Auto Injuries

It is nearly impossible to prepare for the unexpected.

Imagine this – you’re driving home from work and before you know it you’ve been rear ended while at a stop light. These events can happen at anytime and anyplace.

If you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Too often people don’t seek treatment following a car accident because they don’t feel hurt, but new symptoms can arise in days after the accident.

By far, the most common injury to during an auto accident is a whiplash injury to the neck or back. Whiplash is caused by a sudden movement of the head, backward, forward, or sideways, that results in the damage to the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck, upper back and low back.

Types of pain after an accident

If you have suffered any of the following types of pain after an accident, even if it’s delayed, please contact our office for an appointment.

• Muscle Injury (Soft Tissue Injuries) – Most common injury from motor vehicle accident is muscle injury. This occurs when the muscles and tendons become stretched due to sudden movements.
• Neck and shoulder pain – Whiplash related injuries can cause neck / upper back stiffness and pain.
• Back Pain – Especially in the lower back, may indicate a whiplash-related injury. It also could signal a sprain, herniated disc, or other soft-tissue injuries (such as muscle damage).
• Headaches – Pay attention to the location and severity of the pain. It could be stress-related or a sign of concussion, brain injury, whiplash or neck injury
• Numbness, Tingling and Weakness – These types of sensations often indicate a bulged disc that pinches or presses up against nerves in the spine. This pinching can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and other sensations throughout the body.
• Abdominal Pain – If you experience abdominal pain after an accident (which may surface days after the incident), get immediate medical attention. Internal bleeding also may cause headaches, dizziness, and deep bruising.

Steps to Take After the Car Accident

• You will most likely visit the ER or an Instacare after your accident. If not, you will want to make an appointment with our office or with your Primary Care Provider to document your injures.
• Write down the Date of Injury and keep this with you. All medical documentation will need to reference the exact date of the accident.
• If this is a “no-fault” accident, ask your auto insurance company for your PIP (Personal Injury Payout) letter. Doctor’s offices will require this letter in order to bill your auto insurance.
• Our offices will need your auto insurance address, ID number and claim number
• We DO NOT bill 3^rd party insurance. Your auto insurance will be billed until exhausted, and then billing will be transferred to your private health insurance.
• Keep a detailed list of the location of your pain, the severity, what triggers the pain and when they symptoms occur.

Motor Vehicle accidents are dreadful experiences — even when the damage is not severe. Dr. Corey Anden is familiar with the auto accident process and will ensure you get the best course of treatment. There are a variety of treatments to help you get back to your life including interventional pain management, physical therapy, and, when necessary, surgery. Dr. Anden and her staff will be able to guide you through the process and help get you back on track.