Sprain & Strain
Sprains and strains are very common injuries that people seek treatment for, particularly in the context of car accidents. Understanding these injuries and their potential long-term effects is crucial in ensuring proper treatment and recovery. In this article, we will delve into the nature of strains and sprains, their consequences if left untreated, and the importance of receiving appropriate care.
Strains: Tearing of Muscles
A strain is an injury that occurs when your muscle tears. There are different grades of strains, ranging from mild to severe, but we won’t go into detail on that here. Most strains that occur in daily activities and mild to moderate car accidents are not visible on imaging, such as MRI, CT, or X-ray (Khan & Madden, 2016).
Sprains: Tearing of Ligaments
A sprain, on the other hand, is when a ligament tears. Just like strains, sprains have varying degrees of severity. Ligaments are the fibrous bands of tissue that connect bones to one another and provide stability to joints (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
The Consequences of Untreated Sprains and Strains
The problem with sprains and strains is that if left untreated, they can lead to permanent loss of some functions. To illustrate this point, imagine that you accidentally cut the palm of your hand. When that happens, you close it in a fist because it’s painful and then you keep it that way until it heals. Once it heals, you won’t be able to open your palm because there will be scar tissue that prevents you from doing so. To avoid this outcome, it is essential to ensure full range of motion while the injury heals. This same principle applies to injuries like whiplash, car accidents, and back sprains/strains. Your muscles may go into spasm and heal that way. If they succeed in healing while in spasm, they will stay in spasm, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility (Barnes et al., 2016). Be careful!
The Importance of Proper Treatment
To prevent the long-term consequences of untreated sprains and strains, it is vital to receive appropriate care. Treatment may include:
Rest:
Allowing the affected area to rest can help prevent further injury and promote healing (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
Ice:
Applying ice to the injured area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
Compression:
Using a compression bandage can help minimize swelling and provide support to the injured area (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
Elevation:
Elevating the injured area above the level of your heart can help reduce swelling (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
Physical Therapy:
Working with a physical therapist or chiropractor can help restore range of motion, flexibility, and strength to the injured area (Saragiotto et al., 2016).
It’s crucial to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, to ensure that the injury is appropriately managed and to prevent long-term complications. They will assess the injury and develop a personalized treatment plan to promote optimal healing and restore function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chiropractic or massage actually help a sprain or strain?
For most mild to moderate soft-tissue injuries, gentle chiropractic care, massage, and targeted exercise can reduce pain and stiffness and help you regain full movement, which lowers the chance of chronic pain from a muscle that heals while still in spasm. A severe or complete tear, however, may need imaging or a referral, so we assess your injury first and are honest about when hands-on care is not enough.
How many visits will I need before I feel better?
It varies with how serious the injury is and how long you have had it, so we cannot promise an exact number. Many people with mild sprains or strains notice progress within a few visits, while more involved injuries take longer, and we build a personalized plan and adjust it as you recover.
Do you take my insurance or auto accident (PIP) coverage?
Yes — we bill most health insurance directly, and if you were hurt in a car accident we bill your auto PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage. We can also work on a Letter of Protection basis when an attorney is involved, so ask us and we will check your specific benefits.