Whiplash – Auto Accidents
An auto accident is a traumatic experience, and so it’s easy for an auto accident injury to be missed in the chaos of the aftermath.
Whiplash – The Big Mistake
Many people injured in auto accidents believe that they will feel better in a couple of days or weeks. Many are examined in the emergency room, x-rays are taken, they are told they are O.K. and then given pain medications. They then wonder why they continue to have symptoms. Emergency rooms are there to give life saving procedures. If nothing is broken then you are usually released.
Recent studies found that 62% – 86% of patients who had whiplash-type injuries had significant residual symptoms 10 to 15 years after the auto accident. Many injuries show up later! Please don’t make the mistake of worrying more about your car than your wellness.
Things You Need to Know
Q: SHOULD I SEE AN ATTORNEY BEFORE I SEE A DOCTOR?
A: The findings from a comprehensive biomechanics exam allows us to evaluate your injuries to determine whether an attorney is necessary. If so, we can refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney.
Q: WHAT IF MY CAR SUSTAINED ONLY MINOR DAMAGE?
A: “The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relation to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants.” Charles Carroll, M.D., et al research study. People are often injured worse in low property damage accidents due to the forces generated by the impact are transferred to the occupants.
Q: IF I NEED TREATMENT FOR THIS INJURY, DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF?
A: Utah law requires all auto insurance policies to cover a minimum of $3,000 of medical care through your PIP policy. This is no-fault coverage that applies regardless of who is at fault. Our office can assist you in obtaining further information. Using your medical coverage should not raise your premiums. A: Do not sign or settle until your injury has been evaluated by a certified doctor. Settling before your injury is fully resolved, will lead to payments coming out of your own pocket.
Q: IS IT OK TO WAIT TO GET TREATMENT?
A: Soft Tissue injuries (ligament, muscle, tendon, fascia) often worsen over time is not treated properly to due scar tissue adhesion and changes in normal biomechanics movement patterns. The earlier an injury is addressed and treated properly the overall outcome and recovery from that injury is increased dramatically. Insurance companies frequently don’t accept responsibility after a long period of time between the date of accident and when treatment begins.
Q: I’VE BEEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND MY MEDICAL DOCTOR. DO I REALLY NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR AT ALPINE INTEGRATED HEALTH AND INJURY?
Usually, hospitals will check vital signs, make sure there are no life-threatening conditions, and release the patient with pain relief medication. They normally do not treat the underlying musculoskeletal biomechanics that can and often lead to future pain. If you are still having problems, you should get a second opinion. If you have received medication for pain, please understand that pills do not correct structural or soft tissue damage. There are special therapies designed for that, and we offer these modalities at our office.
For those who have been in auto accidents, it is important to seek treatment if there are any symptoms such as muscle spasms, strain and stiffness, or neck and back pain should seek treatment, which can indicate an undiagnosed injury.
Once injuries are determined, a plan is designed for injury treatment that fits each situation, meeting patients’ needs using physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, physical rehabilitation, and more.
