Accidents, Knee Pain and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Car Accident Care

There are more than 6 million car accidents in the U.S. every year. Thankfully, the number of fatalities has gone down in recent years, but nearly 4.5 million people are seriously injured in car crashes every year.

Knee injuries account for about 10 percent of car accident injuries. People seated in the front side passenger seat are particularly susceptible, as their knees often slam into the car’s dashboard upon impact. The knee is the largest joint in the body, and though neck and back injuries are more common in car crashes, knee injuries can be just as serious.

The Most Common Knee Injuries Suffered by Accident Victims

• • Torn Meniscus. The two menisci in each knee are actually cartilage that serve as a cushion between the shin bone (tibia) and the thigh bone (femur). The cartilage can tear when the knee is under stress, and the pain and swelling will make it difficult to extend the knee.
  • Kneecap Fractures. When involved in head-on or side-impact collisions, victims could crack, break or shatter their kneecap (patella).
  • Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). The ACL connects your shin bone and thigh bone. When the ACL tears away from the knee joint, there will be much pain, and surgery will likely be required.
  • Dislocated Knee. This occurs when the kneecap becomes misaligned with the shin and/or thigh bone.
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries. Located in the back of your knee, the PCL keeps your shin bone from moving too far backwards. When the front of your knee takes a huge hit while in a bent position (like when a passenger’s knee hits the dashboard), your PCL can be damaged.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

In many cases, car accident victims experiencing knee pain may be asked to engage in physical therapy, take painkillers and, if those fail, prepare for surgery.

A Proven Alternative – Chiropractic Care 

Another option that is increasingly popular is chiropractic care. Following extensive examinations and testing, including x-rays, most chiropractors will examine not only the knee but also your lower back, pelvis, hip, ankle and feet due to the direct impact they have on the knee. They will discuss a treatment plan with you that likely includes exercises and gentle chiropractic manipulation and mobilization techniques, as well as laser or ultrasound therapies to reduce the pain and increase your range of motion.

Car accident victims have many options to consider, as a chiropractor, like a car accident treatment professional in Glen Burnie, MD, at a practice like Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, can explain.