Before You Sign off on that Minor Fender Bender You Must Read This!!!

Before You Sign off on that Minor Fender Bender You Must Read This!!!

This winter in particular has been quite a challenge for many people who drive the roads and tackle the daily commute. Just this past weekend there was a plethora of motor vehicle incidents…100 vehicles alone on Hwy# 400. As a chiropractor I cannot count the number of times over the years that patients when asked if they have ever been in a motor vehicle accident essentially discount the minor impact from behind.

How do these seemingly minor accidents have anything to do with long term health and wellness?
Well first off let’s consider the incident. When you are involved in a situation of injury or startle the body goes into a protective mode. I am sure that everyone has heard of your flight/fight response. That was basic psychology 100 information in years past. The body releases adrenalin and the blood flow is diverted from your organs like the digestive tract and redirected to your muscles. In the past couple of decades information has come available that the body can also release endorphins that are said to be more powerful than heroin.
Endorphins (endogenous morphine) are opioid peptides that function to inhibit neurotransmitters. They are produced by the pituitary gland/hypothalamus and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce euphoria, analgesia and a feeling of well-being. They are triggered by shock, pain, stress, and even exercise. You probably have heard of the runners high.
Now during an incident where you have been involved in an accident your body immediately releases these endorphins. Is it any wonder why people at the time of the accident report that they do not feel too bad? Well of course you just had a dose of morphine! The endorphins can circulate in your body for various amounts of time. It is not uncommon for patients to report symptoms weeks or even months later.
Researches have postulated that injury to the soft tissue can occur with impact as little as 7km/hr.
Without going into all of the mechanics involved with this consider this analogy. We have all used plastic wrap to cover foods or dishes. You know that if you stretch it a little it retracts back and clings to whatever it is covering. I am also sure that you know if you stretch it too much it loses its ability to cling.
Now the connective tissues that hold the vertebrae in your neck can be likened to the wrap. If they are stretched they never regain their taunt hold on your bones. If the muscles are not trained to pick up the slack so to speak you are not subject to degenerative joint disease…often associated with whiplash associated syndromes and minor car accidents.
If you have impact and do nothing you will have to pay the price down the line. This is inevitable in my mind.
That is why it is so imperative and of paramount importance to get evaluated by a chiropractor or someone who understands these mechanics even after a seemingly minor incident…your long term health and wellness depend upon it.
If you or someone you know has been involved you should take advantage of our unique offer for evaluation ………link

Dr Brian D Huggins