AUTO ACCIDENT CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Why it's important to receive chiropractic care after an automobile accident.

 

After a car accident, your spine may have been rattled and vertebrae may have shifted out of place, possibly leading to secondary symptoms such as pain, stiffness and numbness throughout the body. Over the following weeks and months, this pain will likely get worse and if left untreated may require surgery. But what many don't realize is that even if they don't have any noticeable pain immediately after being in a car accident, that doesn't mean they're in the clear. Injuries to the spinal cord often take weeks to manifest themselves in pain.

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At Specific Chiropractic, we know that every car accident injury is unique. That's why we work hand-in-hand with you on your road to recovery. Our team of doctors will take X-ray's, perform strength tests, and consult with you about the nature of your accident injuries in order to get a full understanding of your condition before we begin treatment.

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Did you know?

 

You must be examined by a trained health care provider within two weeks (14 days) of the date of your auto accident to help ensure you are protected under the current Florida Personal Injury Law.

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Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, and it’s essential to quickly assess the situation to ensure everyone's safety and handle things properly. Here are ten critical questions to ask yourself after an accident, along with some guidance on what to do in each case:

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1. Am I or anyone else injured?

• Answer: First, check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s wise to seek medical attention as some symptoms may appear later.

2. Is it safe to stay in the car, or should I move?

• Answer: If the car is in a safe location and there’s no risk of additional accidents, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened. If you’re in a dangerous area (like the middle of a busy road), carefully move to a safer location if possible. Always prioritize safety over vehicle damage.

3. Do I need to call the police?

• Answer: Yes, you should call the police, especially if there’s significant damage or injuries. A police report is essential for insurance purposes and may be required by law, depending on the severity of the accident.

4. Have I gathered all the necessary information?

• Answer: Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of the other driver(s). Also, note the make, model, and license plate number of any vehicles involved. Taking photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can be very helpful.

5. Should I admit fault or apologize?

• Answer: Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as these statements may be used against you in insurance claims. Instead, stick to factual statements and let the police or your insurance company determine fault.

6. Do I need to notify my insurance company?

• Answer: Yes, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Even if you’re not at fault, your insurer needs to be informed to start the claims process and protect your rights.

7. Have I documented the accident properly?

• Answer: In addition to photos, write down your account of the accident as soon as you can. Include details like the time, date, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors. This documentation can be valuable for your insurance claim.

8. Do I need to see a doctor, even if I feel okay?

• Answer: Yes, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent but could cause long-term issues if left untreated.

9. Should I hire a lawyer?

• Answer: If the accident involves significant damage, injuries, or a dispute over who is at fault, consulting a personal injury attorney may be wise. They can help you navigate insurance claims, negotiate settlements, and protect your legal rights.

10. How should I proceed with repairs?

• Answer: Get an estimate from a trusted repair shop, and then discuss the repair process with your insurance company. They may have preferred providers, but you generally have the right to choose where to have your vehicle repaired.

Asking these questions after an accident can help you stay organized, calm, and prepared to handle the situation efficiently.

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Here are the 10 most common injuries from car accidents and how upper cervical chiropractic care can provide relief and support recovery:

1. Whiplash

• Description: Whiplash occurs when the neck is forced into a rapid back-and-forth motion, often damaging soft tissues like ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps: Upper cervical adjustments restore proper alignment to the neck, reducing pain and inflammation while supporting soft tissue healing. Gentle adjustments can relieve muscle tension and nerve irritation, helping with both acute and chronic whiplash symptoms.

2. Concussion

• Description: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. It can result in headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, and visual disturbances.

• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps: By realigning the upper cervical spine, chiropractic care reduces pressure on the brainstem and improves blood flow to the brain. This can help decrease concussion symptoms like headaches and dizziness, promoting faster recovery.

3. Herniated Disc

• Description: The impact of a car accident can cause a spinal disc to bulge or rupture, resulting in nerve compression, pain, and numbness.

• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps: Upper cervical adjustments improve spinal alignment, relieving pressure from affected discs and reducing nerve impingement. This encourages better healing and pain relief without invasive treatments.

4. Lower Back Pain

• Description: The lower back is often injured in car accidents due to sudden force and twisting motions, which can strain muscles or injure spinal discs.

• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps: Aligning the upper cervical spine supports overall spinal balance, which reduces compensatory strain in the lower back. This can alleviate pain and improve posture, relieving discomfort in the lumbar region.

5. Shoulder Injuries

• Description: Shoulder injuries, like strains, sprains, or even rotator cuff tears, are common when bracing during impact or due to seatbelt restraint.

• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps: Proper alignment of the cervical spine can reduce tension and nerve irritation affecting the shoulder muscles, improving mobility and reducing pain in the shoulder joint.

6. Neck Pain and Stiffness

• Description: Beyond whiplash, general neck pain and stiffness are common due to the strain of sudden movements in an accident.

• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps: Upper cervical adjustments target the root cause of neck pain by restoring alignment, reducing muscle tension, and alleviating nerve irritation. This approach reduces stiffness and supports healing.

7. Knee Injuries

• Description: Knees can be injured upon impact with the dashboard, leading to strains, ligament tears, or bruising.

• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps: While primarily focusing on the cervical spine, upper cervical adjustments can help balance the body’s alignment, reducing compensatory strain on the lower body and aiding in overall recovery.

8. Sciatica

• Description: The impact from a car accident can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the leg.

• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps: Realigning the upper cervical spine supports proper spinal posture, which can alleviate pressure on the lower back and sciatic nerve, providing relief from pain radiating down the legs.

9. Fractures

• Description: Bones, particularly in the ribs, arms, and legs, can fracture due to the impact of a car accident.

• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps: Although chiropractic care does not directly heal fractures, upper cervical adjustments support the nervous system and improve blood flow, which can assist in recovery and alleviate compensatory muscle tension.

10. Headaches and Migraines

• Description: Many accident victims experience headaches and migraines after a car accident due to neck strain, whiplash, or concussion.

• How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps: By addressing cervical misalignments, chiropractic care can relieve nerve pressure and improve blood flow, reducing the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines associated with car accidents.

Benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Car Accident Injuries

Upper cervical chiropractic care is particularly effective for car accident injuries because it targets the root cause of pain and dysfunction in the cervical spine. This gentle, non-invasive approach:

• Reduces Inflammation and Muscle Tension: Aligning the upper cervical spine helps decrease inflammation and alleviate tension in muscles that often result from trauma.

• Improves Nerve Function: By reducing nerve interference in the brainstem and spine, upper cervical care optimizes nervous system function, promoting faster healing and reducing pain.

• Supports Whole-Body Balance: Proper cervical alignment improves posture, reduces compensatory strain on the lower back and joints, and enhances mobility.

Specific Chiropractic of Boca Raton, led by Dr. Evan J. Hasson, provides precise upper cervical care to help car accident victims recover more effectively, managing pain and supporting the body’s natural healing process. With advanced diagnostics and personalized care plans, Dr. Hasson’s approach helps patients find relief, recover from injuries, and prevent long-term complications from their accident.