If you've recently been involved in an Automobile Accident...

The following information may save you from future pain and suffering.

Are you thinking…"I've had an accident. Isn't it best to wait a while to see if my pain and stiffness goes away? I don't want to make a "big deal" out of this… if I wasn't really hurt?"

Take note: Seemingly minor auto accident can cause permanent, long term soft tissue injuries. These are injuries to the joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons that can result in the formation of scar tissue and adhesions. This "injury repair" tissue is weaker and less flexible than the damaged tissue it is replacing. It becomes entangled with blood vessels and nerves that if left untreated, may result in you developing pain that never goes away! This "scar tissue" will start to form in a damaged area within 24 hours of the injury. . . regardless of your level of pain.

"How does that effect me?"
That means that if the injury isn't treated promptly, the joints of the spine will no longer move properly, resulting in "wear and tear" on the discs and bones of the spine. This may result in arthritis, degeneration and decay in your spine, which is permanent! Many times these injuries also result in long term spinal nerve irritation, resulting in headaches and spinal pain that can last a lifetime. This breakdown of the spine and nerve supply can occur "painlessly" over months or years.

When the pain does arrive, it may occur while you are doing your normal activities. You may be not even make the connection that it was caused by the car accident! That's just the beginning because it will get worse over time.

Unfortunately, a delay in treatment may prevent you from getting a complete recovery. To make matters worse, if the injury was not noted properly, there may be no one willing to pay for your care! In these type of cases, we work to reduce the patient's symptoms, increase their spinal flexibility and improve the quality of their life. If there has been permanent damage to the spine, ongoing care may be required to maintain the patient's improvement.

That's because once the spine starts to decay, it will continue to do so. Sometimes the pain may result in living on daily pain medication (which has serious side effects) or worst case scenario…spinal surgery.

This all might have been avoided if we had the chance to properly examined the patient, note the injuries and provide prompt treatment at the time of the accident.

So, don't be hasty. Don't let those whose obligation it is to provide for your treatment "off the hook" by signing a release until you can rest assured that you haven't been injured. Don't take the quick settlement the insurance company may offer you just because you don't feel too bad at the moment. Whatever you buy with that money will long be forgotten when the suffering starts!

Get a proper examination -Neck pain, headaches, stiffness, numbness or tingling, back pain may all be waiting for you down the line. We've seen it too many times.
If you wait too long, even if you haven't signed a release, it may be difficult to convince the insurance company that the pain you now have was caused by an accident that happened several months ago. If you've been examined properly with the injury documented by the doctor, at least you have a leg to stand on.

Always get examined by the doctor first, before seeing an attorney, to establish whether or not you have been injured, and if so, how seriously.

Keep this in mind…
1. The hospital ER or "outpatient mini-clinic" may have done a fine job ruling out life threatening situations, but don't rely on them to make a detailed assessment of your soft tissue/spinal injury. They are not set up to do that on a routine basis.

2. Just because your car doesn't appear to be damaged badly doesn't mean your spine hasn't been injured. Most cars today are designed with bumpers that "spring back" to almost normal appearance right after impact. This can occur even with more substantial collisions. We have the research that shows that and the insurance industry knows it!

Only after a proper chiropractic spinal examination will you have some idea as to the real extent of your injury. Even if you weren't injured to badly, at least you have your injury noted so that if it does become more of a problem, you can at least prove that it was from the accident!

3. Most of the time, the auto/ health policy and/or the settlement covers the total cost of your treatment. Any questions? Give us a call. We'll also send you our free report entitled "What you need to know if you've been in an auto accident."

For your best result...
Call our office immediately following the accident to get examined as soon as possible. This should be done even if you went to the ER or mini-clinic. A specialized exam is used to specifically address the needs of auto accident victims. Bring your records with you. We specialize in these injuries, and know how to work with your insurance company and attorney. If you need legal representation, we know many fine attorneys that may be able to help you. Schneider Chiropractic.
Call us at 661-2225.

Personal Injury Form:
Click HERE to download our personal injury form.  Please fill out and bring with you to your appointment.

Also please print and fill out this form as well.  Personal Injury To Do List.

In closing, remember to have Dr. Schneider do your examination first, before seeking legal advice, to document your injury and establish your need for treatment.