are some effective home remedies you can try to get relief immediately. Consider:

• Resting for the first 24 hours after your auto accident
• Applying ice or heat to the injured area several times each day
• Taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain and to reduce swelling
• Doing gentle stretching exercises to reduce stiffness and prevent loss of motion
• And if you're pain persists and is not manageable with conservative measures it is recommended to present to the emergency room.

It’s important to visit Dr. Wachs as soon as you can after your accident, even if you feel better. You may have tissue damage or other issues you may not know about. He may suggest:

• Chiropractic manipulation to increase joint function and range of motion and improve nervous system function.
• Electrical stimulation to increase circulation and reduce pain by loosening stiff muscles
• Advanced laser therapy to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, decrease swelling and for pain relief.
• Therapeutic massage to reduce swelling, tension and pain

If you are in an auto accident, your body may be injured, but the effects may be invisible to you. Your chiropractor can help you heal, so call Dr. Steven M. Wachs at Wachs Chiropractic Health Center in Chula Vista, CA. He helps the residents of Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido and North County San Diego and he can help you too, so call today!