A minor fender-bender is nothing more than that – “minor” – right?
Wrong. Low impact, or low speed, collisions can do much more damage to your spinal nerves than you think. Many however, do not realize it until several hours or even days later, when the body has had time to settle down.
As with most automobile accidents it is our body’s natural reaction to brace ourselves for impact, regardless of the anticipated intensity. Low speed collisions are no different. The combination that tension and energy play in an accident can result in spinal nerve damage and severe pain. In many “minor” motor vehicle accidents resulting injuries are not felt until several hours after injury, when the adrenaline begins to wear off.
The Bodily Impact of an Accident
In an automobile accident such as a rear-end collision the body accelerates
very quickly upon impact and then stops as the vehicles come to a stop. Energy built up from the acceleration can then exert itself throughout the body, in particular, through the neck which is amplified by the weigh of the head. This results in an over-extension of the range of motion of the vertebrae, spinal nerves, muscles and ligaments. The impact can also cause vertebrae to shift out of alignment putting pressure on the spinal nerves. This disrupts nerve function and strains the nerves ultimately causing pain, that if left untreated will only persist and in some cases, worsen.
Adding to the headache of a “minor” accident, many insurance companies will try to discredit a patient’s symptoms, especially if no injuries were reported at the time of the accident. Much scientific and medical research confirms the delayed onset of pain following a neck or spinal injury. While most patients report symptoms of pain several hours after injury, evidence shows that it some cases it can vary from a few days to weeks.
Regardless of the severity of an accident, it is critical to visit your local Chiropractor for a full examination so the proper treatment can be applied, aiding in the healing process and alleviation of pain. It is only through spinal adjustments that the spine can truly be restored to its correct position and form.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident, schedule a courtesy consultation with us today.