Like seatbelts, airbags are designed to save your life and prevent serious injuries if you are in a car crash, but that doesn’t mean they can’t cause some damage as a result of these measures. Airbags simply offer a better alternative to what would happen otherwise, such as hitting the dashboard or windows. Depending on the type of injuries you sustain, it is important to visit a specialist or a whiplash chiropractor to ensure your injuries are not worse than they may appear. If you were recently involved in a car accident where the airbags deployed, it is important to understand the most common injuries to be aware of in the aftermath.
Surface Injuries
The most common car accident injuries you will see after an airbag deploys are surface injuries- things like abrasions, contusions, and burns that are visible to the eye and primarily impact your skin. Abrasions and scrapes can be caused by the friction of the skin rubbing against another surface, like the fabric that airbags are made from, while contusions and bruises may result from the pressure of the airbag’s deployment. These injuries are most commonly seen in the upper body and can range from mild to severe, but are rarely serious injuries that require emergency care.
Burns can occur as a result of the friction of fabric against the skin, but you may also experience chemical burns after airbags deploy. The mechanism that causes airbags to inflate quickly requires a chemical reaction. Heat and gas will be initially trapped inside the airbag to cushion your body and then slowly released through the vents in the side of the airbag. If you are gripping the steering wheel, it’s common for the hands and forearm to suffer burns from the side vents as they release gas. In rare cases, the hot gas can explode out of the airbag due to a defect, causing facial burns.
Concussions
Airbags are designed to prevent your head from making contact with a hard surface like the dashboard. However, even when that occurs, you could still end up with a concussion, just one that is potentially less serious. If your head collides with the airbag itself or is thrown back against a chair or window, you may notice concussion symptoms. If you experience a loss of consciousness, severe and lasting headaches, dizziness, balance issues, nausea, light sensitivity, or trouble concentrating and remembering, you should visit a whiplash chiropractor to ensure no other serious head injuries have occurred.
Whiplash
As one of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident, whiplash is something you are likely looking out for. While airbags can prevent whiplash in some cases, in others, it may simply mean you have a less severe case of the condition. Whiplash is caused when the body jolts back and forth quickly, straining the soft tissues and leading to stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulders. This can occur whether you hit an airbag or not if there is room for your head to move quickly enough. While whiplash can be painful, it can also be treated easily by a whiplash chiropractor in most cases.
Internal Injuries
If your body makes contact with the quick and high-pressured airbag, it can cause internal damage and bruising. Even if you see no bruises from airbags externally, there may be internal bruising as well. Injuries to the rib and pelvis are possible, as well as damage to the organs, abdomen, or bowels. These can be not only painful but can also lead to life-threatening injuries like internal bleeding if they are not treated properly.
Preventing Airbag Injuries
Just like wearing a seatbelt is a preventative measure, there are things you can do to prevent injuries as a result of an airbag deployment. Below are some tips from a whiplash chiropractor to prevent airbag injuries:
- Always wear your seatbelt!
- Children under 12 should always ride in the backseat when possible.
- Make sure you are using the correct car seat for your child’s height and weight.
- Position yourself at least 10 inches back from the airbag deployment area of your vehicle.
- Children should be properly restrained and seated at all times.
Treating Common Airbag Injuries
If you’ve experienced one of these common airbag injuries, whether visible surface wounds or deeper trauma, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While some injuries may appear minor, underlying damage can lead to long-term complications if left untreated. That’s why AICA offers comprehensive care under one roof, providing a multidisciplinary approach that includes chiropractic care, physical therapy, orthopedic services, and neurology, all tailored to help patients recover from airbag-related injuries.
Chiropractic Care for Airbag Injuries
Chiropractic treatment is often one of the first lines of care for soft tissue and spinal injuries resulting from a car accident, thanks to its non-invasive, drug-free approach. Even if your injuries seem minor, the force of an airbag combined with the jolt of the accident can misalign your spine, strain your neck, and impact your musculoskeletal system. Common airbag injuries treated by chiropractors include whiplash, neck strain, back pain, spinal misalignment, muscle stiffness, muscle tension, and shoulder pain from seatbelt and airbag impact.
At AICA, our chiropractors use advanced diagnostic imaging tools to assess damage and develop customized treatment plans. Gentle spinal adjustments can restore healthy spinal alignment, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing without surgery or medication. Chiropractic care can also help improve your range of motion and reduce long-term stiffness and discomfort after you recover from a car accident injury.
Physical Therapy for Injury Rehabilitation
After an airbag deployment, you may find that your body doesn’t move like it used to. Physical therapy is essential for regaining strength, flexibility, and overall function after an accident. Whether you’re dealing with a strained neck, torn soft tissue, or sore joints, physical therapy can help restore mobility and reduce pain.
At AICA, physical therapists work in tandem with other specialists to deliver a well-rounded recovery plan. Treatments with a Conyers physical therapist may include:
- Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability
- Stretching techniques to enhance flexibility and circulation
- Soft tissue mobilization to reduce scar tissue and promote healing
- Balance and coordination training for neurological or head injury symptoms
If you’re recovering from whiplash or concussion from airbag deployment, physical therapy is key to regaining balance, coordination, and postural control. Our physical therapists monitor your progress closely, adjusting your plan as your body heals.
Orthopedic Care for Structural Injuries
In some cases, airbag injuries can go beyond soft tissue and cause damage to the bones, joints, or internal structures. This includes fractured ribs, bruised sternums, dislocated shoulders, and other musculoskeletal injuries. At AICA, our team of orthopedic doctors specializes in diagnosing and treating these types of conditions. Our goal is to prevent long-term complications by addressing injuries early and effectively. Common orthopedic interventions include:
- Imaging tests to identify fractures, joint damage, or internal injuries
- Bracing or casting for stabilization
- Injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Surgical consultations, if necessary
Because AICA has orthopedists on staff at every location, you don’t need to bounce between providers. This seamless care model allows for faster treatment decisions and more coordinated recovery.
Neurology for Concussions and Nerve Damage
If you hit your head during a crash, even against the airbag, then it’s possible you’ve suffered a concussion or other brain injury. In some cases, airbag deployment may also cause nerve damage due to sudden pressure, stretching, or chemical exposure.
Symptoms that may point to a neurological issue include:
- Headaches that worsen or persist
- Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
- Dizziness, light sensitivity, or balance issues
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
AICA’s neurologists can assess your symptoms using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including MRI and nerve conduction studies. If a brain or nerve injury is detected, we develop a treatment plan that may include medication management, cognitive therapy, or coordination with our physical therapy and chiropractic teams. Early treatment is essential for concussion recovery, as untreated symptoms can worsen over time and significantly impact daily life. Our comprehensive treatment approach helps make sure that neurologic care is part of your comprehensive recovery plan, not a separate or delayed step.
Comprehensive Care with Multi-Specialty Treatment Plans
What sets AICA apart is our ability to provide this wide range of services in one location. After a car accident, patients are often overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn or confused by the multiple referrals. At AICA, you don’t have to make that decision alone. Our coordinated model ensures that chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedists, and neurologists collaborate on your behalf. We conduct thorough evaluations and build a plan that evolves as your condition improves. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle the logistics of treatment.
Additional benefits of choosing AICA include:
- Same-day appointments for accident victims
- Advanced imaging onsite, including open MRI
- Direct billing to third-party insurers and attorneys so you can get care without upfront costs
The Importance of Prompt Medical Attention After a Car Accident
Even if you walked away from your accident feeling “fine,” airbag injuries can develop over the course of days or weeks. Concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage are especially deceptive because they don’t always present immediate symptoms. By the time you feel the full effects, like persistent headaches, neck pain, stiffness, or numbness, you may already be dealing with a more serious issue. At AICA, we encourage early evaluation, especially when an airbag was deployed. Our multi-specialty team can identify hidden injuries before they become chronic and tailor treatment to your unique situation.
Visit a Car Accident Doctor Today at AICA Orthopedics
Whether you’re dealing with airbag burns, bruises, head trauma, or spinal strain, AICA is here to help. With a team of accident doctors across Georgia and a proven track record of helping thousands of car accident victims recover safely, we’re your trusted partner in health. Schedule your free consultation today and let AICA’s integrated care team support you from diagnosis through recovery—so you can get back to living pain-free.
It’s important to understand what doctor to see after a car accident. One of the things you can do is to visit a whiplash chiropractor who can properly evaluate you. The specialists at AICA Conyers will be able to identify any injuries you may have missed and know what to look for if your airbags deployed. Schedule your first session with AICA Conyers today to begin treatment now!