When people think about injuries after a motor vehicle collision (MVC), neck and back pain often come to mind first. However, the hands and wrists can also be injured during a crash. Gripping the steering wheel, bracing for impact, striking the dashboard or interior of the vehicle, or experiencing sudden force through the arms can place considerable stress on the wrist.

Key Insight:

Wrist pain after an MVC should not automatically be dismissed as a minor sprain. The wrist contains multiple small bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves, and injuries to these structures can sometimes produce similar symptoms. A thorough examination can help determine what may have been injured and whether conservative treatment, diagnostic imaging, or referral is appropriate.

During a collision, a driver may instinctively tighten their grip on the steering wheel or extend an arm to brace against impact. These forces can cause rapid bending, twisting, compression, or extension of the wrist. Depending on the mechanism of injury, this can contribute to sprains, strains, joint irritation, tendon injuries, or fractures.

Symptoms may include wrist pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, reduced grip strength, difficulty turning or bending the wrist, or pain when lifting and carrying objects. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers may suggest irritation or injury involving a nerve and should be evaluated appropriately.

Some wrist injuries can be difficult to recognize initially. For example, certain fractures may not always be obvious immediately after an injury. Persistent pain near the thumb side of the wrist, significant swelling, deformity, severe tenderness, or difficulty using the hand warrants appropriate medical evaluation and may require imaging.

A chiropractic examination following an MVC can include evaluation of wrist and hand motion, tenderness, swelling, strength, grip, joint function, and neurological findings. The elbow, shoulder, cervical spine, and nerves supplying the arm may also be assessed because symptoms experienced at the wrist or hand can sometimes originate from or be influenced by structures elsewhere in the upper extremity or neck.

For appropriate musculoskeletal wrist injuries, conservative care may include activity modification, therapeutic exercise, soft tissue therapy, gentle joint mobilization, supportive bracing when indicated, and rehabilitation designed to restore mobility and strength. Chiropractic care may also address associated injuries of the neck, shoulder, elbow, or upper back that occurred during the collision.

As symptoms improve, rehabilitation can focus on restoring wrist range of motion, grip strength, coordination, and tolerance for everyday activities. The goal is not simply to reduce discomfort, but to help restore normal function throughout the affected upper extremity.

If you develop wrist or hand pain after a motor vehicle collision, an early examination can help identify the likely source of your symptoms and determine the appropriate next steps. Even seemingly minor wrist symptoms deserve attention when they persist or interfere with normal activities.

Experiencing wrist pain after a motor vehicle collision? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss whether chiropractic care and rehabilitation may be appropriate for your injury.

Contact Us:
Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• American College of Radiology. ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Acute Hand and Wrist Trauma.

• Walenkamp MMJ, Bentohami A, Beerekamp MSH, et al. Functional Outcome in Patients With Unstable Distal Radius Fractures. Journal of Hand Surgery.

• Clementson M, Jørgsholm P, Besjakov J, Thomsen N, Björkman A. Conservative Treatment Versus Arthroscopic-Assisted Screw Fixation of Scaphoid Waist Fractures. Journal of Hand Surgery.

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Sports Injuries and Musculoskeletal Injuries.