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If a vehicle has stopped and is then struck from behind by another vehicle, even if the collision occurs at low speed, there is a high potential of experiencing injuries for the occupants of the front vehicle. An auto Accident Chiropractor is a specialist in assisting patients who have suffered injury as a result of a vehicle impact. The most common injury experienced in this type of scenario is whiplash. Whiplash is an injury affecting the neck, back and head of the body, and it occurs when an impact causes the body to be thrust forward with a delayed forward movement in the head and neck. This delay is the result of the smaller mass of the head when compared to the body and the flexibility of the neck allowing the separate movement. When the lower part of the neck is pitched forward, the neck is flexed and allows the head to be thrown back and quickly thrown forward, which causes a whipping action in the body.

Pain Delay:

Many people assume that they are uninjured in an accident because they do not feel any pain immediately. This is probably due to the adrenaline of the actual accident which can mask any pain symptoms. Whiplash can actually occur in vehicles which are traveling at less than ten miles an hour. It is possible to feel no pain immediately following the accident and then have pain occur later. Typically the results of whiplash include a gradually increasing pain sensation which generally occurs in the shoulders and neck. However, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the incident, you may experience pain in the lower back which becomes apparent a day or two following the accident.

Why Consult an Auto Accident Chiropractor:

Chiropractors have the specialist training and skills to adjust the delicate muscles and tendons in the spinal region. Although you may visit the emergency room after an accident, the hospital doctors may check for fractures but be unable to assess any soft tissue damage. A chiropractor can assess the condition of your spine and accurately diagnose if you have experienced whiplash injuries. They can examine the extent of your injuries and provide an effective course of treatment to alleviate pain and restore mobility.

Preparation for a Consultation:

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is a good idea to organize a consultation with a chiropractor specializing in auto accident injuries. Although you may not immediately experience any pain, it is worth taking note of any mild pain and whether the pain has developed and progressed. You should make a note of how long the pain has taken to develop, where it is most acute and if there is a more pronounced area affected. This will assist the chiropractor to assess your injuries and provide an effective treatment.

It is also a good idea to provide information about the accident including how the vehicle was hit, the speed of the impact, how you were seated and where your body was positioned after the impact. Also inform them of which movement ranges are restricted or cause any pain.