Chiropractic Care After An Accident
According to the latest Florida statistics, there are more than 403,000 accidents on our roadways annually. This statistic breaks down to an average of 1,106 accidents per day, and Floridians sustain over 236,000 injuries per year. One of the most frequent accidents suffered in a car accident is whiplash.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck sprain or neck strain, caused by abrupt backward and/or forward motion of the head. Although there are other instances when whiplash may occur – such as on an amusement park ride – its most common cause is car accidents. When a patient has suffered whiplash, the joints between vertebrae, discs, ligaments, muscles, or nerve roots may be damaged. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, pain between the shoulder blades, lower back pain, dizziness, numbness of the arm or hand, difficulty remembering, or sleep disturbance and fatigue.
People who have been in a car accident often think they have not been injured, as the symptoms of whiplash can take 24-48 hours to manifest.
If you have visited the emergency room after a car accident, consulting with a chiropractor is still recommended. The ER will often look for broken bones or internal bleeding, but will not necessarily discover misaligned vertebrae or damage to the muscular structure. Any prescribed pain relievers or muscle relaxants will typically mask symptoms for a time, but the pain and discomfort of whiplash will outlast the medications.
Why a Chiropractor is Necessary
Here are some additional reasons to consult a chiropractor experienced in car accident injuries is so important:
1. Chiropractors have seen too many cases to take any car accidents, even a minor one, lightly. We will not dismiss any complaint you have about how you feel and can look specifically for the signs that you have suffered whiplash or a similar injury.
2. Many people ignore the pain for weeks, months – or worse. The longer this type of car accident injury is left untreated, the more scar tissue can form. Eventually, most will seek chiropractic care, but not before needless pain. As you can imagine, the delayed treatment of an injury can cause a more costly and more complicated medical situation.
3. Many people are becoming increasingly averse to using addictive drugs such as opioids to treat pain. Even if addiction is not an issue, many side effects are considered to be unacceptable. The treatment a chiropractor provides is safe and natural and feels great as well. And unlike taking pain medication to deal with or mask the symptoms, a chiropractor will help you to restore your body.
4. For many people, their first exposure to chiropractic care is following an auto accident. However, after treatment, many patients realize that they feel better overall, not just in regards to their injuries. Perhaps an unrelated chronic condition begins to clear up, or you recognize your immunity seems stronger. Whatever the result may be, patients are often surprised at how effective chiropractic treatment is, and opt to continue their care even after the initial treatment plan is complete.
Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care?
In the state of Florida, your PIP car insurance covers your treatment up to $10,000. So don’t worry if you don’t have health insurance, or are concerned about paying large hospital bills following your accident. Because Florida is a no-fault state, your own PIP car insurance covers your injuries up to $10,000.
Don’t let the fear of the cost stop you from seeking the best possible treatment for your traumatic neck or back injury. At West Coast Wellness, you’ll find the caring medical professionals, state of the art equipment and latest methodologies to treat your injury efficiently. Call today for a free consultation.