Chiropractic and Auto Accidents<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the unfortunate event you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may have a lot of questions and decisions that need to be addressed. \u00a0From a health standpoint you may wonder if you are hurt or not. \u00a0 It is easy to know this if you have immediate pain or a broken bone, but what if you did not have pain at the accident or even a few days later? \u00a0Does that mean since you did not have pain that you are not injured? \u00a0Of course not, but\u00a0many people believe this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact many insurance agents responsible for paying for your injures will tell you that if you are not in pain you can not be hurt. \u00a0This has been proven to be a false assumption that has been backed up saying the opposite with clinical research done with MRI, X-Rays, and other medical test following minor accidents. \u00a0Since only 18% of your nerve fibers carry pain signals, \u00a082% of the time you can have injuries and not be in pain. \u00a0The only true way to determine if you have suffered an injury as a result of a auto accident is to be evaluated by a health care provider who is familiar with treating patients who have been in auto accidents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the event that you were seriously injured you may have been seen in the Emergency Room and these doctors are very skilled in dealing with serious injuries. \u00a0For example, broken bones, dislocations, cuts, wounds, air bag burns, and other life threatening injuries. \u00a0However, they are not trained in properly evaluating the subtle sprain\/strain injuries like whiplash that are the most common injuries that occur after minor auto accidents. \u00a0Yes they often times diagnose them based on a good history of symptoms, but they are not trained in the treatment of these injuries. \u00a0So most people are just prescribed medication and told to follow up with another provider if the pain does not go away. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you are involved in a minor car accident (not bad enough to need to be seen in a hospital) and regardless if you feel pain or not, you should be evaluated by a chiropractor to see if you have suffered any soft tissue injuries. \u00a0Chiropractor are trained in the detection and correction of subtle joint injures that cause improper joint mechanics or dyskinesis or WAD (whiplash associated disorder). \u00a0They will also be able to detect any ligamentous damage within the spine and extremities through motion x-rays and other orthopedic tests to guide you in the appropriate course of treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your injuries are not identified and treated within the first 10 days after an accident then scar tissue will be laid down and it can be much more difficult to restore the normal joint mechanics leading to a possible permanent impairment. This means longer and more frequent treatment in order to correct what has occurred before the proper treatment was started. \u00a0This is a strong case for chiropractic care and auto accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you or anyone you know is involved in any type of auto accident, large or small. \u00a0I would recommend that once any life threatening injuries are stabilized and addressed, then to be seen ASAP\u00a0by a chiropractor. \u00a0If you are living in the east valley, then I would be happy to help. \u00a0We currently have two offices in the east valley, one in Mesa at Recker and McKellips and the other in Tempe at Mill and Baseline. \u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n