Auto Accidents
|
SPECIAL REPORT Provided as a Public Service For The Community "What You Should Know If You Have Been Involved In A Car Accident"
Did you know that low speed automobile accidents can injure people even with no visible signs of vehicle damage! Each year, approximately 2 million Americans are injured in whiplash accidents. About 10% of all whiplash victims become disabled. Did you know one of the most stressful aspects of living in modern life is dealing with the problems that arise after an auto accident? Were you also aware that some auto accident injuries are hidden and seldom detected for months or even years? As a result, a lot of accident victims settle their case with the insurance companies before getting evaluated from a Doctor trained in soft tissue injuries. This Could Be A Big Mistake. Why? Because once you settle your case you lose the right for care if you need it. A good rule of thumb is to get educated in your rights, and then make a decision, there is no reason to rush; it can only hurt you! It is our position that if you were indeed injured, you should get the care you need to get you back to the way you felt and functioned just before the accident. Now, it is not the responsibility of the insurance company to pay for anything more than that. They are not responsible for pre-existing injuries; only the injuries sustained from the accident. Even if you are just sore, you should get checked out immediately…. Because you may experience pain, numbness, headaches, muscle stiffness, fatigue, and other problems including arthritis many months down the road. Remember, Nothing is more important than your health when you start to lose it. Here's where the problem begins... Most people who suffer from an auto accident have on thing on their mind: Their Automobile! Common questions include: "Who is going to fix my car?" "What will I drive in the mean time?" "Will my insurance rates go up?" "Who is going to pay for it?"
And the last thing on their mind is: "Am I Really O.K.?" Not only are auto accidents an inconvenience and a hassle, a common general complaint of auto accident victims is that they don`t feel their normal self. You may also be experiencing obvious pains and symptoms like muscle stiffness or spasm, neck pain, headaches, numbness and tingling, back pain, difficulty sleeping, irritability, memory loss, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and many other difficulties or worse than that, you may be injured and feel nothing at all. Either way, did you know that auto accidents can cause post traumatic osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis can ruin your posture (giving you a slumped or hump back appearance). Osteoarthritis can cause the discs in your spine to degenerate and create scar tissue formation leading to chronic stiffness and the inability to move properly. When this happens, simple tasks like turning your neck become painful and almost impossible.
As a matter of fact... Most Doctors Are Not Trained In The Detection Of These Hidden Injuries... How are these hidden injuries detected? If you have been in an auto accident, you need a doctor that is trained in the biomechanics of the human body; someone who has experience in treating these types of injuries. At Westboro Spine & Holistic Health Center, Dr. Moncton has received additional trainning in Whiplash, Spinal Trauma and Soft Tissue Injury Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation and earned his CCST (Certified Chiropractor in Spinal Trauma). In addition, Dr. Moncton completed a course with the Spine Research Institute of San Diego analyzing low speed auto crash reconstruction and earned his Certificate in (LOSRIC) Low Speed Rear Impact Collisions. At our office we perform orthopedic and neurological tests as well as other functional tests that can assess soft tissue damage, muscle strength, range of motion, and joint and nerve function. In addition, x-rays can be taken to find out if there has been any structural damage. We evaluate auto accident victims, and make any appropriate referrals to other health care providers if needed; including orthopedic doctors, neurologists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and MRI centers. Our Primary Responsibility Is Giving You The Care If You Need It, And Submitting The Required Medical Reports To The Insurance Company So Your Rights Are Protected. There are also people who are injured who aren`t getting the care they need. If you are injured call us and we will assess your condition. We want you to get fixed and back functioning again in your everyday life! If we can`t help you we will refer you to a Doctor or facility that can. Our office is trained in handling the sometimes confusing paperwork that needs to be filled out to make sure that... Your rights are protected and your injuries are properly documented! If you have been in an auto accident recently, there are some important decisions you have to make.
Q: What If My Car Sustained Only Minor Damage? A: Documented studies done by Charles Carroll, M.D., Paul McAtee, M.D. and Lee Riley, M.D. revealed that: "The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relation to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants." In other words, the damage to the passengers is not necessarily directly related to the damage to the vehicle. You will need to be evaluated for injuries.
Q: If I Need Treatment For This Type Of Injury, Do I Have To Pay For It Myself? A: No, only in very rare circumstances does the patient involved in a motor vehicle accident pay for their care as they go. Our office will work with the insurance company and make every effort to get your bill paid in full. Some car insurance policies have what is called "Med Pay." This means that your medical bills will be paid at 100% up to a certain limit depending on your policy. Our office manager can assist you in obtaining this information. Using your “Med Pay” will not raise your premiums.
Q: I've Been To The Hospital And My Medical Doctor, Do I Really Need to See Another Doctor? A: You need a doctor that focuses in the treatment and diagnosis of auto accident injuries. Usually hospitals will check vital signs, and release the patient with pain relief medication. They normally do not treat the underlying improper musculoskeletal biomechanics that can and often do lead to future pain. If you are still having problems, you should get a second opinion. If your M.D. has given you pills, you must understand that pills do not correct structural or soft tissue damage. There are special treatments designed for that, and we offer these treatments at our office.
Q: Is The Care Safe?… A: Yes, extremely. Particularly when compared to the side effects from medications and complications from surgery. According to the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine, Chiropractic care is the best at restoring proper spinal biomechanics and relieving symptoms of pain after an automobile accident. More importantly you will have less chance of residual problems later in life.
Q: How Long Does It Take To Get An Appointment At Westboro Spine and Holistic Health Center? A: Most appointments can be made the same day. Allow yourself 60 to 120 minutes for the initial visit.
Q: Where are you located and what are your hours? A: We are conveniently located in downtown Westboro at 20 South Street. Refer to our location guide on our main web page for directions.
Call us at (508)366-6630 |
Westboro Spine and Holistic
Health Center
|