Chiropractor in Portland, OR

Injured in a Car Accident? Why It's Important to Get Your Injuries Evaluated.

Many people have been in at least one motor vehicle accident, especially those of us that live in the wonderfully rainy conditions of Portland, Oregon. Sometimes the effects of the accident are immediately obvious, while other times the injuries take a little time to make themselves known. Most of us assume if we walk away from the accident with minimal car damage and no noticeable pain, we are completely fine. 

However, new scientific studies have shown that assumption may not be true. 

Car accidents, even minor and low-speed car accidents, can cause significant spinal, muscle, and nerve damage. If you have had a recent minor accident, you might not realize how injured you are until major pain is present. Read on to learn how minor car accidents can cause injury and what to do about it. 

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Can a Minor Car Accident Cause Injury?

The short answer is yes. A car accident, no matter how minor, can cause injury. 

This is due to the physics of the situation. When the car stops moving abruptly, either because it hit something or the driver slammed on the brakes, that force is transferred to the body. Even with the protection of a seat belt, the human body is not designed to sustain such a forceful blow. 

Most people associate auto accident injuries with major car accidents. However, a minor car accident, such as a low-speed accident with no damage, is just as likely to cause physical harm.

can a minor car accident cause injury

Minor Car Accident vs. Major Car Accident

What is the difference between a minor and a major car accident? Car accidents are upsetting, but there is a difference between a major and minor car accident. Here are a few tips to tell the two apart. 

Minor Car Accident

  • Low-speed collision (this means something different to everyone, but generally less than 20 MPH) 
  • Low impact into other cars or objects 
  • Minimal damage, such as paint scratches or a dented bumper 
  • No immediately obvious pain or injuries

Major Car Accident

  • Moderate to high-speed collision
  • High impact or multiple impacts (such as hitting another car or object) 
  • Major car body or engine damage requiring cars to be towed 
  • Serious injuries, sometimes involving hospitalization and death

No Hard Rules

All car accidents are bad news, and as previously stated, a minor car accident can still result in painful injury later. 

Therefore government agencies, doctors, insurance agencies, and police do not have distinct “rules” for what makes a crash major or minor. Generally, minor accidents are ones where everyone can drive away, and major accidents involve serious injury. But both involve property damage and potential injury. 

It’s Important To Seek Professional Medical Attention Following a Minor Car Accident

Injuries sustained in a minor car accident may not be immediately noticeable. Sometimes a person will experience an adrenaline spike during an accident that masks pain. It can take days, sometimes weeks, for pain from a minor accident to appear. You may also subconsciously limit your range of motion to avoid pain, making the injury less obvious. 

Even if you aren’t feeling immediate pain, seek medical attention after a minor car accident. Consider seeing a car accident chiropractic specialist, such as Premier Care Chiropractic, the best car accident chiropractor in Portland. 

4 Common Injuries That Can Result From a Minor Car Accident

can a minor car accident cause injury

#1: Whiplash

Whiplash as the result of a car accident is the #1 cause of neck injury in the USA, with approximately a million cases per year. 

Whiplash is common in minor car accidents because it can occur at any speed. And whiplash doesn’t just come from car accidents — roller coaster rides, sports injuries, and even bad falls can cause whiplash. 

Whiplash is pretty miserable — they don’t call it a “pain in the neck” for nothing!

Whiplash is associated with neck and upper back pain. It can last for weeks with pain ranging from annoying to debilitating. Luckily, whiplash is one of the many injuries that Premier Chiropractors treat. 

#2: Back Injuries

Back injuries can happen in any kind of accident. They are common in rear-end collisions, no matter how minor. The combination of the force of the car collision, along with the body’s tensing during the accident, can cause serious long-term pain. 

This is especially true for lower back injuries, which can cause damage to the spinal nerves. If you experience back pain after an accident, seek help from a car accident expert like Premier Care Chiropractic in Portland. 

#3: Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are injuries of the muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons. These injuries are common in minor car accidents. Soft tissue injuries include everything from bruises to painful bursitis and injuries of the tendons in the back and neck. 

Soft tissue injuries are insidious because even though a soft tissue injury is not immediately obvious, it can still be extremely painful and damaging. 

#4: Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are very common in minor car accidents, especially for the driver. They are often caused by bracing against the wheel during the accident. Even if the speed of collision was low, this can still cause extremely painful soft tissue injuries to the shoulder.

We use our shoulders a lot throughout the day. Even if you work a sedentary desk job, you need your shoulders to type and carry groceries and kids. If you have recently been in a minor car accident, consider getting your shoulders assessed for injuries. 

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When To See a Chiropractor Following a Minor Car Accident

According to the car accident specialists at Premier Care Chiropractor, it is a good rule of thumb to get yourself checked out after a car accident, no matter how minor. There are three reasons why this is good practice:

  1. Some injuries are not immediately noticeable. For example, delayed whiplash following a car accident is extremely common. It can take a few days to a few weeks for symptoms to appear. By then you may have forgotten all about the accident, but are still dealing with the pain. 
  2. Testing can find injuries you might not otherwise realize. If you have an injury, you may subconsciously limit your range of motion to avoid pain. This can cause larger problems down the road. Part of the process of evaluating injuries at Premier Care Chiropractic is to check for any pain present in the full range of motion. 
  3. Catching an injury early is a lot better than letting it fester and possibly become worse.
can a minor car accident cause injury

Various Methods for Treating Car Accident Injuries

Wondering what Premier Care Chiropractic does to help you recover from minor car accident injuries? Here are just a few of the services offered that can help you get back to living pain-free! 

Chiropractic Adjustments

Do you suffer from neck and upper back pain associated with whiplash? Did a recent accident leave you with lower back pain? Premier Care Chiropractic offers spine adjustments to relieve pain and help heal injuries. 

Medical studies done on the subject show that “spinal manipulative therapy” is one of the best treatments for acute back pain. Chiropractic adjustments offer needle-free, non-invasive, and effective relief for your pain. 

Massage Therapy

Who doesn’t like a relaxing massage? In addition to relaxation, medical massages have been shown to help relieve pain associated with soft tissue injuries and promote healing while providing relief. 

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy uses gentle stretching and exercise programs to help your body heal itself. Through kinesiology, your physical therapist will help you work through your injury and regain your full range of motion.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses very thin, medical-grade needles to reduce muscle tension and encourage endorphin production to reduce pain. This method of healing has been around for centuries and is a gentle way to encourage your body’s healing abilities.

Premier Care Chiropractic Will Assess and Treat Your Injuries Following a Minor Car Accident

Recently been in a minor car accident? Come get an evaluation at Premier Care Chiropractic. We specialize in injuries from auto accidents, as well as treatment of TMJ, headaches, sciatic nerve pain, and more. We accept almost all insurance MVA claims, making your treatment as easy on you as possible. Give us a call or check out our website today! 

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The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.