Car Crash Treatment
Did you know there are, on average, 6 million car accidents in the U.S. each year? Roughly 3 million people are injured every year in these accidents. From major collisions to fender benders, car accidents frequently take a heavy toll on their victims, both from the standpoints of emotional stress and physical pain.
In the days after an accident, many decisions often must be made quickly. Do I seek treatment for the aches and pains I’m experiencing? What kind of medical care will auto insurance cover? Do I accept an insurance company settlement quickly or wait until I know more about my injuries? Do I seek help for my physical ailments solely from a medical doctor? Should I consider chiropractic care, as well?
When experiencing head injuries, most accident victims readily agree to go to a hospital to get their injuries checked out. Of course, that’s the proper course of action. Unfortunately, many victims of minor car accidents elect not to seek medical help. What they may not realize is that minor bumps and bruises can actually cause soft tissue injuries that, left untreated, can lead to chronic arthritic ailments.
Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is perhaps the most common car accident injury. It occurs when the head is rapidly moved backward or forward and then quickly “whipped” in the opposite direction. The force of the rapid movement can force neck muscles, ligaments and tendons to stretch far beyond their normal range. Interestingly, more than half of all whiplash injuries take place in crashes where the vehicles incurred minor damage.
How do I know if I should pursue medical help after a car crash?
If you have any amount of pain or discomfort following an accident, it’s wise to seek a medical professional, either in the emergency room or soon after the accident at an appointment with your primary care physician. These professionals can assess the seriousness of your injuries by ordering x-rays, MRIs or other tests.
Once you have their diagnosis, it makes sense to visit a chiropractor, who can help with any pain or stiffness you may be feeling in your neck, back or shoulders. Why seek chiropractic care? Car crashes can wreak havoc with our musculoskeletal systems, knocking our spine or neck out of alignment. Unlike medications or surgeries, chiropractic care focuses on the root cause of the pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and remove pressure from the impacted nerves, typically bringing about quick relief.
To learn more about chiropractic care related to auto accidents, check out car crash treatment Glen Burnie, MD, or contact the team at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic.