Whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with Auto Accidents
Living in New England comes with its share of challenges, particularly when the weather turns cold and the snow starts flying. We all have to deal with rising fuel costs, fewer hours of daylight, and of course those folks who suddenly forgot how to drive. Unfortunately, we’re not alone in that last one. In 2016 alone there were 116,000 car accidents in the United States related to winter road conditions.
There are a variety of injuries you can sustain from the impact of your vehicle hitting an obstruction or another car. Foremost among these is “whiplash”. This condition is so named because it occurs when the head suddenly “snaps” backward, forward, or to the side. Seatbelts and airbags may reduce the severity of the movement, but whiplash frequently occurs in car accidents where speed is over 30 mph.
Other injuries that are common in car accidents are:
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Lower back pain
Many accident victims will look at this list and feel they are okay if they’re not feeling any pain. This is a mistake. If you have recently been in a car accident, book an appointment with your chiropractor right away; even of you’re not experiencing any of the above symptoms. Issues may arise weeks or even months after the incident. Not being able to detect an injury doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Looking Beyond the Obvious after a Car Accident
Trauma experienced in violent collisions is one of the leading causes of neck and spinal injuries. When the body is unexpectedly thrown into an awkward position, the ligaments that hold your skeletal structure together may stretch, tear or even break. Extreme damage will be obvious. Less serious conditions will cause problems after some time has elapsed. By seeking our chiropractic care immediately you’ll ensure rapid healing and fewer issues down the road.
Stiffness and headaches are seemingly temporary effects after being in an accident. Don’t make the mistake of thinking they’ll “just go away” and decline x-rays or chiropractic care. There’s nothing “tough” about gritting your teeth and waiting for the pain to go away. Your symptoms may be the result of a spinal misalignment or torn ligament. You may feel like “nothing is broken”, but don’t take that chance.
Getting an adjustment soon after the incident will help prevent residual effects like blurred vision, shoulder pain, dizziness, nausea, and arm pain. Are you experiencing a limited range of motion in your arms? There’s a reason for that and it won’t correct itself. There may be muscle or disc damage that can be corrected by a spinal alignment or deep tissue massage. Make an appointment to have it checked out. Your insurance company will pay for it.
Count Yourself among the Lucky Ones
There were 29,761 car accident fatalities in the United States last year. If you walked away from an accident, no matter how minor, count yourself among the lucky ones. Even serious injuries like herniated discs and sciatica can be treated with chiropractic care. Please make an appointment to get yourself checked out and remember that the car can be replaced. You cannot be.
You can reach Eastside Chiropractic Center by calling (401) 453-2225 or by emailing eastsidechiropracticri@gmail.com. We offer chiropractic evaluations, adjustments, range of motion testing, injury rehabilitation, massage therapy, low level laser therapy, and numerous additional wellness services.
