Discover the Top 5 Soft Tissue Injuries and How to Treat Them

Soft tissue injuries are often overlooked after an accident. They often start off as minor aches and grow into major problems in the future. We have experience in treating soft tissue injuries sustained in a variety of scenarios:

• Car Accidents

• Whiplash

• Slip/Falls

• Sports Injuries

What is Soft Tissue?

The soft tissue includes the skin, connective tissue, fat, tendons, blood vessels, ligaments, and muscles. This does not include bones which are considered hard tissue.

What is a Whiplash Injury?

A whiplash injury most commonly occurs in car accidents. Although the official diagnosis is often “sprain/strain” of the neck, whiplash often includes other areas of the body and can cause injuries beyond the muscles of the neck. Whiplash happens when there is a sharp change in speed as could be causing by a collision or sudden stop. This can be exacerbated in a car accident when the occupants are wearing seatbelts - the body is strapped to the seat while the neck is cracked like a whip. 

Although every accident is unique, there are 5 most common soft tissue injuries that we see at CHIROHOUSE Clinic. Each of these can range from minor to severe. 

1. Sprain of the cervico-thoracic spine - this refers to the damage to the ligaments that attach your muscles to bones. Sprains can range from minor tears to a severe complete tears. A sprain is diagnosed by the following:

   1. Symptoms of sprains: pain or bruises around the area, swelling or inflammation, limited flexibility.

   2. Diagnosis of sprains: your doctor will most likely use X-rays to rule out fractures or broken bones. Your doctor will also conduct a physical examination of the affected area.

2. Strain of the cervico-thoracic spine - this refers to the damage to the actual muscles in the neck, upper back, shoulders, and low back. Strains also range from minor to severe complete tears. 

   1. Symptoms of strains: tenderness or bruising in the area of pain, inflammation or swelling, muscle spasms, limited range of motion.

   2. Diagnosis of strains: As in sprains, your doctor will thoroughly examine you and will also probably order x-rays to conclusively diagnose a strain.

3. Neurological Injuries - the cervical spine (neck) is a complex area with critical neurology such as the brainstem that not only feeds into the head and face, but also regulates main of the body’s core functions. The sudden jerk of a whiplash injury such as a car accident can misalign spinal bones. A misaligned spinal bone will put stress on the surrounding nerves and this can lead to neurological issues.

   1. Neurological symptoms: headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, confusion, poor mood, poor sleep, anxiety, depression

   2. Diagnosis of neurological Injuries: a detailed history, as well as any necessary testing such as X-rays and Cranial Nerve Testing. 

4. Cerebral Contusions and Concussions - this is commonly called a “closed head injury.” Cerebral contusions and consussions refers to bruising, swelling, or bleeding inside the skull around the head. Car accidents and auto collisions are the most common cause of cerebral contusions and concussions. They are silent injuries - oftentimes there will be no visible injury. Nevertheless, this is a life-threatening condition and needs to be addressed immediately. 

   1. Symptoms of contusions: loss of memory, confusion, numbness, loss of speech.

   2. Diagnosis of contusions: A referral must be made to a neurologist for a CT scan and/or MRI. 

5. Cuts/Bruises/Lacerations - this is a very common injury. During a car accident, slip/fall, sport injury, we often come in contact with sharp objects flying around us. These range from minor bruising to cuts that require stitches and even surgery. 

CHIROHOUSE Clinic is here to help you! We serve patients in Prior Lake, Savage, Bloomington, Shakopee, Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley, and Edina. Dr. Sharikov has the experience and compassion to help you with injury care, pain management, and soft tissue rehabilitation. 

In addition, you will receive our assistance in handling all paperwork, filing claims and necessary communication with your insurance company.

Your wellness is our goal. Contact us today to book your consultation.