Auto Accident Injuries

Yes! In the moments immediately following an accident, it's easy to think that all is well if there is no severe and/or visible physical trauma. However, injuries to soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) can take up to 72 hours to surface. These belated symptoms often include muscle pain, inflammation and muscle spasms. Even if you think these aches and pains will fade on their own, leaving them untreated could result in scar tissue of these structures that permanently restricts movement or causes chronic problems for years to come.

After an accident, your body may begin to show signs of internal pain and inflammation (i.e. soreness and guarded motion) within the first 72 hours. Symptoms can include:

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Knee pain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision

Neck pain in particular is often referred to as whiplash - i.e. a neck injury caused by the head suddenly moving backward and then forward.

Whiplash is the most commonly reported auto accident injury. While it’s possible for any body part to experience a jolt or minor trauma during an accident, the neck is most vulnerable to sudden movements and changes in speed. As a result, the neck and connecting tissues are often the first to be injured via micro-ligament strains and tears.

Common symptoms associated with whiplash include:

• Stiffness in the neck, arms, upper back, and even the face
• Numbness in arms, neck and upper back
• Headaches, dizziness, and nausea
• Feelings of general weakness
• Altered sleeping habits and patterns
• Difficulty with concentration

Because the muscle tears related to whiplash are so small, they are unlikely to appear on x-rays, making it difficult for general practice doctors and hospitals to properly diagnose and treat whiplash. Unfortunately, whiplash-related injuries and symptoms can last for years if they are not treated shortly after an accident.

Chiropractors who are also licensed to do physical therapy are perhaps the most qualified to address the micro-tears and strains resulting from whiplash and other trauma-induced injuries. These specialists will conduct a full exam designed to find these tears and pain sources. They can also conduct realignment procedures of the spine and of various joints, as well as perform other treatment modalities. Treatment will help to control damage, minimize pain, decrease scar tissue, and reduce swelling.

Personal Injury Protection insurance, or PIP insurance, is an optional element of your car insurance which provides immediate payment for medical bills and lost wages as a result of an automobile accident. Because you’ll be covered no matter who was at fault in your accident, PIP is often referred to as “no fault” insurance.

The first step toward making sure you’re covered in the event of an accident is to revisit your current auto insurance package. If you haven’t already opted for PIP, we highly recommend that you do! If you’re covered by PIP as part of your plan and you’ve been injured in an accident, your next step will be to file a claim with your insurance company. The team is here to help you throughout this process, offering our knowledge of insurance protocols and medical perspective to ensure that you get the coverage you need.

Health Quest Chiropractic and Physical Therapy provides a wide range of chiropractic, physical therapy, and rehabilitative services, all of which can be mixed and blended into a customized care plan based on specific patient needs. As a result, our highly qualified team can ensure that a car accident patient follows a treatment plan that will truly help them achieve maximum recovery. During each visit, you will meet with your doctor for evaluation and treatment, then move on to prescribed physical therapy protocols in one of our state-of-the-art rehabilitation facilities. These supervised protocols will gradually intensify to recondition and strengthen weakened/injured areas affected by your accident.