Call NowInvolved in a Bicycle Accident? Follow These Steps
Although not as intense as a car crash, bicycle accidents can still have a significant impact on the body and lead to similar symptoms. Whether you’re experiencing pain or limited range of motion in the neck, back, or limbs, chiropractic care can provide relief. Just follow these steps put together by the experts at Impact Medical Brandon:
Evaluate Yourself for Immediate Injuries
The first thing you should do after any accident is look for any immediate threats to your health. If you’re bleeding profusely or have any bones sticking out of your body, get emergency help right away. For bicycle accidents, the more common but less fatal injuries may come in the form of neck or back pain.
Take Any Information if Necessary
If another person is involved, such as the driver if you were hit by a vehicle, then you should write down any contact information for insurance purposes. If your injuries become severe enough to cause lasting damages, you want to make sure you have what you need to be covered financially.
Visit a Chiropractor or Physical Therapist
A number of areas around the body can experience varying levels of pain or other disabilities. A misaligned spine can cause aches in the upper or lower back along with limited range of motion in the neck since it’s all connected. Direct impacts to the limbs can lead to joint pain and numbness in the hands or feet. Depending on your discomfort, a good chiropractor or physical therapist will be able to create a personalized treatment plan to get you back in top shape.
Through regular chiropractic care and physical therapy, you’ll:
- Relieve aches and soreness through targeted manuals
- Recover any lost mobility through effective stretches
- Regain muscle strength from light exercises
- Fix your posture with guidance from your practitioner
The trick (and requirement) with treatment through physical therapy and chiropractic care is to maintain regular sessions and don’t let up on your routine. Until you fully recover, any breaks or inconsistencies in your recovery plan can halt or reverse the effects of the treatment.
Be Proactive Next Time You Ride
After you’ve fully recovered, you may be eager to get back to cycling. It’s best to take things slow at first and gradually work yourself back up to where you were before the accident, and you should also take additional preventative measures. Wearing a helmet is usually the first thing that comes to mind since your head is clearly important yet very susceptible to fatal injuries. Padding on your elbows and knees will protect your joints which are essential in performing your daily tasks. Adding lights to your bicycle and wearing reflective clothing will increase your chances of being noticed so there will be less chance of you getting hit. By taking the time to set up these extra safety measures, you’ll be saving yourself any unpleasant pain and discomfort in the future.
Get Treated at Impact Medical Brandon
Do you love cycling? If you ever find yourself in a bind and need treatment, Impact Medical Brandon has got you covered! Our specialists will give you a detailed evaluation of your body and any injuries so we can design a treatment plan personalized to your needs. Give us a call today at (813) 522-8885 to schedule an appointment.
