Motor vehicle accident care

If you've suffered a motor vehicle accident, chances are you may have a combination of injuries -- both known and unknown. Because of this, it is imperative that you get seen as soon as possible to begin treatment. Delaying this only allows the injuries to set in causing chronic pain and potentially other issues, especially if the injury is hidden.

But it was just a little fender bender — I don't think I'm hurt.
It doesn't take a big accident to cause injury. While most people won't dispute the forces involved in a high-speed collision, most don't realize that these forces also apply in low-speed impacts. Let's break it down. A typical vehicle weighs about 2,000 pounds. A collision with a vehicle of this size at 10 miles per hour will result in an average impact force of about 3.7 tons. Consider a larger vehicle of about 3,000 pounds, colliding at the same speed, will produce an even larger impact force of about 5.6 tons In either situation, this is a significant blow to one’s neck and back.

Does it matter what direction I am hit from?
The direction of the force makes a difference to how your body is affected. Whiplash can happen from any angle but is most common from front/back collisions vs. the side. People in rear-end collisions are also at risk of absorbing more force than others because of a principle known as “magnification of acceleration.” This principle, in simple terms, means that the occupants of a car will accelerate much faster than the car being impacted and so will absorb much of the force involved — over 5 tons worth in the example given above. And those who are hit from the side often suffer from being twisted, causing significant back issues.

How can chiropractic help?
Consulting a chiropractor is always a smart move after having a motor vehicle accident. A chiropractor can treat injuries to the neck/whiplash, back, soft tissue, and he or she can help you loosen stiff muscles. Even if you don't hurt right away, it's good to be evaluated because the pain can surface days or even weeks later. And, be sure to inquire about insurance covering the expense of your treatment. All drivers in Oregon are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and this is used to pay for medical expenses.

For more information about how our chiropractors can help treat auto injuries following a car accident, please call Pure Life Chiropractic in Eugene, OR today at (541) 343-5633.