3 Ways To Help Alleviate Upper Back Discomfort Caused By A Minor Automobile Accident

Upper back (thoracic) injuries are common in minor automobile collisions due to the force that is exerted when both cars collide. The thoracic spine is a very sensitive area, so it is important to rectify the problem as soon as possible. Below are three ways to start reversing the discomfort caused by an automobile accident:

Get Upside Down

Inversion therapy is a little-known treatment for treating compression issues in your spine. If your spine has become compressed because of an automobile accident, one of the best ways you can relieve this pressure is by practicing regular inversion.

Practicing inversion is a very simple process. You can either purchase an inversion table that allows you to gradually increase the angle of inversion or invest in gravity boots that allow you to hang upside down from a door frame fixing. Whichever method you choose, inversion acts to reverse the process of gravity on your spine and puts your spine into traction that is equal to the compressive force it experiences on a day-to-day basis. As such, if any of your vertebrae have become compressed, inversion therapy can reverse this process and significantly reduce the tightness you feel in your back.

It's important to note, however, that inversion therapy should only be considered if your automobile accident was relatively minor and you are only experiencing discomfort. If you have significantly damaged your spine and are experiencing sharp debilitating pain, then you need to speak to a doctor to ensure the structural integrity of your spine.

Practice Yoga

Whiplash and other muscle strains are common injuries that occur in minor automobile accidents. Although these injuries aren't life threatening, they can be difficult to live with, as they can cause a significant level of discomfort in your day-to-day life. As such, it is important these injuries be addressed to give you the best chance of recovery.

When a muscle becomes damaged, it contracts and pulls other muscle groups out of alignment. This can be extremely uncomfortable, so the best thing you can do is undertake an intensive period of stretching to introduce flexibility back into the area. Make sure you listen to your body—if a particular stretch is causing additional discomfort, stop until the area has started to heal.  

See a Chiropractor

Chiropractors are highly trained medical professionals that focus on correcting subluxations in your spinal column. They are experts at establishing exactly where misalignments are present and correcting them in order to improve the functionality of your spine. As such, chiropractic treatment is a great way to alleviate upper back pain that has been caused by an automobile accident.

Many people are concerned about the hands-on approach taken by chiropractors, but these concerns are very much misplaced. All chiropractors have undergone an extensive period of training to ensure that they are able to manually adjust your spine without exerting too much force.