Between the congestion and distracted drivers in Seattle, it is likely that you may find yourself the victim of a car accident. If you are involved in a car accident, don’t make the common mistake of assuming you are not injured. Even car crashes at low speeds can cause permanent damage, so you should schedule an appointment to be evaluated by your chiropractor as soon as possible after an accident.
Numerous studies have shown that injuries, which lead to chronic pain, can be sustained in accidents where the speeds are as low as 5 miles per hour. Very often, injured persons don’t experience immediate pain or noticeable discomfort after being involved in car accidents. This happens because your body responds to the pain signals and the stress of the accident by producing morphine-like hormones called endorphins. Endorphins and adrenaline mask pain until your body and mind have had time to recover from the stress of the accident.
There are hundreds of automobile accidents in Seattle every week, most of which leave their victims injured. Many people who are involved in a car accident think that they are fine because they don’t experience initial pain. Remember, just because you are not experiencing any pain does not mean that you are not hurt! This is a common misconception, even though nearly all car crashes result in injury, to some degree. While many people who feel �fine� the day of the accident will feel pain and experience other symptoms beginning the day after an accident, it can take weeks or months for other people to feel or recognize symptoms. Whiplash and other injuries, such as herniated discs, joint sprains or bone fractures, caused by auto accidents can chronic pain if not taken treated immediately, which is why it is important to be seen by a chiropractor as soon as possible.
Whiplash, the most common injury from an auto accident, can typically be felt within the first few days. Whiplash is not a disease, but a term that describes the mechanism of injury. Anytime the spine is unexpectedly jolted in one direction and rebounds in the opposite direction in an extremely fast manner, there is the possibility a whiplash injury occurring. Whiplash can happen whenever there is a quick backward and forward motion or side-to-side motion and is not limited to motor vehicle accidents alone. Sports injuries, knocks, slips, and falls can all cause whiplashes if the neck is moved back and forth in an extremely fast motion. Whiplash causes damage to the nervous system, muscles, joints and connective tissue.
How do you know if you have been injured in an automobile accident? Sometimes you will experience pain or other symptoms. Other times, you won’t, so it is very important to be evaluated by a chiropractor. Symptoms that can occur after an automobile accident include:
�Neck pain and/or stiffness
�Back/low back pain and/or stiffness
�Headaches/ Migraine headaches
�Pain or numbness down the legs
�Fatigue
�Shoulder pain
�Anxiety
�Pain between the shoulder blades
�Pain between the shoulder blades
�Low back pain
�Sleep disturbance
�Tingling in arms/hands
�Sensitivity to noise
�Difficulty concentrating
�Blurred vision
�Irritability
�Difficulty swallowing
�Dizziness
�Forgetfulness
�Upper limb pain
�Upper limb weakness
�Ringing in the ears
�Pain in the jaw or face
Chiropractors use carefully controlled movements to correct spinal imbalances caused by whiplash, alleviate pain, and restore proper movement to the spine. Studies have demonstrated that without proper movement to spinal joints, arthritis and accelerated degeneration of the spine can occur. Chiropractic is the most effective treatment for whiplash related injuries. By using gentle spinal adjustments and or manipulation to the spine, Chiropractors are able to reduce inflammation and irritation to the nervous system. Chiropractors often recommend massage and stretching and exercises to strengthen neck muscles and reduce inflammation and prescribe rest in the initial phase of treatment to reduce inflammation. Ice can also be prescribed to reduce the inflammation.
Dr. James A. Devine has been helping Seattle auto accident victims recover from whiplash and other auto accident injuries for over 25 years and is a top rated-doctor on Yelp. If you have been involved in an automobile accident in Seattle and would like to find out how Chiropractic can help you, please visit our website at www.seattlechiropractor.com or call 206 623-2225 to schedule an appointment or consultation today.
