Care After Auto Accidents
According to a study by the CDC, over 2 million people will need to visit an emergency room or urgent care annually for injuries sustained in an auto accident. Even more walk away from an auto accident wit just a few bumps and bruises.
Unfortunately, many never consult with a chiropractor about their injuries because they believe they were not injured or otherwise believe they will get the treatment they need from an emergency room. The truth is, accident injuries can have major musco-skeletal injuries without any symptoms! Of those lucky ones at the onset, they are often just sent home with pain medicaitons, which do nothing for any potential underlying injury.
Did you know…
You only need to be traveling about 7 mph during a collision to sustain damage to your soft tissue muscles, joints, and bones. The same principle applies to injuries sustained when drivers run in to you. Both low-speed and high-speed crashes put your body at a risk of injury.
Frequently Asked Auto Accident Questions
I was in an auto accident. Should I seek chiropratic treatment?
The quick answer is, YES. A car accident can leave you with little to no pain, experiencing small pains, or leave you in sever pain! No matter what spectrum of pain you are experiencing, its is crucial to seek out chiropractic treatments immediately after a collision. Chiropractic is effective for relieving pain from whiplash and misalignment caused by collisions. Futher on, early treatment will yield the fastest recovery time, because treatment is administered before the body has the opportunity to isolate injuries.
What should I expect at my chiropractic appointment?
Your initail appointment will consist of a standard examination and discussion of your situation, what happened, and if you are feeling any aches or pains and where. You may have an x-ray done to double check for spinal subluxations or neck injuries that may have begun. Dr. Blakely will then develop a treatment plan for you based on your discussion and results of the x-rays. In most cases a gentle spinal adjustment will be done or possibly spinal decompression.
Is there anything I can do to accelerate the healing process?
The first 24 hours after an accident are a crucial period for your body. It may help to apply ice to injuries to help with any swelling or inflammation as well. But visit your chiropractor as soon as possible and do your best to reduce physical activity - even if you feel just fine. Muscoskeletal pain doesn't set in til a few days, weeks, or even months after an auto accident. Make sure you slow down and take it easy. Once you get to your chiropractors office you will be able to ask questions and get feedback on anything you can do to facilitate the healing process.
If you’ve been in an auto accident, please call us today to schedule a free consultation!