DANGERS OF UNTREATED INJURIES

If you can walk away from an accident - whether it was a car crash or other incident - it’s possible to "think" you're not injured. Medical science has proven that over 50% of injuries are not easily seen and some are not immediately felt. Some common reasons a person immediately thinks they are okay after an accident is due to a rush of adrenaline, fear, and - sometimes - anger. It will take hours, if not days later, for that person to start feeling the pain as a result of the accident.

If you refuse or do not get medical attention at the scene of the accident, you may not know about internal injuries you suffered that could cause you great pain in the days to come. Even if it has been a week or two, do not wait any longer to get medically examined. You never know if something major is disguising itself as something that feels minor.

Untreated Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that can occur after a car accident, blow to the head, and falling. The sudden jerking of the head forward and then backward can quickly injure the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in and around the neck. This results in causing neck pain, stiffness, and tightness.

Untreated whiplash can lead to chronic pain and headaches, caused by the damaged inner workings of the neck. This chronic pain is something that can live with you for the remainder of your lifetime.

A person may not realize they have whiplash until symptoms begin showing up hours later. By getting proper chiropractic treatment, massage and physical therapy, you can strengthen the area around the neck and increase mobility.

Untreated Back Injuries

Back injuries are all too common after a car accident. Unless you are properly examined by a chiropractor, and/or get x-rays, you will not really know how much damage was caused. A proper examination can help diagnose back sprains and strains, herniated discs, and other spinal injuries. This then allows the chiropractor to assess your injuries and start a treatment plan for your recovery.

Failing to get treatment for back injuries can lead to chronic back pain, bad posture, muscle spasms, and - in some cases - the increased risk of pinched nerves.

Untreated Brain Trauma

Brain injuries can range from mild to severe. The signs of a brain injury are not always apparent, and it’s a common misconception that a person must lose consciousness if they had a concussion. Although mild brain injuries can heal within a few weeks, if left untreated, it can lead to severe problems down the road.

Mood changes, irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and depression may all stem from an untreated brain injury.

Why You Should Always Get Treatment

After any type of accident, your health should be your number one priority, even if you think you’re “fine.” Treatment will help speed up the recovery process and give you the tools needed to make any necessary lifestyle changes. It's important you heal properly and lesson the pain and discomfort from these injuries. Depending on your injuries, you can anticipate seeing your chiropractor 3-5 days a week at first. Over the course of several weeks, that number will begin to drop down.

It is very important to have your car accident injuries and treatments documented. You may be unable to obtain the insurance benefits that will cover your medical expenses if you fail to document your injuries. If you're the recipient of a car accident, speaking with an attorney is a great way to understand all of your options.

If you have been in an accident, don't wait any longer! Contact an Accident Care Chiropractic & Massage clinic near you and get the treatment and care you deserve.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.