In the last few weeks several of our patients have unfortunately been in car accidents. We are taking care of them, and they will all be ok. These patients have motivated me to write this. so that if the same were to happen to you, you would know exactly what to do to help yourself. 

Step #1: Go to the hospital. 
Of course this depends on the severity of the accident. If it was very traumatic and you are in a significant amount of pain, it is a great idea to go to the hospital to get checked. They will be able to perform x-rays to ensure you have not broken a bone.

Step #2: Call your favourite Chiropractor (aka Me!!!)
This is very important to understand....***The sooner after a trauma you get treatment, the quicker you will heal.*** Don't wait!  Even if you are bruised and sore to the point that you don't think you can lie on the table, there are adjustments we can do to safely help you heal. 

Step #3. Ice and Active Rest
Do NOT use heat. After a trauma you will have swelling at your injury site. Heat will feel nice while it is on, but it will actually increase your swelling and delay your healing. Get ice on the injury as soon as you can. Put the ice on for 10 minutes at a time, and repeat often. Always remember to wrap your ice pack with a towel and not to put it directly on your skin. You don't want to get a burn from the cold ice!

And by active rest I don't mean just lie around and do nothing! You can walk, you can stretch and you can still move, just don't do anything too strenuous like run or lift anything heavy. You actually MUST move as best you can, otherwise you will really stiffen up and delay your healing. 

Did you know that when you've had an accident you are pre-approved for chiropractic care and massage therapy?
 If after an assessment I determine that you have suffered an injury from the accident, I can send in forms to your insurance company and they will pay for your care! All you need to do is call your car insurance company after your accident, report the accident to them, tell them you'd like to get checked by a chiropractor, and then call us. When you come in for your appointment, we need your accident claim number (which your insurance company will give you) and we need you to fill out a few forms and it is done! We can take care of you and help you get back to your pre-accident level of  health!

What is the value of getting care after an accident????
Firstly, it will help you heal from any injuries you have had. Secondly and most importantly, it will help you prevent future injuries. I can't tell you how many patients I have seen that come into my office with spinal aches and pains that have come up out of nowhere, and when we dig deep into their history we find out they had a car accident years before and never had any treatment for it. They just took some pills and after a few weeks the pain went away. Please remember that injuries can stay with you, even if you feel them 'go away.' It is always a good idea to have your spine checked, for your health today and for your future health!

In conclusion: If you have had an accident, please call a chiropractor as soon as possible. :)