The benefits of chiropractic care following a car accident

Each year, more than six million Americans are involved in a car accident. Of those accidents, more than 800,000 involve neck problems like whiplash, fractures, and injuries to the spinal cord. While there’s no way to prevent accidents entirely, there are things you can do to reduce the severity of their potential side-effects should one occur. Below, you’ll find a list of recommendations, as well as steps to take if you or a loved one experiences an automobile accident.

How can I reduce the risk of a car accident-related neck injury?

The easiest and most effective way to reduce the risk of a car accident-related neck injury is to drive defensively. You probably practice many of these techniques, but it doesn’t hurt to refresh:

• Keep your eyes on the road. Now that almost everyone has a smartphone, it can be tempting to check emails or respond to texts while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, these distractions significantly increase the risk of an accident. If you’re unaware of your surroundings and unable to act quickly, it’s only a matter of time before you run off the road or hit someone.
• Drive sober. This one’s obvious, but it’s amazing how many people are willing to put their lives (and the lives of others) at risk. If you’ve had even one alcoholic beverage, get a ride or take a cab. The same rule applies to prescription medication, medical cannabis and any other substance that might impair your cognitive functions.
• Buckle your seatbelt. A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in 2017, seatbelts saved approximately 14,955 lives. Setting aside an additional 10 seconds to buckle up before you turn on the ignition is one of the best decisions you can make. It reduces the risk of flying through the windshield and can even minimize the side effects associated with whiplash.
• Follow the speed limit. We’ve all been in a rush, and while it can be tempting to exceed the speed limit, the risks involved just aren’t worth it. Research suggests that increasing your speed by just one mile per hour results in a 3% higher risk of a crash involving an injury.

What should I do if I’m involved in a car accident?

If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to listen to your body. Even if you feel fine, make an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic. Many accident-related ailments, including whiplash, don’t always present symptoms right away. In some cases, they take hours or even days to appear.

Your DC can conduct a comprehensive exam, perform a series of adjustments and recommend rehabilitative exercises to enhance your strength and restore your range of motion.

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