It only takes one careless moment to leave drivers and their passengers in pain for the rest of their lives. No matter how carefully you drive, you can always end up rear ended or pinned by another motorist. A visit to our auto injury clinic as soon as possible after the accident will get you on the right track for recovery. Waiting weeks or months could leave you suffering with compressed discs, developing bone spurs, and whiplash.
The Benefits Of Immediate Attention
The emergency responders that arrive on the scene of the accident will stabilize all parties and recommend them to seek medical attention. If the initial exam does not show signs of a concussion or internal injuries, that should not mean that you simply head home. It is best to have a full assessment done within 24 to 48 hours after an accident, even if it seemed minor. Diagnostics can rule out cracked ribs, spinal trauma, overextended necks, and other issues that can lead to permanent damage. Some injuries will not even start showing symptoms until a few hours have passed. A little extra attention right after an auto accident can make a major difference in how you feel one month, and then one year, down the road.
What Will An Auto Injury Clinic Assessment Include?
Since our clinic features numerous specialists and a medical doctor, we can run a wide range of diagnostics and tests to rule out common injuries. Depending on the severity of your accident, the assessment may include:
- Basic physical exam to document bruising or catch signs of more serious internal injury
- X-rays to rule out fractures and breaks in bones throughout the body
- Measurement of blood pressure and other vital signs
- Manual testing of the spine and neck to find soreness and limited range of movement
The Importance Of Adequate Medical Records
Seeing a doctor as quickly as possible after an accident also helps you provide more proof for your insurance company. The doctor can record damages done to your spine or muscles in the accident. If the other driver is found to be at fault, you may have all of your medical expenses covered by their insurance company. Waiting too long to record a case of whiplash or a slipped disc makes it much harder to prove the condition was caused by the accident.
Speed Up The Recovery Process
Even if you are just a little sore from the accident, seeing a chiropractor can ensure your spine does not heal incorrectly and cause pain further down the road. Massage and spinal adjustments preserve proper posture during the healing process. If nothing else, invest in occasional examinations to ensure you have not developed a sudden case of scoliosis after the shock of the accident. Checking in periodically at the auto injury clinic is the easiest way to ensure you are still on track for a full recovery.
Treatment Options
If you do discover significant compression of the spine or a painful case of whiplash, starting treatment right away can minimize your pain. Immediate medical attention can reduce inflammation and swelling. The doctor may advise you to apply ice or heat, depending on the injury. Adjustments, massage, and other treatments from our auto injury clinic in Fort Wayne can help you avoid a lifetime of reliance on medication or invasive surgeries. We’re located in New Haven so patients from across the Fort Wayne area can visit us on their lunch break. We understand it can be hard to fit medical treatments into a schedule that is already packed with family and career activities.
