Did you know that seeing a chiropractor can impact a settlement claim following a motor vehicle accident? In this second installment of our 2-part blog series focusing on physical therapy and chiropractic treatment, we’ll take a look at why you should see a chiropractor if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. Click here to access the first installment: https://clearwaypain.com/how-can-physical-therapy-reduce-my-pain/.
How a Motor Vehicle Accident Affects the Body
According to World Health Organization statistics, every year, between 20 and 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries from automobile accidents across the globe. Many of these accidents result in physical disabilities from injuries and lost productivity for those who need to take time off work to seek treatment and recover from those injuries. [i]
Automobile accidents happen unexpectedly, and in an instant, can have a lasting effect. If you are injured in an automobile accident, your life may suddenly become consumed by calls from insurance adjusters and attorneys as well as doctor’s appointments. You may also experience severe and chronic pain from injuries that include:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The impact of a car accident can destabilize the spine, causing pain and other symptoms that include:
- Blurred vision
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Neck stiffness
- Headaches
- Reduced range of neck motion
Because of the relation they have to the spine, whiplash and head injuries are considered to be more serious than soft tissue injuries. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward, backward or to the side. Whiplash can cause the neck and back to become extremely stiff, sore and even immobile for months, and pain medications only provide temporary relief. Head injuries can include concussion, contusion and issues that have the potential to severely affect your life.
Soft tissue injuries, also referred to as musculoskeletal injuries, happen when the accident causes damage to muscles, ligaments and tendons. When the body sustains a sudden, jarring trauma, the impact can stretch or even tear soft tissues. Symptoms of soft tissue injury include swelling, bruising and pain.
When to Seek Care
Do not wait until after an automobile accident settlement to see a chiropractor. It is common for car accident victims to be unaware of injuries caused by the impact of the accident. Victims often don’t realize or feel the effects at the time of the event, and it could be days, weeks or even months before major symptoms emerge.
If you are in an automobile accident, even a minor one, seek immediate chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors are experts in muscle, bone, nerve and connective tissue health. Getting early treatment from a chiropractor will help you heal and recover quicker. Your chiropractor will be able to assess you for injuries and start you on the right treatment to protect your spine’s health and treat you for whiplash so you do not develop long-term pain associated with whiplash.
In addition, a chiropractic evaluation will document any injuries you may have sustained in the accident. If you are involved in any legal action or possible insurance settlement, that documentation will be critically important to resolving the case and can help ensure that you are more likely to benefit from any insurance settlement that you are legally entitled to.
Clearway Can Help
The Clearway Pain Solutions team has expertise in evaluating and treating injuries following an auto accident. Our team can make sure that you are on the path to healing properly and recovering fully.
Schedule a consultation now. Call us at 855-527-PAIN or click here to request an appointment.
