Having an auto accident is a common occurrence, and it can leave you with lingering injuries. Broken bones and concussions can happen, but the most common auto accident injury is whiplash. In a rear-end or front-end collision, the head is thrown back and forth and this stretches the muscles and tendons in the neck. It can also damage the vertebrae in the neck and back. For auto-injury treatment in Houma, LA, you can get the help you need from Dr. Ronald Haydel of Haydel Chiropractic.

Chiropractic adjustment

After evaluating your injuries and discussing your symptoms, the first treatment your chiropractor will usually perform is a chiropractic adjustment. The force that whiplash applies to the upper back and neck can cause the vertebrae to become misaligned, which leads to pain in the neck and back. Getting the vertebrae back into proper alignment, it takes some of the stress off of the muscles and tendons in the neck. 

Spinal Decompression

If the discs have been compressed or injured by your auto accident, they may be pressing on the nerves and this causes shooting, burning or throbbing pain. With spinal decompression, the spine is gently stretched so that the space between the vertebrae increases. This creates suction that pulls the disc back into its proper location, thus taking the pressure off the nerve. 

Heat and Ice Therapy

The usual order is cold therapy, then heat therapy. Cryotherapy could be ice cube therapy to reduce any swelling, inflammation, and pain. Heat can be produced through laser therapy that warms the cells deep beneath the skin and helps to promote healing at the cellular level. It also stimulates the endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. You can continue this at home with ice and a heating pad for auto injury treatment in Houma, LA. 

Massage Therapy

When your neck has been injured through whiplash, the muscles and tendons have been hyperextended and this not only produces pain when you move your head, and lingering stiffness. Therapeutic massage can work on the tension and knots that may have formed. It can help the body to relax after the trauma of an auto accident. 

Therapeutic Exercise

Whiplash is a serious condition. It can affect your balance, your range of movement, and flexibility. With therapeutic exercise, you can continue the healing that other treatments have provided, and you can do specific exercises to help to enhance your recovery. The doctor will give you a schedule of exercises to do at home.   

Auto Injury Treatment in Houma, LA begins with Dr. Haydel of Haydel Chiropractic. Make an appointment by calling (985) 872-5777 as soon after your accident as possible.