Back Pain Therapy Baltimore, MD
When people come to LeMoine Physical Therapy for back pain therapy Baltimore, MD residents trust, we often tell them about the benefits of getting care shortly after a car accident. There are hundreds of millions of vehicles on the road and highways at any given time throughout the U.S. Of these cars, there will be millions that get into a car accident, are injured, and will sustain permanent damage.
Unfortunately, many people do not realize just how badly a car accident can adversely impact the health of their mind and body. Some people endure aches and pains even years after a car crash, simply because they failed to get treatment within a reasonable timeframe.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a car accident, we encourage you to speak with a representative at LeMoine Physical Therapy for more information. For now, there are the top three reasons why people should get physical therapy after a car collision:
#1 Physical Therapy Helps the Process of Recovery
Symptoms of injury after a car accident may not be felt until the following day or a couple of days after the incident. Within this short time frame, it is crucial that you seek medical attention to address issues before they have a chance to worsen further. A chiropractor and physical therapist, in particular, can be helpful in the process of recovery, as spinal adjustments realign your spine and physical therapy sessions strengthen muscles as they heal.
#2 Rehabilitation Can Reduce Pain
After a car accident, a chiropractor for Maryland back pain therapy in Baltimore understands that you may feel inclined to rest and not move around much. However, by staying in motion it can help reduce your overall pain. Doing rehabilitative stretches and mild activities can oxygenate blood and help nutrients get through the body to areas that are in need of healing. A physical therapy program is geared toward that person’s individual needs. Every exercise and stretch will have a purpose towards improving range of motion and reducing pain.
#3 Physical Therapy Helps You Avoid Surgery
Surgeries for car accident injuries often include the shoulders, knees, hips, and spine. These procedures may be avoided later on down the line if you act quickly in getting the treatment you need now. Chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy can help your ligaments, muscles, and joints stay strong so they don’t deteriorate as fast. Early treatment will support healing of muscle tissue, less scarring, decreased pain, and overall a more rapid recovery.
Eating to Heal Your Body
Muscle strains, sprains, broken bones, stress fractures, and more may sideline you after an accident. Your food choices after an injury can help you to recover by healing wounds and strengthening muscles and bones to get you back on your feet again and engaging in your favorite activities.
Sometimes when an injury strikes and you have to limit your physical activity, it can impact job and home responsibilities. Employing the appropriate nutrition plan can help reduce the time spent recovering from an accident. You will likely want to eat whole, nutrient-rich foods three to four times a day to provide adequate levels of vitamins and minerals. Your need for these essential nutrients will be higher while you are healing:
High-Quality Protein
Focus on consuming high-quality protein foods to assist with wound healing and support your immune function. It is often normal to have a depressed appetite after a severe injury or major surgery. To compensate, try to eat a small amount of protein at each snack or meal. Quality proteins include eggs, cheese or cottage cheese, yogurt, and baked chicken. These are all usually well-tolerated in the first days after injury.
People who wish to avoid proteins from animal sources can get high-quality protein from soy-based foods. Almond milk is a popular alternative to cow or soy milk. Your body needs protein not just for muscle building—it is an essential nutrient for building and repairing bone. So, if you have a break or fracture, make sure to include protein with every meal and snack.
Vitamin C and Zinc
Vitamin C and zinc are notable for their roles in healing. Vitamin C is required to make a protein called collagen that is needed for repairing ligaments and tendons and healing wounds. Citrus fruits are well-known for their high levels of vitamin C. However, don’t overlook other excellent sources of vitamin C, such as kiwi fruit, strawberries, broccoli, baked potatoes, and bell peppers.
Zinc is an essential mineral found mostly in animal foods such as meat, fish, poultry, and dairy, but it also is present in cereals and whole-grain bread, dried beans, peas, and other legumes, and nuts and seeds.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Calcium and vitamin D are the nutrients typically associated with healthy bones. If you have a broken bone or stress fracture, make sure you get plenty of these two nutrients to support and strengthen your bones. Milk and fortified soy milk are both good choices. Yogurt is a good source of calcium, but it is not always fortified with vitamin D—check the nutrition label to ensure you are getting vitamin D.
Call LeMoine Physical Therapy Today
If you are in need of a qualified and experienced team of chiropractors and physical therapists, then look no further than our clinic. Call LeMoine Physical Therapy today to hear more about how a doctor for back pain therapy in Baltimore, Maryland can help you in your recovery after a serious car accident.
How to Alleviate Back Pain at Home
In addition to attending physical therapy, you can take steps to alleviate your back pain at home. Here are some different at-home back pain therapy in Baltimore, MD options to consider.
- Use Heat and Ice Therapy: If you suffer from back pain, heat and ice can become your best friends. Ice packs are best when used immediately after an injury. Applying them to your back several times a day can reduce intense pain inflammation. If you don’t have an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables will suffice. Heating pads are effective at relieving pain and stiffness in your back.
- Wear the Proper Shoes: The shoes on your feet can have a big effect on your back pain. If your shoes don’t fit properly or offer adequate support, they can strain the muscles in your back. Wear shoes that fit correctly and have plenty of arch support. Avoid wearing high heels too frequently as they can throw off your body’s alignment.
- Get the Proper Rest: Skimping on sleep can make your back pain worse. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. It is also important to sleep in a comfortable position and use a good mattress. If your mattress is older and not providing the proper support, it may be time to invest in a new one. If you sleep on your side, put a small pillow between your knees.
- Stop Smoking: If you smoke tobacco, now may be the time to stop. The nicotine in cigarettes can prevent nutrients from getting to your spine, increasing back pain. Ask your doctor about smoke cessation programs.
- Improve Your Posture: The way you sit in your chair every day can also impact your back. If you slouch all the time, it can put pressure on your lower back and cause discomfort. To avoid this, remember to sit up straight with your shoulders back. If it’s helpful, put a small pillow behind your back. It is also a good idea to get up every hour to stretch your back and legs.
- Reduce Your Stress Levels: Believe it or not, excess stress can intensify back pain. To keep your pain under control, you should take steps to reduce your stress levels. For example, you can start out each day with a relaxing activity, such as meditation or yoga.