DISCLAIMER: This blog is not legal advice.

Sarah has always been a cautious driver, diligently following traffic rules and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, she found herself caught in a life-changing car accident.

It was a sunny afternoon and Sarah was on her way to an important meeting, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of an upcoming presentation. As she approached a busy intersection, the traffic light turned green, and she cautiously entered the intersection.

Out of nowhere, a speeding car ran a red light, colliding with the side of Sarah’s vehicle. The impact was sudden and jarring. Glass shattered, metal twisted, and the screeching sound of tires filled the air.

Disoriented and in shock, Sarah felt the world around her blur into chaos. Sirens wailed in the distance as bystanders rushed to the scene, their concerned voices blending into a cacophony. A flood of adrenaline surged through her veins, masking the pain that was slowly beginning to make itself known.

Emergency services arrived swiftly and Sarah was carefully extricated from her vehicle and placed on a stretcher, her mind swirling with questions about the well-being of the other driver and the consequences of this unforeseen event.

Over the next few weeks, Sarah embarked on a journey of physical and emotional healing. Physical therapy and chiropractic sessions became a regular part of her routine as she worked to regain her strength and mobility. The support of loved ones, friends, and even strangers who had witnessed the accident uplifted her spirits and reminded her of the resilience of the human spirit.

Being involved in a car accident is an unfortunate event that nobody wishes to experience. However, the reality is that such incidents occur frequently. In fact, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were a staggering 51,633 individuals who sustained injuries in crashes in the year 2021 alone. In the scenario we’re discussing, Sarah was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention. However, if you find yourself in a similar situation, there are certain actions you can take immediately following a car accident.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

1. Call the police: Regardless of the severity of the accident, it’s generally a good idea to call the police and report the accident. Many times insurance companies will use this in their investigation and if you’re not at fault, it can help your case. 
2. Check for injuries: If you’re injured, try not to exert too much effort when moving or call for help if there are bystanders nearby. 
3. Move to a safe location: If you’re able, move your vehicle out of traffic and to the side of the road to avoid further accidents or hazards. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. 
4. Exchange information: Gather names, contact details, insurance information, license plate number, and make, model, and color of the car.
5. Avoid admitting fault: Be careful what you say at the scene. Don’t apologize or implicate that you weren’t paying attention or fully coherent. 
6. Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicle, skid marks, and relevant road signs. This will all help with your claim. 
7. Notify your insurance company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about what happened. 
8. Consult with an attorney: If you’re injured, it’s important to make sure you’re getting all your medical bills taken care of. Attorneys thoroughly look through your and the other driver’s insurance policy and can try to get you the maximum pay out. This way you can fully focus on recovering, instead of blowing through your emergency fund.
9. Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel immediate pain or injuries, it’s important to seek medical attention. Some injuries like whiplash may not be apparent right away, but documenting your medical condition is crucial for your well-being and insurance claims. 

Recovering from a car accident can be challenging and lengthy. While immediate medical attention is essential, it is equally important to consider comprehensive and results-driven therapies to aid rehabilitation. Integrating advanced chiropractic methods and massage therapy offers a comprehensive solution for healing, pain relief, and overall well-being. We use non-invasive machines like the ProAdjuster360, ProBalance, and the ProSoft360 that provide healing for a wide range of injuries including traumatic brain injuries and injuries suffered on the extremities.  

ProAdjuster360, ProBalance, and ProSoft360 are not only beneficial for general health and wellness but also play a crucial role in car accident injury rehabilitation. Following a car accident, individuals often suffer from musculoskeletal injuries and discomfort. ProAdjuster360, with its precise computerized analysis and gentle adjustments, can effectively target and correct misalignments in the spine caused by the impact. This aids in relieving pain, improving range of motion, and promoting proper healing of injured tissues. Additionally, ProBalance focuses on restoring balance and stability to the body, which is essential during the recovery process. By targeting core muscles and enhancing coordination, ProBalance helps individuals regain strength and stability, reducing the risk of further injuries. Finally, ProSoft360’s percussive vibrations can be utilized to address muscle tightness and adhesions that commonly result from car accidents. This soft tissue therapy aids in releasing tension, promoting circulation, and expediting the rehabilitation process. With their combined benefits, ProAdjuster360, ProBalance, and ProSoft360 provide valuable support and aid in the comprehensive rehabilitation of car accident injuries.

Negative Long-Term Effects of Neglecting Back Rehabilitation

Failing to prioritize proper back rehabilitation after a car accident can have severe long-term consequences. Neglected injuries can lead to chronic pain, reduced functionality, and an increased risk of secondary injuries. 

Scar tissue may develop, impeding proper movement and causing persistent discomfort. Additionally, untreated musculoskeletal imbalances may result in poor posture, increased joint stress, and accelerated spinal structure degeneration over time.

Advanced chiropractic care offers numerous holistic benefits when recovering from car accidents. 

It’s crucial to take immediate action after a car accident to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Contacting the police, checking for injuries, moving to a safe location, exchanging information, documenting the scene, notifying your insurance company, and seeking medical attention are all important steps to take. Additionally, incorporating advanced chiropractic methods and therapies like ProAdjuster360, ProBalance, and ProSoft360 can greatly aid in the rehabilitation process and promote healing from car accident injuries. Neglecting proper back rehabilitation can have long-term negative effects, underscoring the importance of comprehensive care and addressing injuries promptly. By prioritizing your well-being and seeking appropriate treatments, you can improve your chances of a full recovery and minimize the risk of long-term complications.

Learn more about what we offer to victims of car accidents or schedule your complimentary chiropractic consultation today!

by Dr. Goudarz Vassigh

If you’re struggling with back pain, you’re not alone. According to a study done by Mayo Clinic, back pain is the third most common reason for visits to the doctor. This is no surprise as the human spine is a complex structure that bears the weight of the body and allows us to move and twist.

There are many possible causes of back pain, including poor posture, muscle strain, or an injury. Fortunately, there are also many simple at-home remedies that can help relieve back pain.

Here are some at-home remedies to say goodbye to back pain:

1. Exercise

Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to prevent and relieve back pain, because it strengthens the muscles that support the spine.

Some helpful activities that help relive back pain include include swimming, walking, yoga, and Pilates.

2. Use Heat or Ice

Applying heat or ice to the affected area can also help relieve back pain. Heat can help to relax the muscles, while ice can help reduce inflammation.

3. Stretch

Stretching the muscles that support the spine can also help relieve back pain.

4. Get a Massage

Massages can help to loosen the muscles and reduce tension. Have someone give you a massage at home or use a massaging device. If pain persists, schedule a massage with a massage therapist.

5. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

If your back pain is mild, you may be able to relieve it with over-the-counter pain medication.

If your back pain is persistent or severe, it’s important to see a doctor. They will be able to rule out any underlying conditions and provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They may also be able to recommend other therapies, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care, that can help alleviate your back pain. 

Don’t let back pain control your life. Take action and try some of these at-home remedies, and always consult with a doctor if your pain persists or becomes severe.

When it comes to dealing with the general aches and pains of daily life, issues surrounding the neck and shoulders are relatively common. According to research, approximately two thirds of the population will experience neck pain during their lives. On top of this, around 10% of all patients suffering with complaints will continue to encounter chronic discomfort.

The neck and shoulder area contains a number of bones, muscles, arteries, veins and nerves, alongside various ligaments and supporting structures. On a daily basis, our necks are consistently relied upon to keep our heads level and aloft as we focus on other tasks and move throughout our lives. Often, we don’t recognize the significance of this until pain starts to make itself known. Unfortunately, you can strain your neck muscles in numerous ways, from hunching over the computer at work, to bad posture at home.

Many existing conditions can lead to pain in the neck and shoulder area. Some of these conditions could be incredibly dangerous, such as major trauma or the signs of a heart attack, whereas other cases are less concerning, such as contusions or strains. In rare circumstances, neck pain can present as a symptom of more significant problems, and it is always important to seek medical care if your issues accompany shooting pains, loss of strength, or numbness.

Damage to the Soft Tissues of the Neck and Shoulders

The most common cause of neck and shoulder pain comes from injury to the soft tissues which can include tendons, muscles, and ligaments within the affected structures. Regularly, these injuries happen as a result of some trauma or sudden damage like whiplash, however, degenerative disc disease in the neck, can cause localized pain, and degenerative arthritis of the neck and spine can pinch nerves, leading to shoulder and neck pain. Less common conditions surrounding the heart, lungs, and spinal cord can also lead to pain in the neck and shoulders, including:

• Bursitis: The bursae in your body are fluid-filled sacs positioned over joints to provide a cushioning effect for the muscles. In some cases, the bursae can become stiff, swollen, and painful after injuries leading to chronic pain.
• Broken collarbone: If you fall with your arm outstretched at an angle, this can cause your collarbone to break – a frequent problem when cyclers fall from their bikes.
• Broken shoulder blade: Generally, injury to the shoulder blade is commonly associated with forceful trauma, and can lead to lasting pain around the neck and shoulder area.
• Heart attacks: Although with a heart attack the primary problem is within the heart itself, the attack can lead to neck or shoulder pain know as “referred” pain.

Whiplash Neck Injury

Whiplash is a neck injury that takes place as a result of a sudden jerking motion forwards or backwards. Generally, whiplash happens because of motor vehicle incidents, but it can occur in other circumstances as well. Regularly, whiplash can stretch across the upper back and neck region, resulting in a significant strain across the supporting muscles, discs, and ligaments.

The effects of whiplash can present in a number of different ways. The most common symptoms generally include dizziness, headache, stiffness, and pain. In general, recovery will depend on the extent of the injury and the person in question, but it can take weeks or months on average.

Usually, the best way to manage whiplash is through anti-inflammatory medication and gentle mobilization exercises. Most doctors recommend that patients continue to pursue their daily activities as normal to facilitate a faster recovery.

Neck Pain Caused by Posture Problems

Consistently poor posture can cause health problems, some of which may last longer than others. Slouching or bad form can lead to neck pain by placing additional strain on the muscles and ligaments around your neck and shoulders. Even standing with your shoulders slouched, or working with your head down for significant periods of time can lead to chronic neck and shoulder pain.

To avoid poor posture pain, try some of the following techniques:

• Be aware of your posture when sitting or standing, and adjust your position where necessary
• Make sure that your workstation is suitably organized to allow you to sit properly
• Frequently change positions and stretch while working
• Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this can overextend your neck
• Exercise frequently for improved posture and muscle tone

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis, and any person of any age can suffer with it. However, because the onset of osteoarthritis is a result of the altered use of joints throughout the body over prolonged periods of time, older individuals typically suffer more regularly.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition wherein the cartilage providing cushioning between joints starts to break down, allowing the bones to grind together. People suffering from this issue can experience symptoms of stiffness, muscle weakness, and pain, and the most commonly affected areas include the lower back, hips, knee, and neck. At present, there is no available cure for osteoarthritis, although approximately 27 million people within America suffer from this ailment. However, it is possible to manage the symptoms with regular exercise, as keeping your joints mobile and within their correct alignment is the best way to nurture the health of good cartilage.

Dealing with Neck and Shoulder Pain

There are many different examples of neck and shoulder pain, as well as various different causes. Often, the best way to discover which ailment is affecting you is to speak to a doctor or health professional regarding your symptoms.

In most cases, the treatment of shoulder and neck pain caused by soft tissue problems will include the use of anti-inflammatory medication and pain relievers. However, if the root of the problem is elsewhere, then your doctor will need to pursue different courses of treatment according to your specific needs. For example, in cases where the spinal cord or the roots of nerves have become involved, you may find that a surgical procedure becomes necessary.

Let us know what aggravates your neck and shoulder pain, and whether you’ve found any useful techniques for managing the problem.

Resources:

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/neck-pain-cervicalgia-and-torticollis
http://www.medicinenet.com/heart_attack/article.htm
http://backandneck.about.com/od/s/g/softtissue.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/acute_and_chronic_bursitis/article.htm
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/tc/referred-shoulder-pain-topic-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/basics/symptoms/con-20033090
http://www.livestrong.com/article/437366-health-problems-from-bad-posture/
http://www.arthritis.org/arthritis-facts/disease-center/osteoarthritis.php

Last Updated on March 20, 2020 by Erchonia