Care is the cornerstone of our practice

Visit our Location
11860 Vista Del Sol Dr Suite 105,
El Paso, TX 79936
Give us a Call
+1 (915) 412-6680
Send us a Message
support@chiromed.com
Opening Hours
Mon-Thu: 7 AM - 7 PM
Fri - Sun: Closed

Tag: physical trauma

ChiroMedBlogphysical trauma
By Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP 0 Comments Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), Chiropractic Care, Gut Health, Therapy , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Hidden Impact of Motor Vehicle Accidents on Gut Health: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are more than just a momentary disruption—they can have far-reaching effects on your health, particularly your gut. While the immediate concern after a car crash often centers on visible injuries like broken bones or whiplash, the impact on your digestive system and overall gut health can be profound and frequently overlooked. From physical trauma to the belly to the stress and medications that follow, MVAs can disrupt the delicate balance of your gut-brain axis, leading to abdominal pain, internal hemorrhaging, and long-term gastrointestinal issues. This blog post examines the impact of MVAs on gut health, drawing on clinical insights from Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a renowned chiropractor and nurse practitioner in El Paso, Texas, as well as other credible sources. We’ll also discuss the connection to musculoskeletal pain, the role of advanced diagnostics, and the importance of seeking timely medical and legal support.

How Motor Vehicle Accidents Affect Gut Health

Physical Trauma to the Abdomen

One of the most direct ways an MVA can impact gut health is through physical trauma to the abdomen. The force of a collision, especially in high-velocity accidents, can cause blunt or penetrating injuries to the digestive organs. Blunt trauma, such as from a seatbelt or steering wheel, may lead to internal hemorrhaging, organ rupture, or damage to the intestines (MDSearchlight, n.d.). Although less common, penetrating injuries can occur when sharp objects puncture the abdominal cavity, which may lead to severe complications such as peritonitis or sepsis.

Immediate symptoms of abdominal trauma may include sharp pain, bruising, or swelling, but some injuries manifest hours or days later. Delayed stomach pain after a car accident is a concerning symptom that could indicate internal bleeding, organ damage, or a hematoma (AICA Orthopedics, 2024). For example, a bruised liver or spleen may not cause noticeable symptoms right away but can lead to life-threatening complications if untreated. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a board-certified chiropractor and nurse practitioner, emphasizes the importance of thorough medical evaluations following an accident to rule out potential injuries. (Jimenez, 2025).

Citations:

Stress and the Gut-Brain Axis

The emotional toll of an MVA can be just as damaging to gut health as physical injuries. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network between the brain and the gastrointestinal system, is highly sensitive to stress and trauma (Khiron Clinics, n.d.). The shock, fear, and anxiety following a car accident can trigger a stress response, releasing cortisol and other stress hormones that disrupt gut motility, increase inflammation, and alter the gut microbiota.

Chronic stress from an MVA, especially if it leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or diarrhea (Janicek Law, n.d.). Dr. Jimenez notes that stress-related gut disturbances are common among his patients in El Paso, where he uses functional medicine to address these issues through nutrition and stress management protocols (Jimenez, 2025).

Citations:

Adverse Effects of Medications

Post-accident treatment often involves medications like painkillers, anti-inflammatories, or antibiotics, which can have significant side effects on the gut. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly prescribed for pain, can irritate the stomach lining, leading to ulcers, gastritis, or bleeding (Gastroenterology Advisor, 2024). Opioids, used for severe pain, can slow gut motility, causing constipation or even opioid-induced bowel dysfunction.

Antibiotics, sometimes administered to prevent infection after surgery or injury, can disrupt the gut microbiota, reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing the risk of conditions like Clostridium difficile infection (PMC, 2018). Dr. Jimenez advocates for nutritional interventions to restore gut flora and minimize medication-related damage, integrating probiotics and anti-inflammatory diets into his treatment plans (Jimenez, 2025).

Citations:

The Connection to Musculoskeletal Pain

MVAs are a leading cause of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back and neck. Whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage are common, and these injuries can indirectly affect gut health through viscerosomatic reflexes, where pain in one part of the body influences another (Jimenez, 2025). For instance, chronic back pain can alter posture and muscle tension, impacting abdominal organs and contributing to digestive issues.

Dr. Jimenez’s dual expertise as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner allows him to address both the musculoskeletal and systemic effects of MVAs. His clinic in El Paso uses spinal adjustments, functional strength training, and advanced diagnostics to restore mobility and reduce pain, which in turn supports gut health by alleviating stress and improving nerve function (Jimenez, 2025). Patients with neck or back pain often report secondary symptoms like nausea or bloating, underscoring the interconnectedness of these systems.

Citations:

Traumatic Brain Injury and Gut Health

In severe MVAs, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can further complicate gut health. TBIs disrupt the connection between the gut and the brain by altering how nerves transmit signals, which can upset the balance of gut bacteria and increase gut permeability, often referred to as a “leaky gut.” This can cause systemic inflammation, worsening digestive symptoms, and potentially contribute to mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

Dr. Jimenez’s integrative approach includes assessing neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms in TBI patients, using blood panels and imaging to identify underlying dysfunctions (Jimenez, 2025). By addressing both the brain and gut, he helps patients achieve comprehensive recovery.

Citations:

Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s Approach in El Paso

Clinical Rationale and Advanced Diagnostics

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, based in El Paso, Texas, is a leading expert in treating MVA victims, combining chiropractic care with nurse practitioner-driven medical management. His clinic, Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, utilizes advanced imaging techniques (such as X-rays and MRIs) and dual-scope procedures (combining musculoskeletal and systemic assessments) to accurately diagnose injuries. (Jimenez, 2025). These tools are critical for identifying hidden injuries, such as internal hemorrhaging or subtle spinal misalignments, that may contribute to gut issues.

His diagnostic assessments, including the Living Matrix Functional Medicine Assessment, help uncover the root causes of health problems, from biomechanical misalignments to metabolic imbalances (Jimenez, 2025). This comprehensive approach ensures that treatment plans address both immediate symptoms and long-term health.

Balancing Medical and Legal Needs

In personal injury cases, accurate documentation is crucial for legal claims. Dr. Jimenez’s detailed reports, supported by diagnostic evidence, provide the necessary medical records for insurance settlements and lawsuits (Jimenez, 2025). His dual licensure allows him to bridge the gap between clinical care and legal requirements, ensuring patients receive both effective treatment and fair compensation.

Citations:

What to Do If You Experience Stomach Pain After an MVA

If you experience stomach pain, diarrhea, or other digestive issues after a car accident, take these steps:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare provider to rule out serious injuries like internal bleeding or organ damage (Michigan Auto Law, n.d.).
  2. Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they started and their severity, to support medical and legal claims.
  3. Consult a Specialist: A chiropractor, such as Dr. Jimenez, with expertise in MVAs, can provide non-invasive treatments to address both musculoskeletal and gut-related issues. (Chiropractor Snellville, n.d.).
  4. Consider Functional Medicine: Nutritional and stress management interventions can help restore gut health (The Barnes Firm, n.d.).
  5. Work with a Personal Injury Attorney: Legal support ensures you receive compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Citations:

Conclusion

Motor vehicle accidents can have a profound impact on gut health, affecting everything from physical digestion to mental well-being. Through physical trauma, stress, and medication side effects, MVAs disrupt the gut-brain axis and can lead to serious complications if not addressed. Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s integrative approach in El Paso, combining chiropractic care, functional medicine, and advanced diagnostics, offers a comprehensive solution for MVA victims. By addressing both the physical and systemic effects of these injuries, he helps patients recover fully while providing the documentation needed for legal claims. If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t ignore symptoms like stomach pain or digestive issues—seek medical attention promptly to protect your health and future.

References