If your question is not listed feel free to call us in Anchorage at 346-5255 or Outside Anchorage (toll free) 1-877-346-5255.
You can also fill out our information request form here. We will respond as soon as possible.
1. What if my car only has minor damage – or none at all?
Many times, your vehicle will not be damaged in an accident that causes injury. Vehicle bumpers are designed to withstand a 5 mph crash without damage – and many vehicles can withstand collisions of 10 mph.
Meanwhile, it only takes an accident of 2.5 mph to injure a vehicle’s occupants. For example, in crash tests at 2.5 mph, 29 percent of occupants experienced symptoms of neck or back injury. And in crash tests at 5 mph, 38 percent of occupants were injured.
Charles Carroll, M.D., Paul McAtee, M.D., and Lee Riley, M.D., sum it up the best:
“The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relation to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants,” they write.
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2. What is whiplash and what causes it?
Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by the sudden movement of the head backward, forward or sideways. It is the most common cause of neck pain.
Auto accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, though sports, falls and other injuries can also be responsible. In Alaska in 2000, there were more than 14,000 auto accidents. These accidents resulted in 6,200 injuries – and most of them were neck and whiplash related.
It doesn’t take a major auto accident to cause whiplash. Vehicles can usually withstand collisions of 10 mph without damage. However, whiplash can be caused in accidents of just 5 mph – or less.
Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Blurred vision
It’s important to note that whiplash symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months after an accident. This makes it extremely important to be thoroughly examined after even a minor accident.
If left untreated, whiplash can result in chronic neck pain and other serious conditions. For example, one study showed nearly 40 percent of whiplash victims still experienced pain seven years later.
3. What if I was stiff and sore for a few days, but I’m not in pain now? Or what if I had no pain in the first place?
After your accident, you may have experienced severe pain – or perhaps no pain at all. This is extremely common.
Soft tissue injuries, like whiplash, are very deceiving because they don’t always cause pain immediately. For this reason, most auto injuries are hidden and may take months – or years – to detect. However, beneath the surface, serious problems can be brewing, such as:
- Recurring headaches
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms or hands
- Chronic muscle tension and spasms
- Low back pain
- Spinal disc degeneration
- Painful, inflamed arthritis
- Rapid development of arthritis
- Sore, tight, inflexible muscles
- Decreased athletic ability
- Greater chance of re-injury
- Poor posture
- Limited range of motion
4. How can I determine the extent of my injuries?
After an auto accident, it is important to have an in-depth evaluation by a chiropractic physician to determine the extent of your injuries. It is also important to begin treatment to prevent painful, long-term effects.
Chiropractors are experts in the care of your bones, nerves, muscles and tissues. And the chiropractic physicians at Better Health Pain and Wellness Centers are specially trained to diagnose and treat spinal problems caused by auto accidents.
- Your evaluation may include:
- Orthopedic and chiropractic testing
- X-rays
- Computerized range of motion and muscle strength tests
- Nerve conduction tests
- Diagnostic ultrasound tests
- MRI and CAT scans
After coming to an accurate diagnosis, our physicians will help you understand your condition and your treatment options.
To schedule your evaluation, call us at 907-346-5255 or 1-877-346-5255. In most cases, we can see you on the same day. Plus, we have several convenient locations, extended hours, and a full-service billing department that will handle all your insurance paperwork for you.
5. That sounds expensive. How much is it going to cost to diagnose and treat my injuries?
Essentially, it will cost you nothing. Like any other health care service, chiropractic care is covered completely under the “medical benefits” section of your automobile insurance policy. If you’re not sure you have medical benefits on your auto insurance, check with your insurance agent.
All fees for evaluation and treatment will be sent directly to your auto insurance company – or the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident. This alleviates any direct financial burden on you.
6. Will I need medication to help me get better?
While medication may mask your pain for a few hours, it does not help your body to heal itself. In fact, medications may hinder the healing process because it hides your symptoms. Meanwhile, the condition still exists – and may be causing more serious problems.
In certain situations, we will prescribe medication. However, medication must go hand-in-hand with treatment to be effective.
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7. Can my health be completely restored?
Our goal is to restore your spine to its original condition through a multidisciplinary program that may include chiropractic care, physical therapy, occupational therapy and massage therapy.
After treatment, many patients say they feel even better (link to success stories page) than before the accident! This is because our treatments provide not only pain relief, but also long-term correction. Long-term benefits of our care include:
- Prevention of arthritis
- Relief from head and neck pain
- Stronger, more flexible muscles
- Increased communication between your brain and the rest of your body
- Increased athletic ability
- Decreased chance of re-injury
- Improved posture
- Increased overall health
8. Should I see an attorney before my evaluation?
We understand you may have important legal issues, as well as health care issues, that need to be addressed. However, in most cases, it is important to be evaluated prior to seeking legal counsel. Your exam findings will give you the information you need to decide if an attorney is necessary.
If you already have legal counsel, we will send detailed reports throughout your treatment to keep your attorney apprised of your progress. After you complete treatment, we will send a final narrative report to your attorney. If necessary, this report will document any permanent damage you have sustained.
With auto accidents, it is wise to hire an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases. These attorneys are experts in the law and your rights, and will help you get the care and benefits you’re entitled to. If necessary, we can refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney.
9. What if the insurance company wants me to settle?
We recommend you do not settle your case before you receive a thorough evaluation and necessary treatment. If you settle before your injury is fully diagnosed and treated, you will be responsible for all future medical bills.
To assure your claim will be handled effectively, our full-service billing department will handle all your insurance paperwork, thoroughly document your treatment, and provide detailed reports to your insurance company.
10. How much time do I have to report an injury following my accident?
Technically, you have one to two years to report an injury to your insurance company. However, the sooner you seek treatment for your injury – the better. Not only will you speed the healing process, you will also minimize the chance of having difficulties with your claim.
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11. What kind of treatment will I receive?
At Better Health Pain and Wellness Centers, we take a multidisciplinary approach to your health care. We offer chiropractic care, physical therapy , occupational therapy and massage therapy.
We also introduced two ground-breaking treatments to Alaska – the DRS system for low back pain and the MCU therapy for neck pain. We continue to be the only clinic in Anchorage offering these highly effective treatments.
And if we are unable to meet your health care needs, we will be happy to refer you to another medical professional.
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