BothellChiropractic

When it comes to car accidents, paramedics are often the first health care professionals who attend to your needs. Their job is to assess whether you should be rushed to the hospital for immediate medical treatment or deal with any life-threatening injuries right on the scene. Fractures, concussions, lacerations and other potential internal injuries will necessitate your escorted trip to the hospital. What if the paramedics tell you that you are not injured enough to go to the hospital, but you still don’t feel quite right? In this issue of Wellness Express we look at frequent problems your musculoskeletal system often encounters after a car accident. Common Injuries Some people encounter pain and tension right away. For others, the symptoms may get worse over time. Whether the impact occurs from the front or the rear, your neck is usually the most vulnerable area of your body in any motor vehicle accident. Car collisions involve rapid changes in acceleration and deceleration. ...

You're in your car, relaxed, waiting at a stoplight. Suddenly you hear screeching of tires behind you and the harsh sound of metal hitting metal. In the split second before you can brace yourself, you feel your car moving forward from an unseen force! As your head starts to clear, you realize something is terribly wrong. What you do in the next few minutes could affect you for the rest of your life. How can I prevent whiplash injuries? Since car crashes are the major cause of acceleration/deceleration injuries, defensive driving skills can help. Be sure your taillights and turn signals are working properly. Allow enough stopping distance in front of you. When you slow down or stop, always check your rear view mirror to see if the driver behind you is paying attention. Prevention is the best defense against whiplash because there is not much you can do once you are impacted. The position of your headrest is also critical - make sure that it is level with the top of your head to guar...