Auto Accident Injury FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accident Injuries in Anchorage, Alaska

Auto accident injuries are not always as straightforward as they seem. An injury to one part of the body can sometimes cause pain in another area, and some injuries may not show symptoms until days or even weeks later. To help you better understand auto accident injuries, here are answers to some common questions from patients at True Life Chiropractic in Anchorage.

Do I have whiplash?

If you're experiencing neck pain or stiffness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or pain and tingling in your arms, you may have whiplash. Whiplash occurs when a sudden stop throws the head backward and forward with enough force to strain the neck muscles and irritate the joints and discs in the cervical spine.

Why do I have concussion symptoms if I didn’t hit my head?

A concussion can occur when the brain moves inside the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration, even if you did not hit your head. The same forces that cause whiplash can also cause concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, brain fog, or nausea.

Why are my leg and foot hurting if they weren’t injured in the accident?

If your lower back was jolted during the accident, you may have a disc injury or spinal misalignment in the lumbar spine. This can irritate the sciatic nerve, causing pain, tingling, or numbness down the leg or into the foot. This condition is commonly known as sciatica.

How could my seat belt contribute to my back pain?

A typical three-point seat belt restrains one shoulder but not the other. During an accident, this can cause the body to twist, which may lead to joint, disc, and soft tissue injuries in the neck, upper back, or middle back.

How soon should I see a chiropractor after an auto accident?

You should schedule an evaluation as soon as possible after an auto accident, even if you do not feel pain right away. Some injuries can take days or weeks to develop symptoms, and early evaluation and treatment can help prevent long-term problems.

What can a chiropractor do to help after a car accident?

Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper spinal alignment and joint movement after an accident. This can reduce nerve irritation, improve mobility, decrease inflammation, and help the body heal more efficiently.

What other treatments might I need besides chiropractic adjustments?

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, treatment may include massage therapy, soft tissue therapy, stretching, rehabilitation exercises, and therapies designed to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. These treatments help muscles and soft tissues heal more quickly and improve overall recovery.

Still Have Questions?

If you have additional questions about auto accident injuries or need to schedule an evaluation, the team at True Life Chiropractic in Anchorage is here to help.

True Life Chiropractic
2602 Fairbanks Street
Anchorage, AK 99503
907-646-2225

Call today to schedule your auto accident evaluation.