Motor Vehicle Accidents
Accidents happen!
Here at Door to Door Chiropractic, we understand that it might not be your first time in an accident, so you might not know what to do. We also understand when, why and how we are able to help you get back to functional lifestyle. This blog entry will be discussing various aspects regarding a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and guidelines to help assist you.*
Here are a few scenarios!
I had an accident and went to the emergency department (ED)
Depending on the presentation of your symptoms, the medical physicians at the hospital will run any lab or imaging necessary. The goal for the ED is to make sure that your life is not at risk. Any necessary emergency medical procedures, like surgery, will be performed. Prescriptions might be written as well. Sooner or later, you will be discharged from the ED or transferred to another facility or hospital floor.
The next scenario in blue relates to you.
I’ve been discharged and have been instructed to follow up with primary care
This is where you and I meet.
As your primary care physician, together we will:
Review health history, emergency department doctor notes and MVA reports
Check your vitals, perform neurological and orthopedic exam and various tests that involve your autonomic nervous system (HRV) as well as movement.
Any referrals, labs or imaging necessary will be made.
At this point, I will be able tell how and why I will be able to assist you in your care.
I had an accident but have non-emergent symptoms
If this is so, then you and I can meet as soon as possible for you to be evaluated in order to provide you with the best steps to keep you safe and healthy.
Together we will:
Review health history, emergency department doctor notes and MVA reports
Check your vitals, perform neurological and orthopedic exam and various tests that involve your autonomic nervous system (HRV) as well as movement.
At this point, I will be able tell how and why I will be able to assist you in your care.
If there is any chance that there a medical emergency, then proper steps will be taken to keep you safe.
Medical emergency versus acute pain
A medical emergency is life threatening and requires immediate intervention. The latter includes high acute pain that may be temporarily unbearable. Understanding these differences helps you as the patient navigate through what your body is going through.
As long as there isn’t an emergent situation, then make sure you start treatment as soon as possible. It is imperative to do so in order to yield the highest possible recovery potential.
It’s easy to confuse the two. Don’t worry. I am here to help educate you as my patient to ensure your health and safety.
I had an accident but I’m not in pain
No matter if you have pain or not, make sure you get an exam done as soon as possible. Based on the sciences, professional experience with car accidents and physiological trends, you might not ‘feel’ anything for up to 1 week to a month. If it’s not well documented, then it may influence coverage for you case.
Remember: Healing takes time
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the physical, chemical and mental changes that occur after an accident, because it can take time for your body to heal muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerve tissue, etc. We work directly with you to educate and guide you through the process.
Thank you for your time. Make sure to share this information with family and friends, because if and when accidents occur it’s better to be prepared.
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*By no means is this article a substitute for any legal or medical advice from a licensed professional and is for educational purposes only. The information written in this blog is intended to help educate the public and is by no means an established doctor-patient relationship. The nature of each patient’s condition can and will vary, therefore a complete consultation, exam and review of findings must and should be performed by a licensed physician before administration of any treatment.
*Remember always seek emergency medical care post-trauma in order to rule out any life-threatening circumstances.