How to manage neck and back pain after a car accident

On average, about 9 million people in the U.S. are involved in car accidents. Of these 9 million, about 3 million people sustain injuries from their car accidents. One of the most common types of pain people experience after going through an accident is neck and back pain.  This sort of pain can be bothersome and interfere with your daily activities. Fortunately, in many cases it doesn’t have to. If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident and it resulted in you experiencing neck and back pain, there are a few different ways you can manage your pain. To learn more about the types of neck and back injuries that you may have and the most effective treatment methods, keep reading below.

What types of neck and back injuries from a car accident can cause pain?

There are several different types of injuries that can result from a car accident. Some of the types of injuries listed below are the kinds that can specifically affect the neck and back and cause mild to significant amounts of pain.

• Stress fractures.
• Whiplash.
• Slipped disc.
• Joint injury.
• Muscle tension.

What should you do immediately following a car accident that causes neck and back pain?

One of the very first things you should prioritize soon after your car accident is seeing a medical professional who can diagnose your injuries. A swift and accurate diagnosis is an important step toward treatment. Once you and your medical professional have discussed what types of neck or back injury you’re dealing with, you can begin the right course of action for your specific injury at physical therapy. Physical therapists have dealt with a wide variety of conditions brought on by car accidents, which means they’ll most likely be able to help you manage your neck and back pain after your wreck.

What types of treatment options are available to those who have neck and back pain from a car accident?

• Virtual physical therapy — Virtual physical therapy is a good treatment option for both minor and severe instances of neck and back injury from a car accident. Therapists can help you build muscle strength and flexibility to reduce pain and help prevent future instances of injury. They can guide you through a series of movements designed around your injury. Patients and their therapists work together online to create actionable goals and carry them out over a specific period of time. If you’re experiencing neck and back pain from a car accident, virtual physical therapy is definitely a good option for you.
• Medication — Anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving medication may be beneficial for some. Over-the-counter medication may help alleviate pain and inflammation for minor incidents of injury, while prescription pain relievers may help temporarily reduce pain for more serious cases.
• Surgical procedure — Depending on the type of injury you sustained from your car accident, you may need a surgical procedure. Surgical procedures are typically recommended for those who have severe injuries or who don’t respond to more conservative treatment methods. 

Why choose Agile Virtual Physical Therapy for your neck and back pain?

We understand that going to regular in-person physical therapy sessions can be a serious time commitment. When you consider the time it takes to drive to and from your sessions, the length of the sessions themselves, and other related factors, in-person PT can be tedious. Fortunately, getting the care you need doesn’t have to be.  You may not feel up to going to in-person physical therapy after your accident, or you may have lost your transportation temporarily. Virtual physical therapy is a time-efficient and equally effective treatment option for those who have neck and back pain after a car accident. Virtual PT can be done from the convenience of your own home. It requires nothing other than a stable internet connection and a device with a video camera. You’ll be able to meet with a qualified physical therapy professional who can lead you through each session. You can get the right treatment for your neck and back pain after your car accident without needing to sacrifice any more time than is necessary.  Agile Virtual Physical Therapy can offer more than 400 licensed clinicians. We’re committed to providing effective PT care through our telehealth platform. At Agile Virtual PT, we provide services in 45 U.S. states and free virtual screenings.  At Agile Virtual Physical Therapy, we have experienced professionals who are qualified to create a personalized plan with you containing at-home physical therapy exercises customized for your age and fitness level. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment to get started treating your neck and back pain.