Been in an Auto Accident?

Neck Pain, Back Pain, Headaches, Whiplash? We can help.

If You Have You Been Involved In An Auto Accident You Are not Alone.

More than 1,720 Georgia drivers are involved in accidents every day. That is more than 70 drivers an hour.  In spite of the frustrations you may now be going through, if you are alive, the accident could have been worse.  But now you have other challenges to be concerned with.

Slow Impact Whiplash can fool you!

If your auto accident seemed minor because of slow speeds or little damage to your vehicle, that doesn't mean injury did not occur.  Whiplash injuries often occur during low-speed collisions, but low speeds translate to a lot of force. For example, if you are sitting in a stationary car that is hit from behind by a car moving at just 10 mph, the force from the collision can briefly put 9 G's of force on your neck (which is 9 times the gravitational pull of earth).  It's not difficult to imagine how one or more structures of your neck could be injured under these circumstances.

Although these types of injuries are characteristically classified as minor nearly 30 percent of those hurt in low speed collisions have reported having neck pain up to three years later. This injury is likely to be worse in those that experienced a rear end collision. Depending on the age of the person this injury could cause a permanent disability.

Whiplash
Whiplash is a term used to describe what happens to your head and neck in an automobile accident.  It can occur at any angle; head on collisions, rear-end impacts, from any corner, or from being T-Boned, which is impact from the side. The ill effects of a whiplash injury can occur instantly or it could be weeks, months or even years before symptoms occur.  Injuries to the neck caused by a sudden movement (head forward, back, or sideways) is commonly referred to as "whiplash" or "acceleration/deceleration injuries".  Literally thousands of pounds of force is exerted upon the neck and spine of the whiplash victim.  These forces result in tearing of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and in turn, can result in a displacement of the vertebrae of the spine (subluxation) which is a dysfunctional joint causing nerve irritation (pinched spinal nerves).  The injured areas lose the ability to function and loss of range of motion (stiffness) occurs. This is where whiplash pain comes from.  It's most prevalent in the neck - but can happen to any area of the spine or body.

Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash symptoms can include neck pain and stiffness, shoulder pain, headaches, back pain, arm pain, numbness or tingling in your fingers, dizziness or lightheadedness, mid back pain, low back pain, numbness or tingling down your legs.  Whiplash may also produce facial pain, ringing in the ears or hearing loss, vertigo, blurred vision, or even hoarseness.  Whiplash is real and painful.   You may experience one or many of the above symptoms.  Each person is unique in their injuries. 

The Problem With Whiplash
The problem with whiplash is that very few doctors truly understand it.  Well meaning emergency room physicians, general medical doctors and physical therapists do not appreciate the extent of the pain and injuries of whiplash accident victims.  The end result is these people are often provided inadequate treatment to care for their injuries.  Don't let this happen to you. We at Moss Family Chiropractic truly understand this condition and can help!

Whiplash Injuries Can Remain Hidden For Weeks Or Months
Because of the body's ability to adapt to injury, some whiplash injuries can remain hidden for weeks or months before pain or other symptoms surface.  By the time symptoms surface, many people have already signed their rights to treatment away.   Insurance companies know the facts and spend millions of dollars a year to hide them.   It is no secret that insurance companies may not have your best interest in mind and attempt to get you to prematurely settle your claim so they can avoid additional liability.  Their concern is not your health; their concern is to get you to settle for as little as possible.  If you do, what happens when hidden challenges begin surfacing?  Don't let this happen to you.  Preserve your rights to receive the treatment you need. Do not sign anything until you have been thoroughly checked by a doctor that specializes in Auto injury trauma, like Dr. Moss.

CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic is the most appropriate approach to these types of injuries.  Chiropractic care utilizes specific adjustments to your back to help normalize spinal function.  This is crucial in the beginning phases of healing to bring back proper motion and reduce pain.  However, the return of functional joint motion usually requires 2-3 months of chiropractic care.    Active care allows the soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, and tendons) to heal most effectively with minimal scar tissue and but it can take from a few months up to a year to complete the healing process. 

THE 3 PHASES OF HEALING
There are 3 phases of healing that our bodies must undergo in any type of injury and chiropractic combined with physiotherapy is the most effect approach to all soft tissue injuries:

1) Acute Inflammatory Phase usually lasts 24 to 72 hours and ice (Cryotherapy) and correction is essential during this phase.  

2) Regeneration Phase begins around 3 to 5 days post injury and can last up to 3-6 months.  Chiropractic care combined with passive modalities is crucial to achieve maximum improvement of joint function during this phase of healing.  This is when damaged tissue is replaced by new tissue (Collagen).   Mobilization to the injured joints (chiropractic care) is essential to proper healing during this phase of care. 

3) Remodeling Phase begins about 2 to 4 weeks after the injury and can last longer than 1 year in very severe cases.   Remodeling is when new tissue (Collagen) begins and continues to strengthens. Always remember chiropractic first, medicine (drugs) and physiotherapy second, and surgery last.

I Thought It Would Go Away!

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have heard this. To me this is like driving down the freeway and your engine oil light comes on and you keep driving waiting to see if it will go away. You were injured. Your body was  damaged just like your car. You need to have it fixed. Too often, patients wait a year or two until they can not stand the pain any more.  Unfortunately, by then the problem is usually much worse.

EFFECTS OF IMPROPER TREATMENT
Improper treatment of whiplash injuries and all soft tissue injuries is a factor in a large percentage of the patient's that finally present themselves to our clinic.  Most MD's and DO's prescribe muscle relaxers, pain medications, and anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS). These drugs do nothing to correct the problem and only cover up the symptoms. 

The Good News!
The good news is that Moss Family Chiropractic has proven to be very effective in helping most whiplash victims identify and treat their whiplash injuries - without drugs or surgery. 
A study by Woodward, Cook, Gargan and Bannister found 93% of patients under chiropractic care for whiplash injuries had improved.  They further stated"....."No conventional medical treatment has proven to be as effective as chiropractic."

Call Us Today At Moss Family Chiropractic For Your Exam!

Call us for your comprehensive examination.  Rest assured we will provide you with the most competent and comfortable care available.  We are willing to work with you regardless of whether you do or do not have an attorney.  Our primary concern is get you better!
Call us today at 770-345-9355.  We look forward to serving you.

HOW DO I FIND AN ATTORNEY WHO IS FAMILIAR WITH AUTO ACCIDENTS, PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR WHIPLASH CASES?
We can refer you to several attorneys in the area that specialize in Personal Injury Claims and who have assisted our patients in the past.