Personal Injury

Chiropractic Care for Auto Accident injuries

Auto accidents often have a negative affect on the spine. Those who have recently suffered a crash must understand that auto accidents may cause the spine to become misaligned; in such cases; the consequences for the health of the entire body cannot be underestimated. When the spine is misaligned, the nervous system—which governs all functions of the body—is no longer in perfect working order. In some cases, patients will suffer for years with seemingly unrelated issues such as migraine type headaches or back pain before visiting a chiropractor.

Whiplash, for example, causes pain, immobility, and other symptoms directly related to injury to the soft tissues of the neck. This condition, when left untreated, may also lead to serious health problems caused by a misalignment of the cervical spine (the neck) as well as chronic pain.

The symptoms of whiplash and other auto accident injuries may not appear immediately, so it’s important to have a full examination after any incident. If a diagnosis of an auto accident injury is forthcoming, it’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Physical Therapy

Used with or without chiropractic treatment, physical therapy has several fundamental goals: to reduce or eliminate pain, restore movement and flexibility, and build strength. All of these objectives are important in restoring the body to pre-accident condition.

As with all treatments at The Agape Wellness Center, physical therapy in our Orange County office for auto accidents injuries is truly personalized, compassionate, and uses the very best in both new and time-tested therapeutic options. Depending on the type and severity of injury, any of the following practices may be used: therapeutic exercise; hot and cold therapies; electrical muscle stimulation; lumbar/cervical traction (excellent for the resolution of disc injuries); and ultrasound technology.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a drug-free method of addressing the pain and inflammation associated with auto accident injuries. This ancient practice reduces pain by helping the brain to release endorphins—the brain’s natural painkillers. By improving circulation, acupuncture also helps to cycle out cortisol and other waste chemicals while bringing necessary blood supply to the site of injury for faster healing. Acupuncture also lowers blood pressure and heart rate. While the experience of acupuncture is one of relaxation and calm, very real effects are happening in the brain that can address anxiety and other emotional symptoms after an auto accident.

Massage Therapy

Plans of rehabilitation after an auto accident often include massage therapy. The deep tissue massage offered in our AWC office is an excellent accompaniment to chiropractic services; this treatment relaxes muscle tension for better therapeutic effect while also working to stabilize the spine. Additionally, massage therapy makes the joints more pliable for chiropractic manipulation while warming the soft tissues of the spine.

Auto Accidents and Disc Injuries

There are a number of auto accident injuries that can cause back pain; bulged or herniated discs are among the most common forms of trauma experienced in the spine from a crash. The intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the bones of the spine, may experience damage in which the inner, cushion-like center of the disc bulges outward and compresses the spinal nerves. This condition is diagnosed as a herniation when the disc ruptures and its soft, central portion moves outward toward the spinal cord.

Who Pays for my treatment?

Options 1: Insurance Coverage

California auto insurance policies can include MEDPAY insurance coverage for as little as $2-$3/month that ensures that chiropractic care for auto accident injuries is covered WETHER YOU ARE AT FAULT OR NOT in coverage amounts of:

COVERAGE                                                

 This measure is intended to ensure that patients receive effective care for auto accident injuries; chiropractic is widely recommended for the care of the most common injuries such as whiplash or disc problems. The staff at the Agape Wellness Center will be happy to verify if you have this coverage free of charge.

Options 2: Attorney
Do I really need an attorney?

Generally speaking, it depends on what happened and what injuries were suffered, and to whom. If you and your family members have not been hurt, the answer is probably NO.

If you or anyone you care about has been injured in the car accident, especially if there is any permanent injury, or significant time is lost from work or school or household duties, then YES, you’ll want to see a lawyer about possibly representing you in a claim against anyone else who may be responsible for your injuries.

However, even if you don’t “feel injured”, don’t entirely rule it out as the facts and circumstances surrounding car accidents are always different. It is important to look at the degree of the car accident and use your best judgment. However keep in mind that many injuries go asymptomatic or without symptoms for weeks, months and in some cases even years. Just because you don’t feel bad, doesn’t mean there isn’t something brewing under the surface. The Agape Wellness center is trained to diagnose this and prevent any future problems from arising as a result of the accident.

When would I want to be represented by an Attorney?
Peace of mind that no stone gets left unturned. Here are some tips for when you should Run to an attorney and when you can just Walk:
Run to an attorney when:

• An injury has occurred where there has been serious injury (broken bones / hospitalization) or where injuries are likely to be permanent (paralysis);A death has resulted from the accident;
• Fault is clearly an issue
• Other parties were involved such as pedestrians or other autos
• The accident occurred in a construction area
• A police report does not accurately describe the accident and puts you at fault
• Important technical, legal or medical issues are involved
• The limits of your liability insurance are low
• You have no insurance, or your insurance company suggests that you did not pay your premium
• Your insurer starts “acting funny”
• Your insurer involves its own attorney

Walk to an attorney when:

• Seeking advice on the settlement value of a claim (while not an exact science, attorneys may be able to provide best and worse case scenarios)
• Unsure if other insurance (homeowners, travel, etc.) may be available
• Fault may be an issue
• Determining whether your insurer may be acting in bad faith (not looking out for your best interests)
• Seeking information on how to handle negotiations with an insurer
• You don’t know your rights
• Confused over the terms of your policy
• Needing an expert to review confusing paperwork or forms