Arm, Wrist & Hand Pain from an Auto Accident

Broken wrists are one of the most common injuries to the arms and hands in an auto accident. As drivers brace themselves against the steering wheel, or as passengers brace themselves against the dashboard, the impact of a collision can cause the bones in the wrists to break. Arms can also become injured from impact with airbags, the steering wheel, the dashboard, the door or other parts of the vehicle.

Many may also discover other symptoms in their hands in the weeks or months following the accident. These symptoms include numbness, tingling, swelling or even burning pain. These symptoms are often diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome, even though they’re not caused by the more common repetitive motion.

Causes of Arm, Wrist & Hand Pain

These carpal tunnel symptoms occur when the median nerve, which connects the spinal cord to the hand, is pinched in the wrist. The median nerve is responsible for hand movement and the sensations in the hand. When it gets pinched, numbness, tingling, itching or pain can occur in the palm, thumb or fingers.

The arms, shoulders, and wrists can also become painful from tension in the neck and back resulting from whiplash. These symptoms may develop weeks or months after an auto accident.

How We Evaluate Arm, Wrist & Hand Pain

There are two assessments a chiropractor will make when a patient is suffering from arm, wrist or hand 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 the injury and relieve pain.

Arm pain, wrist pain, and hand 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.