So… You’re Fixing Your Car
Are You Getting Fixed?
Common Side Effects:
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches
- Numbness and tingling
- Difficulty sleeping
- Or you may have no pain at all
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What if my car received only minor damage?
Documented studies done by medical doctors show that damage done to the car bears little relation to the force applied to the spine. Passengers commonly suffer worse injuries compared to the car – including but not limited to whiplash.
2) If I need treatment for this injury, do I have to pay for it myself?
No, in Colorado your insurance policy may have ‘Med Pay.’ This coverage would cover the expenses incurred up to a certain amount. Our office can help you obtain this information.
3) I’ve been to my medical doctor, do I still need to see a chiropractor?
Yes, Chiropractors are trained to diagnose musculoskeletal biomechanics which are the cause of soft tissue damage. Medical doctors will give you pain meds which will help with the pain, but not the underlying cause of the problem.
For questions about chiropractic adjustments after an auto accident please reference the American Chiropractic Association’s information or call our office.
Whiplash: Common Symptoms
An injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or “whipping” of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and the ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion. Whiplash often occurs when a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind. Either of these two actions causes things in the vehicle to be thrown forward – including passengers.
A seat belt will keep a person’s body from being thrown forward, but the head may snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the neck. In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken.
Kids and Car Accidents
Young children are most vulnerable in auto accidents. The weight of the head of a child makes the neck much more vulnerable to injury. They do not have much control of their head, so the small muscles in their neck are not stable to withstand fast movements which can cause serious spine and neck injuries. Children also have very flexible upper bodies and shoulders. They also may not be able to tell anyone that they are hurting.
MedPay Definition in Colorado
From 2003-2008 Colorado changed from a no-fault auto insurance system to a tort system. This system was not effective in reimbursing key emergencies services that are needed for auto accidents; such as EMTs, fire rescue, police/hospital transportation and care. As of 2008 consumers can purchase MedPay on their auto accident insurance to insure medical bills will be covered. Many people don’t realize that their own auto insurance no longer covers medical expenses unless they specifically choose an optional MedPay coverage. MedPay covers the first $5k-$10k of medical/emergency expenses without any deductible, or change in premiums. This increases your access to corrective services such as chiropractic and massage.
Call our office today to see what coverage you have and how we can help you feel better quickly.
Auto Accident Care Testimonies….
“I was a chiropractic patient before my car accident in September 2009. The accident caused me to have mid-back, neck and shoulder pain and I also had dull constant headaches. I called Lighthouse Chiropractic right away to schedule an appointment to see if they help my stiffness and pain. After Dr. Osgood evaluated me, he explained how the body heals after trauma and how the little muscles in my neck had been affected by the whiplash. My range of motion increased considerably after the first few visits and by the end of the treatments, the chronic pain I had was gone. Lighthouse Chiropractic also worked closely with my insurance company so I didn’t have to worry about the details.” Carey (patient since 2008)
“I was brought up thinking that Chiropractors were ‘fake doctors’ so I had never been to one; until I got into a car accident in January. I was fine, or so I thought, but in March my back was one solid knot. My husband has been going to a Chiropractor for many years and has been going to Dr. Ed now for about a year. He told me just to go… so I did. It was the BEST thing I ever did. After only 2 visits my back felt so much better. I couldn’t believe the transformation. I have suffered headaches for years almost daily and they got worse after the accident. But I have only had 2 since I have been treated my Dr. Ed. He is wonderful and very helpful. He takes his time and talks you through anything you have questions about. Which is very comforting to me.” Jaime (patient since 2010)