After a car accident, muscle pain is a common occurrence due to the sudden and intense stretching of the muscles. It can result in pain, soreness, and swelling, similar to a sprained ankle. Just like a sprained ankle, the ligaments in the muscles are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. 

When circulation in a muscle is disrupted, swelling and inflammation can accumulate quickly. This pressure on the nerves near that area leads to symptoms that may not appear for several days.

When nerves become inflamed, they alert the brain, telling it something’s wrong. The body then responds by contracting the surrounding muscles to form a protective shield around the damaged area – adding tension and spasms into the mix of pain caused by initial muscle damage.

Secondly, when an unavoidable car accident is on the horizon, our bodies instinctively tense up in preparation. This bracing can damage our muscles, leading to delayed pain and ache after the incident has passed.

Counteracting resistance can cause muscle strain and injury, like a tug-of-war between your arm muscles and an outside force. Our body can move easily and without tension when there is no resistance or opposition.

These muscle injuries are prevalent in drivers’ arms and upper body areas.

Proven Ways to Relieve Muscle Aches and Soreness Following a Car Accident

Chiropractor

A chiropractor can relieve muscle pain and soreness after a car accident through various techniques. Some of the most common include:

1. Spinal adjustments: A chiropractor can adjust the spine to improve alignment and reduce muscle pain.
2. Soft tissue therapy: The chiropractor may use massage or myofascial release techniques to help relax and loosen tight muscles.
3. Stretching and exercise: The chiropractor may give you specific stretches and activities to help improve flexibility and reduce pain.
4. Heat and cold therapy: The chiropractor may recommend using heat or cold to reduce inflammation and pain.
5. Electrotherapy: Some chiropractors use electrotherapy to reduce pain and promote healing.
6. Ultrasound therapy: The chiropractor may use ultrasound therapy to penetrate the deep muscle tissue and reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness.
7. Nutrition: The chiropractor may recommend a healthy diet, supplements, and vitamins for healing.

It is important to note that every patient is different, and the treatment plan will vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and condition.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be an effective way to relieve muscle pain and soreness after a car accident by:

1. Relieving muscle tension: Massage therapy can help to relax tight muscles, reducing pain and stiffness in the affected areas.
2. Increasing blood flow: Massage can increase blood flow to the affected muscles, bringing in oxygen and nutrients to promote healing.
3. Reducing inflammation: Massage can help reduce inflammation in the muscles, decreasing pain and swelling.
4. Improving range of motion: Massage can help improve the affected muscles’ range of motion, making it easier to move and perform daily activities.
5. Promoting relaxation: Massage can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can positively affect overall well-being and pain management.
6. Breaking up scar tissues: Massage can be used to break up scar tissues, reducing pain and improving range of motion.

Different massage techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release, can be used. It is important to work with a qualified massage therapist trained in techniques that can help with muscle pain and injury from a car accident. Communicate with them about your condition and any discomfort during the massage.