Auto Accidents

How we can help you in your auto accident inury

Understanding what to do when an accident happens, and what types of injuries can occur may save you time, money, and long-term medical care. Our prompt physical examination is the best advice. A thorough examination by one of our physicians is a wise precaution to determine the presence or absence of “hidden” injuries. Confer immediately with us so that we can determine the extent of your injuries.

Serious and costly injuries do not always result in immediate pain or bloodshed. Aside from the more dramatic wounds which require surgery or hospitalization, other serious and costly injuries may result from auto accidents. Our doctors are particularly well-qualified to detect and treat a wide variety of injuries of the spine, nerves, and other related structures.

Common Injuries:

Low-Velocity Injuries (under 10 mph), usually result from the rapid movement of the body during the accident. This movement may result in muscle strain, seat belt bruises or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Other symptoms may be delayed, but pain and stiffness may occur within 12-36 hours after impact.

High-Velocity Injuries (over 10 mph), usually result from a second impact, the body hitting objects inside the vehicle such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or window. Common injuries of this kind include shoulder, head or knee hematomas, wrist fractures, neck sprains, concussions, and a variety of contusions.

Traumatic Cervical Syndrome, more commonly known as whiplash, occurs when the neck is forced through a rapid series of movements faster than the bones, muscles and ligaments can accommodate. Some symptoms include swelling, tenderness, weakness or pain in the neck and shoulder; sore throat and/or loss of voice, trouble swallowing; jaw problems; vomiting; flashing lights in the visual field; headache; light-headedness or dizziness; painful tingling sensations; visual disturbances or blurred vision; and ringing in the ears. In some cases pain may not present itself for 12-36 hours after impact.

If you are experiencing any of the above, or need a thorough examination as a result of your auto accident injury, please don't hesitate to contact our offices.

what is whiplash?

Whiplash-a soft tissue injury to the neck-is also called neck sprain or neck strain. It is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion. The disorder commonly occurs as the result of an automobile accident and may include injury to intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots. Symptoms such as neck pain may be present directly after the injury or may be delayed for several days. In addition to neck pain, other symptoms may include neck stiffness, injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries), headache, dizziness, abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (paresthesias), or shoulder or back pain. In addition, some people experience cognitive, somatic, or psychological conditions such as memory loss, concentration impairment, nervousness/irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, or depression.

Is there any treatment ?

Our treatment for individuals with whiplash may include chiropractic manipulation, range of motion exercises, physical therapy, and cervical traction. Pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar may also be prescribed (usually worn for 2 to 3 weeks). Supplemental heat application may relieve muscle tension.