Winter in Alaska brings a new beauty. It also brings new dangers. The dark, ice and snow cause more automobile accidents than usual. We all do what we can to avoid this, of course, but if it happens to you, here are a few things to keep in mind in order to reduce possible injury:

• Keep the top of your headrest above the top of your ear level. This helps prevent your head being pushed over the top in a rear-end collision.
  
• Drive with your headlights on.
  
• Keep your seat upright. If your headrest is more than 2-1/2 inches from the back of your head, you will still get whiplash as it only takes a fraction of a second for your head to accelerate back then forward.

Even relatively minor accidents can have serious consequences to long-term health if not treated properly. Muscles and ligaments can be stretched and torn. The brain may be jostled inside the skull, causing headaches or possibly concussion.

If your accident is serious, call the paramedics and have them determine if you should go to the hospital. X-rays may be needed to rule out fractures or dislocated vertebrae. Many accident victims have delayed onset symptoms. It can take a couple of weeks for some of the symptoms of pain, headaches, stiffness and the like to surface. You should seek a doctor of Chiropractic as soon as possible after an accident. Chiropractors are the joint experts in our country. Whiplash means joint injuries. A thorough exam will be necessary to determine any damage to your muscles, ligaments or nerves. Chiropractors are trained to refer you to the appropriate specialist if needed and can order MRIs, CAT scans and other diagnostic procedures, if indicated. Medical insurance usually covers these bills.

It is important to begin care as soon after an accident as possible, as delayed treatment may lead to scaring, degenerative arthritis and lost motion. If proper treatment is not received, there is a much higher chance of arthritis and/or chronic problems developing after a motor vehicle accident.

Typical care for most injuries includes ice for the first two to three days on the injured regions, followed by heat in the doctor's office to reduce spasms. Electrical muscle stimulation or massage can relax injured muscles. Massage and ultrasound can be used to break up scar tissue. Chiropractic adjustments restore normal motion and alignment to the spine. A rehabilitation exercise program is usually initiated, which can include at-home exercises or training with a specialist. Certain nutrition changes will help speed the healing of your injuries as well. This combination approach has been very successful in treating whiplash injuries in my office over the past four years.

We hope you have a safe winter season, but if you do get injured, call your Chiropractor right away!