The initial concern once your vehicle comes to a screeching halt is that of major injuries that are, be it internal or external, traumatic to the body.
The EMT’s come right away with the ambulance and are the first responders for every accident along with the police and fire department should your car or truck catch fire.
If injured you may be transported to the hospital for further examination and testing as well as stabilization. Hospitals are wonderful for correcting and setting broken bones, closing lacerations, icing contusions, and finding major possible problems and injuries.
What they do not deal with is possible misalignments and subluxations occurring within your musculoskeletal system. This includes not only misalignments but soft tissue damage.
Right after an accident occurs your body may go into a state of shock. In the state known as shock, your body will produce dopamine as well as other chemicals in the brain. This rush of endorphins enables you to be able to function. Amazingly you may not feel damage, pain or soreness until the following day.
While you may be injured anywhere on the body during an accident the most common injuries are neck and back. This is due to the way we are held in place by the seatbelts in the vehicles. Though strapped in our heads have to be able to move. When an impact happens, your neck is whipped in one direction then snaps back in reverse. This is known as Hyperflexion-hyperextension. These injuries can affect the soft tissues in the neck as well as intervertebral discs and joint capsules.
The result = Whiplash
Whiplash may present itself in the following ways:
- Neck pain
- Nausea
- Arm pain or numbness
- Inflammation
- Dizziness
- Foggy thinking
- Lightheadedness
- Back pain
- Anxiety
- Jaw pain
- Depression
Seeing a Chiropractor as soon as you are able to following an accident can help you to heal and minimize any permanent damage. Your chiropractor will perform a thorough exam including X-rays. If they feel you are in good enough shape and will benefit from an adjustment they will do so at that time. They will also set a course of treatment going forward.
It only takes a minor accident of even just 10mph to affect the curve of the spine sometimes straightening it which is not natural and doesn’t allow proper movement. This is especially true in the neck. When not readjusted, the soft tissues may heal and scar with the vertebra in the wrong place, causing pain. As years progress, this may cause degenerative joint disease and or osteoarthritis.
Directions for the most successful recovery: What to do after a crash.
1. Remain calm. it helps to reduce inflammation
2. Ice. 10 – 15 minutes at a time every couple of hours can help to mute pain and keep swelling down.
3. Rest! Promotes healing.
4. Take Arnica Montana. A homeopathic medication intended for bruising and muscle soreness.
5. Meditation. Helps to heal the body and remove pain impulses while in a session.
6. Take natural anti-inflammatories. Turmeric, natural plant enzymes such as Bromelain, or Papain all can help discomfort just as well as OTC meds like ibuprofen and Naproxen.
Know what to expect
Accident sore can be amazingly similar to “gym sore” also known as DOMS or delayed onset muscle soreness. Muscles that have been strained in the crash may become their most sore 1-3 days post accident. So just be easy on yourself.
Other recommendations may be made in addition to chiropractic. They may include but are not limited to ultrasound therapy, stretching exercises, and massage therapy.
If you have been in an accident get help as soon as possible. Florida limits PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance to 13 days to seek treatment. Even if you have older injuries, it is never too late to heal. Give us a call today at 239-332-2555 or visit us online at www.drkasters.damonazdesign.com.
Chiropractor & Nutritionist in Fort Myers, FL.
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent them before they start?
Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.