If you were in a car accident near Austin, TX, or another area of the country, you could have injuries that are have gone undiagnosed and untreated. Dr. Zeke Harkleroad at Bee Caves Chiropractic & Scoliosis Center takes special care of his patients post-MVA (motor vehicle accident). He performs complete chiropractic exams and orders X-rays as needed to compose a detailed treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.

Whiplash

We've all seen TV shows and movies where a character wears a neck brace after a car accident. Far from fictional or funny, however, the injury depicted is likely whiplash, a soft tissue problem in the area of the upper back and neck. It results from the sudden stopping impact of a car crash. The head and neck which were traveling forward are halted quickly and snap sharply backward.

What results is soft tissue damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments--in short, everything that helps you sit and stand straight, to ambulate, and to move your arms and head. Additionally, MVAs may result in lower and mid-back injuries.

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Commission says that more than 3 million vehicular mishaps occur each year in the US, and whiplash frequently results. Dr. Harkleroad and his team are especially concerned that whiplash and other injuries associated with the neck and back be treated promptly, competently and compassionately.

Treatment after a car accident in Austin

Dr. Harkleroad plans individualized care as soon as possible after an MVA--within 48 to 72 hours is best if possible. This prevents or lessens the muscle spasm, tension and soreness that accompany whiplash and other spinal injuries. Often, he recommends one or more of the following interventions at home or at Bee Caves Chiropractic & Scoliosis Center:

• Immobilization with splints
• Hands-on chiropractic adjustments to alleviate subluxations (misalignments) and pinched nerves in the neck, mid back and lower spine
• Ultrasound to decrease pain and speed healing.
• Spinal decompression (specialized traction) for problems with discs and surrounding musculature

Consult the expert

Dr. Harkleroad is a highly qualified Austin, TX chiropractor. He takes all his patients' needs seriously and especially when the situation presented is acute and serious, as a car accident, fall or other trauma. For a consultation at Bee Caves Chiropractic & Scoliosis Center, call for an appointment: (512) 327-5311.