Fall is here and the rain is starting to pick up! Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know exactly what that means… It’s time to break out the boots, jackets, umbrellas, and gloves! It’s also the time of year where you may need to pay better attention to the road when you’re driving.
Moisture in the air means slicker roads, which sometimes leads to auto accidents. Not only is it important to drive safely, it is also important to drive defensively and watch others on the road to avoid collisions.
We know that even the safest drivers can find themselves in an auto accident, so to help keep you healthy and pain-free, Family and Sports Chiropractic Clinic wants to prepare you for the unthinkable… You or your family being injured when metal meets metal!
If you do find yourself in an auto accident, a few symptoms to watch out for include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Numbness, tingling
- Change in sleep patterns
- Difficulty focusing
If you notice any of these symptoms it is important to see a medical professional as quickly as possible!
But what if the person injured is a child? Injuries and pains that children experience in auto accidents are often overlooked because some people believe that children cannot be injured in motor vehicle collisions, and therefore they do not require any treatment. This theory is dangerous and untrue because delayed treatment can mean continued and possibly even chronic pain. It is also important to note that children will sometimes not complain about mild to severe aches and pains and simply live with the pain.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, in addition to or independent of the ones above, make sure to reach out to a qualified medical professional:
- Constipation
- Appetite changes
- Mood changes
To prevent accident related injuries in yourself or the ones you love, consider taking the following actions:
- Use of child safety seats and seatbelts
- Find out the kid seatbelt rules in your area
- Wearing seatbelt straps over your shoulder
- Avoid slamming on the brakes or making quick movements
- Driving defensively and focusing on the road
- Never texting or surfing the web on your phone while driving
If you do have a moment to prepare for impact in an accident, try to take the time to:
- Bracing your head against the headrest reduces the distance between your head and the front of your headrest. Remember, in an accident the closer your head is to the headrest the better.
- Remember to always look forward but never lean forward. Turning your head at impact increases your chances of suffering an injury.
- When you push your foot on the brake pedal, push your back against the seat back as squarely as you can.
- You should always brace for impact because you have a lot of muscles in your neck that can protect the ligaments, discs, and nerves. If you relax, you are leaving your muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves vulnerable and can cause damage. When you tense up, your muscles may be damaged, but it is much easier for them to heal than nerves, discs, or ligaments.
If you are in an accident, it is important to know that the degree of your injuries can vary and course of action will vary depending on the severity of the situation. That said, consulting your chiropractor is a good idea after an accident so you can have your injuries assessed and develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet!
Car accident injuries can really derail your holiday plans, but your chiropractors in Vancouver WA can help!
Contact Dr. Chani Henderson at Family and Sports Chiropractic as soon as possible after a collision if you or your loved ones are experiencing pain or any other symptoms mentioned in this post! She can help you get your life back to normal!