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What To Do If Injured Automobile Accidents Understanding what to do when an accident happens, and what types of injuries can occur may save you time, money, and long-term medical care. A prompt physical examination is the best advice. A thorough examination by a chiropractic physician is a wise precaution to determine the presence or absence of "hidden" injuries. Confer immediately with your doctor of chiropractic who will determine the extent of any injuries. Serious and costly injuries do not always result in immediate pain or bloodshed. Aside from the more dramatic wounds which require surgery or hospitalization, other serious and costly injuries may result from auto accidents. Doctors of Chiropractic are particularly well-qualified to detect and treat a wide variety of injuries of the spine, nerves, and other related structures. Common Injuries: Low-Velocity Injuries (under 10 mph), usually result from the rapid movement of the body during the accident. This movement may result in muscle strain, seat belt bruises or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Other symptoms may be delayed, but pain and stiffness may occur within 12-36 hours after impact. High-Velocity Injuries (over 10 mph), usually result from a second impact, the body hitting objects inside the vehicle such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or window. Common injuries of this kind include shoulder, head or knee hematomas, wrist fractures, neck sprains, concussions, and a variety of contusions. Traumatic Cervical Syndrome,
more commonly known as whiplash, occurs
when the neck is forced through a rapid
series of movements faster than the bones,
muscles and ligaments can accommodate.
Some symptoms include swelling, tenderness,
weakness or pain in the neck and shoulder;
sore throat and/or loss of voice, trouble
swallowing; jaw problems; vomiting; flashing
lights in the visual field; headache;
light-headedness or dizziness; painful
tingling sensations; visual disturbances
or blurred vision; and ringing in the
ears. In some cases pain may not present
itself for 12-36 hours after impact.
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