Hip & Leg Pain from an Auto Accident

The hips have many different types of nerves and soft tissues that connect the spine to the lower extremities. Compression or misalignment of the spine can send pain through these nerves and have a dramatic impact on your mobility. Injuries sustained in auto accidents can also strain the muscles in your hips, pelvis and lower back causing spasms, or dislocations can occur.

Realigning the spine, and correcting dislocations can often reduce or eliminate pain in the hips and legs. Massage therapy can treat strained muscles and ligaments. If you’re experiencing pain in your hips or legs, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor as soon as possible.

Causes of Hip & Leg Pain

Pain in the hips and legs after an auto accident can be caused by several factors. Injuries can be sustained from impact with the inside of your vehicle. Hips can be strained or dislocated from the forward motion of a collision, as well sudden pressure from a lap belt. Even in a side collision, the body is thrust in one direction and then the other, which can push a person’s hip out of place or strain the legs.

Muscle and ligaments can become strained from this motion, as well as from the pressure of a seatbelt. If the spine becomes misaligned, pinched nerves can send sharp pains through the hips and legs.

How We Evaluate Hip & Leg Pain

There are two assessments a chiropractor will make when a patient is suffering from hip or leg pain after an auto accident. The first is a physical assessment, including a close examination of x-rays or MRI scans and a physical examination. The second is a pain assessment. Measuring pain is difficult because it is highly subjective and therefore difficult to communicate. An open conversation between doctor and patient is critical to establish a baseline and quantify levels of pain a patient is experiencing.

During these conversations, a chiropractor will determine if a patient’s pain is intermittent or constant, the type of pain (stabbing, throbbing, burning, etc.), pain triggers, times of day when pain most often occurs, and the level of pain on a scale of 1 to 10. Doctors will also inquire about medical history, medications, and previous treatments.

In this way, a doctor can effectively assess a patient’s condition and determine the best course of treatment to repair injury and relieve pain.

Hip and leg pain are treatable, and they do not have to slow you down. A chiropractor can help you get back to normal, depending on your condition. Schedule a free consultation today.