There has been a great deal of research done over the last several years, which proves that injury, can and does occur in low impact collisions. The most common of these injuries is "whiplash". Whiplash injuries are often caused by rear-end collisions, and frequently by collisions from other angles.
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After your accident, you may have experienced severe, moderate, or no pain at all. Most auto injuries are hidden and seldom detected for months, or even years. Often, the initial pain subsides, only to return full-blown later. Soft tissue injuries heal with scar tissue and don't always cause pain immediately, but the damage done to your spine can lead to the following problems:
- Recurring headaches
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms or hands
- Chronic muscle tension and spasm
- Low back pain
- Spinal disc degeneration
- Painful, inflamed arthritis
- Sore, tight, inflexible muscles
- Decreased athletic ability
- Greater chance of re-injury
- Poor posture
2. WHAT IF I WAS ONLY "STIFF OR SORE" FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT NOW HAVE NO PAIN? OR, WHAT IF I HAD NO PAIN AT ALL IN THE FIRST PLACE?
A delay in the onset of pain is also extremely common, and is very well documented in the scientific literature. In addition, due to joint injuries, auto accidents can cause posttraumatic osteoarthritis. For those that have been in a traumatic accident, the arthritic process often develops much more quickly (at an earlier age) than in people who have not experienced auto accident trauma.
When you injure yourself, your body will compensate for the injured area by trying to guard it. This puts pressure on other parts of your body to help stabilize your spine and keep you upright as much as possible. This pressure is the tightening of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments opposite the injured area, which pulls the joints of the spine out of alignment and puts painful pressure on the nerves in your back and neck.
If not treated properly, this frequently causes a "domino effect" that leads to progressive musculoskeletal imbalance as well as the associated arthritic complications described above.
3. HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF MY INJURIES?
To determine the extent of your injuries and prevent their painful effects have an in-depth evaluation and consultation with a chiropractor and accident and personal injury specialist. Preferably, it should be one that's specially trained in diagnosing and treating spinal problems as a result of an automobile accident and can explain how much damage your body has sustained, as well as recommend what treatment he or she feels would be necessary and for how long.
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4. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT MY INJURIES?
Essentially, it will cost you nothing! Like any other health care service, care is covered completely under the "medical benefits" section of your automobile insurance policy. All fees for this evaluation and treatment will be sent directly to your auto insurance company (or the person-at-fault's) for payment, alleviating any direct financial burden to you.
5. CAN A MEDICAL DOCTOR DIAGNOSE MY INJURIES?
Yes, they can. However, diagnosing motor vehicle accident injuries are best left to a chiropractic physician. Chiropractors are trained to detect abnormal biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system that can lead to arthritis. Most agencies have a medical doctor on staff to insure that a more serious injury (such as a fracture) has not occurred, and to ensure that it is safe for you to engage in a program of physical/occupational therapy that will follow.
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6. CAN MEDICATIONS AND PILLS HELP ME GET BETTER?
Medications may mask the pain for a few hours, but they do not aid your body's ability to heal itself, and may hinder the healing process. Medications cannot correct the soft tissue damage that is caused by auto accidents. If you are only taking pills, irritated nerves will continue to cause pain, suffering, and the problems listed earlier. Therefore, the adverse effects of your injuries will continue to plague you until you seek treatment.
7. SHOULD I SEE AN ATTORNEY BEFORE MY EVALUATION?
Patients have important legal as well as health care needs that need to be addressed. In most cases, it is important to be evaluated by a clinic first. That way the findings from your exam will give you the information you need in order to decide if an attorney is necessary.
An attorney who specializes in injury accidents is a wise choice in these circumstances. They know the law and your rights and are better equipped to communicate with aggressive or intimidating insurance representatives to help you get the care and other benefits to which you are entitled.
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8. WHAT IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY WANTS ME TO SETTLE?
It's recommended that you do not settle your case before a thorough evaluation by our office. If you settle before your injury is fully diagnosed and treated, you will be responsible for any medical bills you incur in the future.
The medical centre will write detailed reports to insurance companies to assure that your claim will be effectively documented during your treatment.
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9. WHAT KIND OF TREATMENT WILL I RECEIVE?
At most health centers, chiropractic care and physical/occupational therapy are the foundation of treatment; however, massage, ultrasound, interferential/galvanic current stimulation, traction, and rehabilitation are also used.
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10. HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
For a personal evaluation and consultation, call a health center and ask to schedule an appointment. In most cases, you can be seen the same day. The sooner you receive treatment following your accident, the better your body will respond to restorative care. You will be glad you did!
Click here to find a chiropractor in your area who is an expert at treating auto accident injuries.
Resources:
http://www.bhia.org/auto-accidents.htm
http://accidentwatchdog.com/resource/How%20an%20Auto%20Accident%20Affects%20Your%20Body.pdf
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20010820/impact-of-car-accidents-can-be-long-lasting
Click to find a chiropractor in your area who can refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney, auto body shop, or towing company that can help you.
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about auto accident injuries:
1. WHAT IF I DON'T HURT VERY MUCH OR MY CAR SUSTAINED ONLY MINOR DAMAGE?
2. WHAT IF I WAS ONLY "STIFF OR SORE" FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT NOW HAVE NO PAIN? OR, WHAT IF I HAD NO PAIN AT ALL IN THE FIRST PLACE?
3. HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF MY INJURIES?
4. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT MY INJURIES?
5. CAN A MEDICAL DOCTOR DIAGNOSE MY INJURIES?
6. CAN MEDICATIONS AND PILLS HELP ME GET BETTER?
7. SHOULD I SEE AN ATTORNEY BEFORE MY EVALUATION?
8. WHAT IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY WANTS ME TO SETTLE?
9. WHAT KIND OF TREATMENT WILL I RECEIVE?
10. HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?