great articel on auto injuries from one of my great Chiroprator freinds. Thanks Dr. Ken....
By: Dr. Ken Otto, DC
When you are involved in an auto accident, there are so many things to think about- insurance coverage, damage estimates, car repairs, paperwork. However, don’t forget to think about one very important thing that may have been compromised in the accident, your spine. Injuries to the spine in an auto accident are very common and can be very debilitating if not addressed and corrected. Even when there is no immediate pain, there can still be severe damage to the delicate tissues of the spine.
Today’s cars are designed to withstand the impact of a crash which is great news for the car itself, but bad news for those riding in it. When a car does not crumple in an accident and has little to no visible damage, the impact of the crash gets transferred into the occupants of the car.
The spine initially lurches forward on impact and then whips back against the seat when the car comes to a stop. This is the simple scenario of a straight rear-end collision with the riders looking straight forward. Add in a turned head or a side impact and the degree of likely damage to the spine greatly increases. It takes less than five miles per hour of impact to cause a whiplash injury, so even minor fender benders can have serious consequences.
Lack of pain following an accident is not necessarily a good indicator of health. The adrenaline rush from the accident itself can temporarily mask symptoms and often minor aches and soreness in the days following are ignored or brushed off as “normal.” It may be days, weeks or even months before the true severity of an injury shows up and the longer the delay in addressing the injury, the longer the recovery will take and the poorer the prognosis for a full recovery.
The symptoms of a spinal injury following an accident can also be vague. Pain and stiffness are common, but other symptoms can include headaches, neck pain, numbness and tingling, arm pain, nausea, dizziness, vision changes, low back pain, sciatica, difficulty concentrating, difficulty swallowing, jaw pain, sore throat, hoarse voice, insomnia, anxiety, light headedness, ringing in the ears, shoulder pain or wrist pain.
No matter how minor the crash seems to be, getting evaluated for a spinal injury and seeking care if needed from a chiropractor as soon as possible following the accident can greatly improve your chances for a full recovery.
Tags: accidents, auto accidents, back pain, car accident injuries, car repairs, cars, chiropractic care,injuries, low back pain, neurology, orthopedic surgery, pain, relieve, sciatica, shoulder