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What Happens if You Don’t Get Treatment for a Back Injury After an Auto Accident?

Written By Holmes Chiropractic on October 4, 2024

Woman holding neck after auto injuryAfter being in an auto accident, you may be stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious. It can be hard to motivate yourself to visit the hospital or a doctor for an auto injury evaluation. However, delaying treatment for an auto injury can cause complications like chronic pain, spinal issues, and mobility issues.

One of the most common injuries adults sustain in auto accidents is a back injury. At Holmes Chiropractic, Dr. Charina Holmes can quickly screen you for auto injuries like whiplash, concussion, spine injury, and back injury. She specializes in comprehensive, all-natural treatment of auto injuries in Monterey Park, Montebello, and East LA. Here is a look at the risks of delaying treatment for a back injury or other auto injury.

Chronic Pain

Without treatment, a back injury can get worse and affect other nearby structures, like muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. You may end up with chronic pain, or pain that keeps coming back even when you treat it with rest, heat and ice therapy, and pain medication.

Stiffness and Loss of Mobility

Depending on the extent and location of your back injury, it can cause stiffness, loss of range of motion, and loss of mobility. Without treatment, your muscles and tendons can tighten or atrophy. You may also experience muscle weakness and muscle spasms. These symptoms can progress over time, eventually making it hard to sit, stand, walk, exercise, work, and carry heavy objects.

Breathing and Respiratory Issues

If one or more of the vertebrae in your spine are damaged, you may develop breathing problems or respiratory issues. Without rehabilitative care, your vertebrae or discs can shift out of place, affecting your lungs and causing breathlessness and discomfort.

Poor Posture

An untreated back injury and chronic back pain will affect your posture. Over time, you may develop permanent posture issues like a hunched back, tight back and shoulders, and trouble sitting or standing up straight. Poor posture can affect your comfort and your ability to work or take part in your normal routine. It can also cause lasting health problems like nerve damage and respiratory issues.

Get Swift Treatment for Auto Injuries in Monterey Park

Visit Dr. Holmes and her team at Holmes Chiropractic for swift treatment of auto injuries in Monterey Park, Montebello, and East LA. Dr. Holmes can perform a comprehensive examination and diagnostic testing to uncover signs of a hidden auto injury. She can also help you receive treatment for concussion or head injury. Her goal is to address pain, improve function and mobility, and prevent further injury and complications. Call us today to schedule an appointment.


Posted In: Chiropractor Auto Injury