Automobile Accident Injuries

Even minor automobile accidents can lead to chronic pain and health problems.  If you, a friend, or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident, here’s what you should know about your health.

1. Even a minor accident can cause injury.  Never assume that you are not injured just because there is little or no damage to your car.  Seek professional care immediately.
2. The most common auto accident injury is whiplash.  Muscle aches, soreness, headaches and other symptoms associated with whiplash may not show up until 24-72 hours after the accident.   The sooner you seek treatment, the less likely it will be that you will have severe pain or permanent damage.
3. Studies show that ICE applied immediately to the injured area will help keep swelling and pain to a minimum.

Pain is a protective mechanism that indicates an underlying injury or trauma to the tissue. Pain-killers only mask the sensation of pain without correcting the underlying cause.  Auto injuries limit mobility and physical independence due to pain. A delay in identifying the actual cause of pain can increase the risk of inflammation, disc degeneration, muscle atrophy and other complications. Consequently, this delays healing and also leads to stiffness, limited range of motion, and other related issues with mobility.

At the Institute of Chiropractic & Acupuncture Therapy we address and treat injuries from automobile accidents.  Chiropractic, acupuncture, and other holistic therapies can have a tremendous effect on pain management and restoring mobility after an accident.