Common Airbag Injuries: How a Chiropractor Can Help

Airbags are one of those life-saving features in a car that we often take for granted. They deploy in a split second during a crash and cushion us from the impact.

But, as helpful as they are, airbags can cause injuries, too. These injuries happen because of the sudden force and impact when the airbag inflates. In this post, we’ll shed some light on some of the most common airbag injuries and how a chiropractor can help you recover.

If you’ve sustained an airbag injury, relief is just a phone call away. Connect with Cornerstone Chiropractic and Spine Center of Hiram, GA, at (770) 439-7765 or complete our online contact form to schedule an appointment.

6 Common Airbag Injuries in Hiram

Airbags don’t just protect you; they can also leave you with some unexpected injuries. The airbag's impact, especially if it’s the first thing to hit you, can cause a range of problems.

Here are some of the most common injuries caused by airbags in Hiram:

#1 Whiplash

Whiplash is probably the most common airbag injury.

It happens when your neck gets jerked forward and then snapped back, usually from the force of the airbag inflating. Your neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons stretch out of their normal range, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes headaches.

It can happen fast, and you might not even feel the pain right away. It might take a day or two for those symptoms to kick in, but once they do, whiplash can leave you feeling pretty miserable.

If untreated, whiplash can cause long-term neck pain, limited mobility, and even tension headaches. It's important to have your injuries examined early to avoid lasting problems.

#2 Facial Injuries

Airbags deploy directly in front of you, which means your face often takes the brunt of the impact. You could have cuts, bruises, or abrasions on your face depending on how fast the airbag inflates. It’s relatively common to see injuries like bruising around your eyes, nose, or mouth. These injuries are usually not too serious but can be painful and cause swelling.

In more extreme cases, the force of the airbag can cause broken bones in the face—like fractures to the nose, cheekbones, or jaw. So, while airbags help prevent worse injuries, they can still leave a mark. If you’ve got any facial injuries, even if they seem minor, have them examined by a wellness professional.

#3 Chest Injuries

Chest injuries are another common issue after an airbag deploys. The force of the airbag can hit your chest hard enough to cause bruising or even fractures. Airbags are designed to inflate quickly and push against your chest to prevent you from moving forward too much, but this pressure can also lead to soreness or more serious chest injuries.

Bruised ribs or fractured ribs are typical after an airbag deploys, and it can make it hard to breathe deeply or even do simple things like lifting your arms. While a bruised rib might not sound like much, it can be incredibly painful.

#4 Rib Fractures

Rib fractures often go hand in hand with chest injuries. If an airbag hits your chest with too much force, it can break one or more of your ribs. Rib fractures can lead to sharp pain when you breathe, move, or even cough. It can also make things like sleeping or sitting up straight uncomfortable.

Even though ribs can heal on their own over time, they need to be adequately treated. If you don’t get them checked out, you might end up with complications like a collapsed lung. If you’re experiencing rib pain, don’t ignore it. A chiropractor can help ease that pain and get you back to feeling normal.

#5 Neck and Back Injuries

Your spine takes a big hit in a car accident, especially when the airbag inflates. The impact can strain muscles and ligaments and even cause damage to your discs. A lot of people feel pain in their neck or back right after the accident, but the full effects can sometimes take a few days to show up.

Some people experience bulging discs, which can cause sharp or chronic pain. Others might develop stiffness or soreness that makes it hard to move or bend in certain ways. If you’re dealing with neck or back pain after an accident, don’t just chalk it up to “post-crash soreness.” It could be a sign of something that needs to be treated.

#6 Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries aren’t as talked about as whiplash or neck pain, but they’re relatively common after an airbag deployment. When the airbag hits your upper body, it can cause muscle strains or sprains in your shoulder, leading to a shoulder dislocation.

If you’ve been in a crash and you’re having trouble lifting your arm or feeling pain in your shoulder, it’s probably from the airbag’s impact. These types of injuries can make it challenging to do simple tasks, like reaching for things or even driving again. Shoulder injuries can be debilitating, and if not treated, they can lead to long-term pain.

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Airbag Injuries?

Okay, so now you know what kinds of injuries airbags can cause. But how does a chiropractor fit into the picture?

Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries; many airbag injuries fall into this category. Here’s how our Hiram chiropractor may be able to help you:

Spinal Adjustments

The spine is a major focal point when it comes to car accident injuries. After a crash, you might experience misalignments in your spine that lead to pain and discomfort. Spinal adjustments are one of the most effective ways to treat these misalignments.

Chiropractors use precise techniques to realign your spine, which can relieve pressure on your nerves and help you feel better overall. Even if your neck or back doesn’t hurt immediately after the accident, a chiropractor can help prevent long-term pain by addressing misalignments early.

A chiropractor will also check for any other issues that might not be immediately noticeable but could cause problems down the road. It’s a simple and effective way to ease pressure on your body and help you feel better quickly.

Soft Tissue Therapy

After an accident, your muscles, ligaments, and tendons might be sore or injured. Soft tissue therapy focuses on these areas and helps relieve tension and speed recovery.

Chiropractors use techniques like chiropractic massage, stretching, and trigger point therapy to target injured muscles. This can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote healing.

Soft tissue therapy can also help restore your range of motion. If you’re feeling stiff or have trouble moving a specific body part after an airbag injury, soft tissue therapy might be just what you need.

Pain Management

Pain management is a huge part of recovery after an airbag injury. While some pain will naturally subside with time, a chiropractor can provide strategies to manage it more effectively. They might recommend specific exercises, stretches, or lifestyle changes that reduce pain. In some cases, they might even use cold laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, or electrical stimulation to help manage inflammation and soreness.

Many people find that chiropractic care helps them manage pain without having to rely on prescription medication, which can sometimes come with unwanted side effects. Chiropractors are skilled at offering drug-free pain relief designed to address your injuries.

Injury Rehabilitation

Recovering from any of these common airbag injuries takes time, but chiropractic care can also make the process quicker and less painful. Chiropractors work with you on a personalized rehabilitation plan that addresses your specific injury and recovery needs. This might include stretches, exercises, and wellness care to improve your mobility, strength, and overall function.

Injury rehabilitation is all about restoring your normal movements. The goal is to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free and as quickly as possible. A chiropractor will guide you through each stage of your recovery, making sure you’re moving in the right direction.

Benefits Of Chiropractic Care For Airbag Injuries

Chiropractic care is often the missing piece when it comes to recovering from airbag injuries. Traditional medical treatment may focus on managing pain or addressing the injury itself, but chiropractic care works with your body’s natural healing process to promote overall wellness and faster recovery.

Some of the most significant benefits of chiropractic care after an airbag injury include:

• Pain relief – Helps reduce neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by impact.
• Improved mobility – Restores movement in stiff or injured areas.
• Faster healing – Encourages blood flow and reduces inflammation.
• Drug-free treatment – Provides natural pain relief without medications.
• Prevents long-term issues – Addresses underlying problems before they turn into chronic pain.
• Better posture and alignment – Helps correct spinal misalignment caused by the crash.

Contact a Hiram Chiropractor Today

If an airbag injury has you feeling sore, stiff, or just not like yourself, don’t wait for it to get worse. Even minor aches can turn into more significant problems down the road.

Chiropractic care can help you heal faster, move better, and feel good again.

Give Cornerstone Chiropractic and Spine Center a call at (770) 439-7765, and let our Hiram chiropractors get you back on the road to feeling your best!

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