Auto Accident Chiropractor in Columbus, Ohio
Whether you’ve been involved in a low-speed fender bender or a high-speed collision, your body has experienced trauma by being jolted about. Whiplash type of injuries usually result. Many think whiplash is a diagnosis, but it’s the mechanism by which your body is whipped back and forth, resulting in soft tissue injury. It is typically diagnosed as a sprain/strain injury to muscles, ligaments and tendons of the body (the soft tissue).
Common Symptoms
If you’re involved in an auto accident, you may experience the following:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Ringing ears
- Blurry vision
- Back pain
- Extremity pain
Any soft tissue areas that might hit up against something in the vehicle can be affected.
The Importance of Seeking Care Right Away
Many people are under the impression that if there was little to no damage done to their vehicle, then they’re okay. Even at low speeds of 6-12 mph, your body can experience damage.
For those who don’t seek treatment, their body can heal, but it does so in the wrong fashion. That’s why we recommend you seek treatment as quickly as possible to determine if you have injuries.
During the repair process, scar tissue will start to develop. That’s collagen repair being laid down. And that collagen can be laid down in two ways: a haphazard pattern with no order to it or can be aligned in lines of parallel strength, similar to the grain in a piece of wood.
Consider this: a piece of wood has a grain pattern for strength and flexibility; it’s the same thing with tissue repair. We want that scar tissue and collagen repair to lay down in the proper grain pattern of the muscle, ligament or tendon, so you’ll have greater function if healing takes place that way.
There may be a delayed onset of symptoms but those are a byproduct of the injury or things that you feel. It doesn’t mean there’s something already wrong with the body. There can be something injured in the body and something wrong in the body before you feel a subjective complaint. So we encourage you to come in immediately to get evaluated.
Dr. Smith will perform an exam, and if X-rays are indicated, he will refer out for them. Based on his findings, Dr. Smith will create a care plan detailing how long it will take to address your injuries and how much it will cost. A sprain/strain injury takes anywhere from 6-8 weeks to fully heal.
The first visit takes about 40 minutes. Please note that if your vehicle is too damaged to drive, we offer transportation to and from our clinic at no cost to you.
Our practice works with auto insurance companies. Dr. Smith will bill the responsible insurance company or send the billing and documentation directly to your attorney if you have or choose to want one.
Book an Appointment
If you’ve been in an auto accident, don’t delay getting the care you need to heal properly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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