After being in an auto accident, people are often diagnosed with soft tissue injuries. These injuries are often perceived as non-threatening and overlooked by those who suffer from them, but they still require proper diagnoses and treatment to prevent further issues.

What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?

Soft tissue injuries happen when a muscle, ligament, or tendon experiences trauma or overuse. They can be labeled as strains, sprains, and bruises—all injuries that can quickly occur during a car accident. Some common symptoms of soft tissue injuries include:

A lump or knot at the injury site
Instability in joints
Pain
Swelling
Muscle weakness
Muscle cramping or spasms

Common Soft Tissue Injuries After Car Accidents

The severity of an injury after a car accident depends on several variables. These factors can help indicate the potential injuries that may occur, such as:

Back sprains, which can be caused by trauma to the discs and ligaments in the back during the unexpected impact of an accident. This type of sprain can cause severe back pain, bruising, and nerve damage in extreme cases.
Whiplash, which is a common soft tissue injury that results from a sudden, back-and-forth motion and can cause pain for several days. Whiplash may result in neck pain and stiffness that hinder the range of motion in the neck.

Can Chiropractic Treatment Help You Overcome a Car Accident Injury?

Regardless of the severity of their accidents, drivers should immediately seek medical attention to check for potential injuries. After a traumatic event, it’s easy to pass off a bit of pain as something that will heal on its own. Healthcare professionals can help treat abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. With the use of neck and spine manipulations or adjustments, chiropractors who are familiar with auto accident injuries may be able to realign the body, relieve pressure and irritability, and decrease inflammation.

After a car accident, chiropractors can create a rehabilitation plan to help reduce recovery times and increase patients’ overall quality of life. The doctors at Tracy Chiropractic have provided patients in the Tracy, CA area with compassionate care for decades. If you’re suffering from pain or an injury after an auto accident, contact us to figure out the next steps in your recovery.