Last week I was on vacation down in Florida playing golf with a good friend and his dad. They were driving the golf cart ahead of mine. I wasn’t playing that great but on that hole we all hit really great shots over a small creek onto a small green. While pulling up to the green I turned for a just a moment to see how close my golf ball was to the hole. It was just a split-second look to my left. When I looked back forward, my friend and his dad had stopped their cart right in front of mine. With barely any time to react I slammed my foot on the break. It was no use. I couldn’t stop in time and slammed into the back of their cart. While they were gracious and laughed it off, I felt horrible. It was, of course, a complete accident and everyone was okay, but it only took a split second for it to happen.
Car accidents happen often in the same way. They are an unfortunate part of life that many of us have to experience, and while the vast majority are not serious, they can still cause lasting effects. Back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain can linger and transform into chronic conditions that last for years. To get back to life quickly after a car wreck, visit your chiropractor.
Naturally, avoiding car accidents altogether is the best way to ensure you remain injury-free. Not all car accidents can be avoided, but you can take measures to reduce the likelihood and to reduce injuries. Accidents typically do happen in a flash. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a moment, can be a recipe for disaster. Avoiding the distraction of cell phones is probably the most practical piece of advice. Put it down and leave it out of sight while you’re driving, keeping both hands on the wheel.
It’s also a bad idea to drive when you are tired, upset, or angry. Experiencing strong emotions or struggling to stay awake while operating a motor vehicle is only asking for trouble. If you live in an area that sees a wide range of weather, drive according to the conditions and stay a few miles below the speed limit when possible. Take the time to keep your brakes and tires in good working order.
Keeping your body in good physical condition is another car accident tip that is worth noting. A healthy body can help you recover faster. If you maintain a good fitness level, and your body is strong and flexible, you’ll have a much easier time recovering from most car accidents. That’s not to say you should anticipate being in a car accident, but along with its many other benefits, a healthy body will also help in this department. Any type of regular exercise that helps strengthen your muscles and improves flexibility is great.
Whether you are in great shape, poor shape, or somewhere in between, it’s important to get your injuries checked out as soon as possible after a car accident. Most of the time, if your injuries are uncertain, the Emergency Room (ER) is the best place to start. Make sure you don’t have any life-threatening injuries.
Waiting too long after an accident to seek healthcare can allow scar tissue to form and become permanent. If scar tissue develops in your muscles and tendons, it can reduce your range of motion and cause pain, stiffness, and early-onset arthritis.
Once you have ruled out any life-threatening injuries, booking a visit to your chiropractor can help you get your body back in shape. Chiropractic can also help to ensure you don’t have injuries that may turn into chronic conditions in the future. Chiropractic care is designed to help reduce pain and stiffness that can occur after an accident and help return range of motion to injured areas of the body. Your quality of life is important. The longer you wait before seeking chiropractic care the longer it can take to recover. If you know someone who has been in an accident, have them seek chiropractic care as soon as possible.
-by Dr. Brandon Crouch
About the author: Dr. Brandon Crouch is a Chiropractor with Crouch Family Chiropractic. He is an advocate for being proactive when it comes to your health and encourages people to make healthy, informed decisions. For more information you can go online at: www.crouchfamilychiro.com or find him on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CrouchFamilyChiropractic.
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