According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are more motorcycles on
the roads than ever before. In fact, at 8.6 million registered vehicles in 2021, that’s double the
amount seen back in 2002. Now, cars and trucks must learn to share the road with these
motorcycles and their riders. It’s important to exercise caution around these open vehicles, and
the motorcyclists should do the same in return.
But accidents happen. Unfortunately, unlike their enclosed counterparts, motorcycles do
not offer a lot in the way of rider protection. While all cyclists are encouraged to wear protective
gear and helmets, even that won’t shield the rider from a simple sideswipe or catastrophic
collision. A cyclist may even be thrown from their bike if they were going fast enough. Needless
to say, any of these traumatic events can lead to a range of severe injuries. Read on for a list of
potential injuries, and find out how chiropractic can help.
• Muscle Strain. Needless to say, a vehicle wreck of any kind can put severe strain on the muscles
of your body. Because cyclists are often responsible for keeping their bike upright to avoid being
crushed, the strain can be even greater.
• Whiplash. A sudden stop, as is typically the case in an accident, can cause your neck to suffer
from whiplash. Whiplash is the rapid back-and-forth movement of your neck that often causes
pain and stiffness.
• Spinal Compression. Spinal compression occurs when a traumatic force causes the vertebrae to
be pressed or locked together. This type of compression is entirely possible and even likely to
occur due to the extreme forces at play in a motorcycle accident.
• Herniated Disc. The discs sit between the vertebrae, cushioning and protecting the bones that
make up your spine. When a sudden extreme force (e.g., spinal compression) puts pressure on
these discs, they may bulge or rupture. This is known as a herniated disc, and it can be very
painful.
Fortunately, although cyclists are prone to some pretty serious injuries, the above
conditions are treatable with chiropractic care. Chiropractors are trained in treating a range of
conditions that come with road accidents, including muscle strain, whiplash, and spinal
compression. Through non-invasive adjustments, therapies, and exercises, your chiropractor can
guide you through the recovery process.
If you’re looking for a chiropractor to call home, we invite you to join us here at Wirth
Chiropractic. Our team would love to meet you and work with you toward your health and
recovery goals. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!
