6 Silly Auto Accident Myths
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- You will hurt immediately after the accident if you were injured - It's more common to experience a delay in painful symptoms after an auto injury. This is due to how the body heals. The first 24-72 hours is the inflammatory phase of healing during which pain & swelling gradually increase. This is why people often feel worse 2-3 days after the injury, even when they didn't feel too bad initially.
- The severity of injury is proportional to the damage to the vehicle - Cars are designed to protect passengers from serious injury in high speed accidents. However, cars are designed to withstand damage in low speed accidents. Research has shown that motor vehicle accidents can cause measurable injury at only 3-5 mph, while cars can often withstand 10 mph collisions without damage. Nothing can be assumed by looking at the accident. That's why doctors are trained to thoroughly evaluate each patient to determine their injuries.
- If bones weren't broke, it's just a soft tissue injury which are always minor - Severe injuries can occur without breaking bones. Examples of some severe soft tissue injuries include joint dislocation, muscle/ligament tear or rupture, and spinal disc herniation. These can be more severe and require more treatment than some fractures. Even less severe soft tissue injuries can involve multiple types of soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, joint capsules, cartilage, discs, blood vessels, etc.), which are more complicated and can take extended time to heal.
- Injuries always heal in 6-8 weeks - There is no such thing as always when dealing with injuries and the human body. A majority of injuries will feel better in 3-6 months. However, a significant portion of those injured have ongoing painful complaints and activity limitations for 12 months or more. This is due to how the body heals and factors that complicate an injury and slow healing time. During the first several weeks after an injury, the body is in a phase of repairing soft tissues by adding scar tissue. Then the body enters a remodeling phase that can last 12 months or more. This is when the scar tissue is remodeling to become more flexible and functional like our normal soft tissues.
- If passenger A wasn't injured, then passenger B shouldn't be injured either - If passenger A & B were identical twins, with the exact same body size, same exact history of injuries and illness, were secured in the car the exact same, were sitting and looking in the exact same position, and braced the exact same, then their injuries (or lack thereof) would likely be similar. However, every individual is in a different state of health and experiences a different set of forces exerted on their body dependent on their car, their seat, their belt, their position, and the other car involved. Nothing can be assumed by looking at the accident. That's why doctors are trained to thoroughly evaluate each patient to determine their injuries.
- I'm ok, I don't need to be evaluated - According to research, 50% of all patients involved in low speed rear impact collisions receive no injury. 25% recover with no residual damage. But nearly 25% of all those involved in motor vehicle collisions suffer long-term chronic pain, with 10% of those injured actually progressing to a state of permanent disability. To prevent the development of chronic pain after a motor vehicle collision, consult a Doctor of Chiropractic immediately.
Doctors at McMichael Chiropractic have been treating auto injuries in Canton and the surrounding area for over 35 years. We enjoy helping these patients improve their health and return to their normal activities. It is important to find a doctor who is able to help you reduce your pain and regain your function.
