In a split second, a motor vehicle accident can do more than wreck your car, it can leave behind real and sometimes lasting injuries that persist well after the impact.
Auto accidents take various forms, from rear-end and head-on collisions to side-swipes, single-vehicle accidents, and parking lot fender-benders. Each type of accident presents unique risks, leading to injuries like whiplash, broken bones, spinal trauma, and even concussions. Factors such as speed, impact angle, and safety measures affect the crash's severity and the types of injuries sustained.
In this article, we will discuss the 3 most common auto accident collision types we see in the office. We will also discuss the unique injuries each type of accident causes and the treatments that a chiropractor can help with following car accidents.
Common Types of Auto Accidents
Rear-End Collisions:
These accidents account for 37.5% of all car accidents, commonly occur when a vehicle fails to stop in time and hits the rear of the car in front. This can be because of several factors, including distracted driving, following too closely, or sudden braking. Even at low speeds, the impact can cause serious injuries, as the occupants in the front vehicle jolt forward and then snap back.
Whiplash: The most common injury resulting from rear-end collisions is whiplash. This occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked back and forth, resulting in significant strain on the muscles and ligaments. Whiplash often results in neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited range of motion (ROM). The severity of whiplash can vary significantly, with symptoms sometimes appearing hours or even days after the accident.
Back injuries, such as sprains, back strains, and even herniated discs. The lower back is especially vulnerable to injury from the sudden force of impact. In more severe cases, spinal injuries can occur, which may require extended treatment including rehabilitation.
Head and Brain injuries, including concussions, are also common. The violent movement in a rear-end collision can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. This leads to dizziness, confusion, headaches, or memory problems.
Soft tissue injuries of the shoulder, arms, and torso can occur as the body braces for impact. Even at low speeds, rear-end collisions can have a lasting effect. Sometimes, injuries may not be fully apparent directly following the accident due to adrenaline. This highlights the importance of seeking medical evaluation after any accident.
Side-swipe Accidents, also known as Side-Impact Collisions:
These accidents account for 10.5% of auto accidents. They occur when two vehicles moving in the same or opposite directions collide or brush against each other's sides. Side-swipe accidents generally occur at lower speeds compared to other types of collisions. These low-speed collisions can still lead to severe injuries.
Shoulder injuries and broken or bruised arms are likely side-swipe injuries. This occurs because of the impact on the driver or passenger side doors, which can cause the car occupants to impact objects in the car, such as the door, window, or armrest. This abrupt sideways motion can lead to sprains, fractures, or bruising in the shoulders and upper limbs.
Neck and spine injuries also frequently occur because of the sudden lateral motion. Side-swipe impacts can cause whiplash-like injuries as the neck is forced to the side, straining muscles and ligaments. The sideways force can also compress the spine in unusual ways, potentially leading to disc injuries or pinched nerves, particularly if the impact is severe.
Head injuries following this type of accident are common. The primary injury we see is concussions after patients strike an object in the car (window, door, airbag). Symptoms of concussion include dizziness, headaches, and confusion.
Rib & Torso Injuries are more likely with this type of accident. The direction impact which throws the passengers sideways in the car which can injury the ribcage. Injuries may include bruised or broken ribs from being forcefully pressed against a door or window. Seatbelts, though essential for safety, may also contribute to torso bruising from the sideways jolt.
Overall, injuries in side-swipe accidents often result from the abrupt, sideways force applied to the body. While these accidents may seem minor, they can cause significant pain and discomfort, with injuries that may worsen if not promptly treated.
Parking Lot Accidents (Fender Bender):
This type of crash is frequent because of the constant movement of vehicles in tight spaces, limited visibility, and distractions. These accidents often happen at low speeds as vehicles navigate narrow lanes or reverse out of parking spots, yet they can still lead to notable injuries and damage.
Despite occurring at lower speeds, parking lot accidents can still produce significant trauma because the force of a vehicle is enough to impact the body suddenly and violently.
Some common injuries from parking lot accidents include:
Whiplash, Neck Strain: Whiplash occurs due to a sudden impact to the neck, causing quick motion either forward and backward or side to side. This movement strains the cervical spine and damages the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Pain and headaches are common as well.
Back Injuries: Even at low speeds, the force of a minor accident can lead to back pain and injuries. Disc herniations, muscle strains, and ligament sprains are likely. These injuries may not be immediately noticeable and can develop slowly over time.
Concussions: Low-speed accidents can cause to damage the brain. The sudden impact can lead to concussion or concussion-like symptoms. These include dizziness, headaches, difficulty with memory, and confusion.
Shoulder Pain: The impact from the accident can cause shoulder sprains, rotator cuff strains, and sometimes dislocation. The placement of the seat belt and the bracing of impact are some of the causes of these shoulder and arm injuries.
Soft Tissue Bruising: The force of an unexpected impact can cause the seatbelt to bruise the soft tissue of the body. The torso and shoulders are the most common.
Although parking lot accidents may seem minor, it’s essential to treat even minor parking lot accidents seriously. The side effects can be numerous, so seek medical evaluation to prevent delayed symptoms from becoming chronic issues.
Can a Chiropractor Help after an Auto Accident?
A chiropractor plays a crucial role in recovery after an auto accident. Chiropractors are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, the most prevalent injuries sustained in car crashes. At Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine, we specialize in diagnosing and treating these soft tissue injuries that stem from accidents. They may include whiplash, cervical and lumbar sprains, and strains, as well as concussions.
Dr. Zorn and Dr. Zuppe can help restore proper spinal alignment, which will reduce pain and improve pain-free joint motion. Our treatment will promote faster healing through chiropractic adjustments, spinal manipulations, and targeted therapies such as spinal decompression.
Additionally, we can provide personalized rehabilitation plans, including exercises and stretches, to strengthen the affected areas. Rehabilitation will help return patients to a normal quality of life. This prevents long-term issues such as chronic pain and decreased joint mobility.
Chiropractic Care for Auto Accidents include the following:
Evaluation - Chiropractic treatment will begin with a history and evaluation to determine the exact cause and extent of the injuries following the motor vehicle accident. We do an extensive evaluation, including a neurologic and musculoskeletal exam. This test the joint range of motion, strength, and stability to help determine the best possible treatment plan for each indiviual at Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine.
Spinal Manipulation - Chiropractic spinal manipulation or spinal adjustments, help restore joint function. By gentle manipulation of the spine or extremities, we are able to increase the pain-free range of motion and decrease the dysfunction that occurs after an accident. My office performs various types of adjustments, each designed for the comfort of our patients.
Soft Tissue Therapy - Manual therapy or soft tissue therapy aims at releasing the injuried tissue. This allows for improvement in range of motion and decreasing pain from inflamed tissues in the neck, back, or extremities. We use several soft tissue therapies, including passive and active release, as well as graston treatment.
Rehabilitation Exercise - After an accident, it is critical to stabilize and strengthen the injured structures of the spine and extremities. Each patient needs an individualized plan to improve pain-free range of motion while increasing muscle strength and stability. We also want to develop tissue plyability to limit re-occurances of injury.
Addition Treatments can include electrical stimulation, ultrasound, spinal decompression/spinal traction, and ice/heat.
The Bottom Line
Auto accidents are traumatic events, and the injuries that result from them can be life-changing. Each type of accident causes a unique set of injuries from the various types of impact. Chiropractic care is beneficial at relieving the neurological and musculoskeletal injuries resulting from accidents.
If you are in an accident, please get in touch with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
If you have questions about the information provided in this article, please contact us at 724-203-0783 or visit us at 2253 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.
Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine has proudly served Hopewell Township and Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, since 2012. We look forward to providing chiropractic care at our Hopewell Township location for many more years.
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