The 5 most common types of car accidents are shown below. When you look at them it all seems very obvious. What’s important about knowing the different causes of auto accidents is that it can make you more aware of situations that could result in a crash and try to find ways to avoid them. e.g. always look both ways at an intersection crossing, even if your light turns green.

Rear end collisions

These usually happen when you are stopped or have to suddenly brake.  If you are stopped, try leaving extra space between your car and the car in front of you.   That way if you see someone is coming too close or too fast you have some leeway to move your car forward giving them more space to stop.  If your car is rear ended, more space may help you avoid being pushed into the car in front of you which doubles the chance of being injured.

If you have to brake suddenly and someone is following too closely behind there may be no way to avoid being hit.  In this case, if at all possible try to brace your head against the headrest.  It could mean the difference between a severe and a less severe whiplash injury. 

One way to avoid having to brake suddenly is to leave as much space between your car and the car in front of you.  That way if they put their brakes on you have more time to brake without having to slam on your brakes.

T-Bone or Cross Traffic Accidents

It is estimated that 12-13 percent of all car accidents in the United States are T-bone type auto accidents.  These types of collisions account for about 18% of all fatal car accidents in which one or more person is killed.

This type of a car accident typically happens when someone runs a red light.  Even when your light turns green either look both ways before proceeding or pause for just a few seconds to make sure no one is speeding to get through the cross intersection. 

This can also happen at intersections with stop signs.  Always make sure to check both ways even if there it is a 4 way stop intersection.

Clipping other cars when merging

There are reasons why this happens.  Are you guilty of any of these?

1. Not checking your blind spot before trying to merge.

2. Trying to beat out someone without giving enough distance to merge in safely.

3.  Misjudging how fast an oncoming car is traveling.

4. Not using your turn signal to alert a merging car that you need to merge into traffic.

5. Not paying attention for the need for a sudden merge because of construction, end of a lane, the need for a sudden change of direction, etc.

Single Car Crashes

While many think that most car accidents happen between 2 or more car/trucks/motorcycles, single vehicle accidents are extremely common.  Some of the common causes of single vehicle accidents include:

1. Speeding – There are different reasons where speeding is a problem.  For one thing it increases that chance of colliding with an object.  In addition, speeding plays a role in rollovers.  “Speeding” is considered not only as driving about the post speed limit but driving faster for road and/or weather conditions such as fog, heavy rain, snow/ice, or road construction.

• Drunk Driving and Drowsy Driving– The Department of Transportation found that your risks increase 30 percent compared to a sober drivers, as those under the influence are more prone to speeding, swerving and losing control.  Being drowsy can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

• Distracted Driving – In general, you’re more likely to drift off the road if you are using a cell phone, adjusting the radio or even trying to eat or drink while you are driving. In the process, you might hit a parked car, a median or barrier, or adjacent property.

• Mechanical Failure – The most typical problem is sudden tire “blow out” but any sort of unexpected mechanical failure that impacts steering, braking, or simple operation of the car can lead to an accident.  Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid unexpected mechanical failure.

• Swerving to Avoid Hitting an Object or a an Animal– From debris to vehicle parts and items that fell off a truck, when maneuvering around these obstacles you may end up hitting another object. Based on statistics from the NHTSA, losing control, running off the road and colliding with a median or guardrail is the most common cause of single vehicle crashes. Always scan the shoulder of the road for animals and be ready to slow down.

TWO

Listed below are 5 common causes of auto accidents. While this is not an exhaustive list, it is some of the most common. You’ll notice under #2, Distracted Driver, that there are actually many forms of distracted driving, not just texting

1.Tailgating

Driving too closely behind someone without leaving enough space to safely stop if need to stop suddenly.

2.Distracted Driver

Research at the American Automobile Association’s Traffic Safety Division says that between 25-50% of all motor car accidents are caused by distracted driving. Distracted driving includes:

• Talking on cell phones
• Texting
• Rubbernecking
• Driver fatigue
• Looking away from the road at scenery
• Engaging with passengers or children
• Adjusting the radio, cassette or CD player
• Reading books, maps, newspapers or other documents

3.Running a Red Light

Always check for traffic even if your light turns green

4.Aggressive Drivers Speeding and/or Weaving in and out of traffic

If you find yourself in traffic with an aggressive driver, try to keep your distance, changing lanes once it’s safe to do so. Do not attempt to pass an aggressive driver. If the driver is behind you, remain calm and adhere to all speed and safety laws – do not interact with the driver with gestures, words or other signals. If the situation escalates or you feel endangered, call 911 and report the aggressive driver.

5. Inclement Weather –

This includes rain, fog, and here in Georgia, occasionally snow or ice. Make sure you adhere to the basic speed law, traveling only as fast as conditions allow, and that you provide yourself with extra time to stop and additional space between you and the car in front of you.

THREE

While Whiplash is one of the most common accident injuries, there are many areas of the body that can be injured that Dr. Alexander can help with the healing process.

There are many injuries that are not considered “critical” or are not life threatening but that none the less can cause severe pain and have a major impact on your life

Some of the injuries that Dr. Alexander can help heal are any joints that have been thrown out of their normal position, spinal disks that have been injured, tendons, ligaments and muscles that have been bruised or torn, and help alleviate ongoing symptoms associated with whiplash injuries such as headaches, fatigue, etc.

No one wants to be in a car accident. Even a very minor fender bender can cause injury and in all cases its a major inconvenience. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to know what to do and what information to get.

Click below to request a ” What To Do If You Are In A Car Accident” card to keep in your glove compartment. When an accident happens, its often difficult to think clearly about how to proceed. This card will help.

Print the card below or call or click here to request a postcard copy from the office and keep it in your glove compartment.*

*DISCLAIMER: This is not offered as any sort of legal advice or information. It is given as some general thoughts when you have been involved in an accident.

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Do You Know What To Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident?

According to some statistics there are over 151 auto accidents every day in Atlanta and Fulton County, or about 6 every hour.  That doesn’t include all the surrounding cities and counties.  In Georgia, there were over 330,000 accidents in 2020, the last year with statistics. All you have to do is observe all the MANY accident attorney bill boards to know are LOTS of auto accidents.

9 Important steps to take if you are involved in a car accident, even a minor fender bender

1. Stop – Never leave the scene of an accident
2. If you are able, move your car to a safe spot.
3. Check to see if you or anyone else is seriously injured.
4. Call the police, even for a minor accident.
5. Exchange information.
6. Limits discussions of the accident with the other party (Never say you are OK.  You may have whiplash injuries that are not apparent immediately.)
7. If possible, take pictures of the scene and the vehicles.
8. Contact your insurance company and/or an attorney.
9. Make an appointment with our office to get checked for a whiplash or other injury – If left untreated they can lead to issues in the future.

Important Information to collect if you are involved in a car accident

1. Name of the other involved driver.
2. Their phone #
3. Their insurance company
4. Their insurance policy #
5. Their driver’s license #
6. Their license plate #

Check out and print the card below or call or click here to request a postcard copy from the office and keep it in your glove compartment.*

*DISCLAIMER: This is not offered as any sort of legal advice or information. It is given as some general thoughts when you have been involved in an accident.

Insurance facts to keep in mind

• Most medical insurance does NOT cover injuries from a car accident.

• If you have MedPay or Person Injury Protection as part of your car insurance, it will cover injury care even if you are at fault. (Most people are not aware if they have this extra coverage so check your policy and consider adding it if you do not currently have it.  It is the most inexpensive insurance you can purchase.)

• Whether you are at fault or not insurance companies will want to take statements immediately after an accident. This can be before you are aware of delayed symptoms from an injury. You may want to indicate you are not sure if you have any or the extent of possible injuries. 

• Insurance companies will try to get you to settle as soon as possible.  Resist settling until you are certain you have not sustained any injuries.  Whiplash injuries and symptoms often take several days to weeks to be realized.

• It is always advisable to consult with an accident attorney even if you do not end up using their services as they can advise you on the best course of action.  Many attorneys will consult free of charge.

What you need to know about Whiplash injuries

Whiplash is the most common injury in a car accident.  It is caused by a severe jerk to the head moving backwards and forwards or from side to side.

Whiplash can injure bones in the spine, disks between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves and other tissues of the neck.  It usually causes the vertebrae of the neck to be knocked out of alignment which can lead to other nerve interference issues and pain often located away from the neck.

It is important to consult with Dr. Alexander who is experienced in treating whiplash and other auto accident injuries after any car accident, even a minor one.

Untreated, whiplash can cause long term effects.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash include:

• Neck and shoulder pain
• Loss of range of motion
• Back pain
• Headaches
• Tingling and/or numbness in arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Emergency room or medical doctors are usually not trained to diagnose and treat a whiplash injury.  These injuries typically do not show up on x-rays which is what most medical doctors use to determine an injury has occurred.  Chiropractors are specially trained to test for and treat whiplash injuries.

Muscle relaxers and/or pain medication will only cover up the symptoms on a temporary basis.  They do not treat the injury itself.

Dr. Alexander is experienced in diagnosing and treating whiplash injuries using adjustments to correct spinal misalignments and laser and/or ultrasound therapies to help heal soft tissue injuries.

The bottom line…Know what to do at the scene if you are involved in a car accident, call our office to schedule an accident injury assessment, and consult with an attorney if needed.

The post What to do if you are involved in a Car Accident appeared first on Whole Life Health & Injury Center.

If you are experiencing intense pain, burning or tingling, numbness or weakness that runs through your buttocks and/or down the back of one leg and may or may not be accompanied by lower back pain, there’s a good chance you may be suffering from sciatica.  This debilitating condition makes it difficult to stand, sit, lie down or walk.

Many people are unfamiliar with Sciatica so it is important to understand What is Sciatica, What is the Most Common Cause of Sciatica, What Are Other Causes of Sciatica, and importantly, How Chiropractic Treats Sciatica.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a general term for the condition described above, i.e.  intense pain, burning or tingling, numbness or weakness that runs through your buttocks and/or down the back of one leg and may or may not accompanied by lower back pain.  This is a relatively common condition with about 40% of the population suffering from sciatica at some point in their lives. 

This condition is known as sciatica because it is caused by an irritation or damage to the sciatic nerve.  The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body and is about the size of a finger.  It runs from your low back down through the buttocks and along the back of each leg to the foot.

You can feel pain at any point along the sciatic nerve but typically is felt through the buttock and down the back of the leg and into your foot and/or toes.  For this reason you could feel pain, tingling, or numbness in your feet that is actually the result of an issue with the main sciatic nerve.

What is the Most Common Cause of Sciatica

In most cases, sciatica occurs when a lumbar (low back) vertebra is out of alignment or a disk herniates or bulges and there is pressure on the sciatic nerve.  When a disk herniates the soft core of the disk protrudes or bulges into the spinal cord causing pressure on the nerve.  This causes the nerves to send involuntary signals that cause a sensation of tingling, numbness, burning or pain. 

What Are Other Causes of Sciatica

• Arthritis of the spine that occurs over time can compress or rub on the sciatic nerve.
• A back injury that causes inflammation in the lower back can trigger sciatic pain.
• Pressure on the low back from obesity.
• Poor posture while sitting or walking can place undue stress on the nerve
• A tumor that presses on the sciatic nerve or some other disease process that results in inflammation or damage to this large nerve.

How Chiropractic Treats Sciatica

Chiropractic is almost universally recognized as very effective conservative treatment for sciatica. 

Through a combination of techniques chiropractic can provide genuine, sustained relief for the pain of sciatica by relieving and eliminating the pressure that causes the pain without the need for surgery or drugs. By correcting the problem at its source, chiropractic helps people suffering with sciatica return to a normal, active life..

These non-invasive techniques may be used in combination with Chiropractic adjustments to help eliminate sciatic pain:

• Decompression Therapy – Helps heal bulging discs putting pressure on the sciatic nerve
• Ice Therapy (Cryotherapy) – Provides relief by helping to reduce inflammation
• Low Light Laser Therapy – Stimulates the cell mitochondria to promote healing
• Ultrasound Therapy – Increases circulation to help reduce inflammation and increase healing

(…An alternative to surgery when sciatic pain is the result of disc herniation is chemonucleolysis with chymopapain. Since this enzyme is effective only in very specific circumstances, proper patient selection is crucial. Five criteria for selection are presented, emphasizing that since chemonucleolysis is not conservative treatment, it should be reserved for patients whose pain is unrelieved by conservative methods…)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2327588/

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Heartburn or Indigestion? Are antacids the solution or the problem?

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Forget the gym, gardening is a great form of exercise.  Not only do you get some fresh air and sunshine but you have the satisfaction of creating a pleasant outdoor environment.  By following the Yard Work Safety Hints, Tips for Safe Equipment Use , Simple Stretches for Everybody and What To Do If Your Start To Hurt outlined below you can get a great workout, have the satisfaction of a natural yard or garden oasis, and reduce or eliminate strains, muscle aches and potential injuries.

Yard Work Safety Hints

Gardening involves bending, twisting, reaching, pulling and/or pushing, getting up and down, walking, etc.  The major muscles of the back, upper legs, neck, shoulders, arms and wrists are all getting a workout but they can also be getting overworked which can lead to back, neck and muscle pain, and in some cases injuries.  Following the Yard Work Safety Hints can go a long way to protecting yourself from back pain.  Most of these hints are simple and common sense but often the simplest precautions can have the greatest impact.  They are always a reminder to keep in mind when you head out to the garden.

Here are some safety hints for avoiding injuries.

• To avoid back pain from gardening ALWAYS remember to bend your knees when picking up or pulling anything.
• Avoid bending over at your back when doing any kind of gardening as this puts undue strain on your back. 
  • If you need to do work at ground level, squat, kneel or sit on the ground. 
  • Make sure there is nothing sharp sticking up. 
  • It’s best to cover the ground to avoid insect bites. 
  • Use a turned over bucket as a seat or get a garden chair.
  • Use knee pads or a padded cushion if you are going to be kneeling while working.
• Wear shoes, gloves, and preferably long pants and shirts to protect your skin. 
• Make sure to use sunscreen if you are working the sun.
• Make sure to drink PLENTY of water.   You will most likely lose a lot of water through sweat if you are working hard in the heat.
• Use the proper tools.
• Use a wheelbarrow or a wagon to move heavy bags and/or yard debris.
• Use two or more people if moving something bulky and heavy
• Remember to warm up before gardening/yard work.  (See Simple Stretches for Everybody below)

Tips for Safe Equipment Use

Many people are turning to the state-of-the-art weed trimers, leaf blowers, hedge clippers, etc. to help out but the repetitive motions when using these and other equipment can lead to mechanical problems with the body.  It can result in back and neck pain as well as more serious muscle strains and tears if not used properly. Always make sure to follow usage instructions and Tips for Safe Equipment Use in mind.

• If your equipment comes with a strap make sure to use it. 
  • Place the strap on the shoulder on the opposite side of your body from the device. 
  • This normalizes your center of gravity and reduces stress on your back
• To balance the muscles being used, switch the side on which you are operating the equipment often.  Also alternate your stance and motion.
• Take frequent breaks as you may experience muscle fatigue when using any of these devices for extended periods of time.
• Consider using electric-powered items, especially if you experience back or neck pain, as they tend to be lighter than the gas engine powered ones.
• When lifting, bend your knees and hold the equipment close to your body.

Simple Stretches for Everybody

Gardening and yard work are a form of exercise

• When stretching, remember to breathe slowly and rhythmically, do not bounce or jerk.  Stretching should NOT be painful.
• Either sit or stand and with your knee straight, prop your heel on a step or stool.  Hold onto something if you need to stabilize your balance.  Bend forward until you feel a slight pull in the back of your thigh.  Hold for 15-20 seconds then repeat with the other leg.
• Stand up, balance yourself (use a support if needed), bend your knee and reach behind you and grab the front of your ankle. Pull your heel towards your buttock until you feel a slight pull in the front of your thigh.  Hold of 15-20 second, repeat and then change legs.
• Weave your fingers together above your head with your palms up.  Lean slightly to one side to stretch your upper body.  Hold for 10 seconds then switch sides.  Do this 3 times.

What To Do If You Start To Hurt

If you start to feel any tightness or strain in your muscles, it’s a sign that you need to take a break. Check to make sure you are using any equipment correctly and assess if you are lifting and/or carrying correctly. Make sure you are staying adequately hydrated, especially in hot weather, as even mild dehydration can affect your muscles. Water is the best way to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol as it will contribute to dehydration.

If you start to feel any pain, STOP working! Sit down and apply ice to the affected area. Ice will help take down any swelling, it helps numb the pain, and encourages increased blood flow to the area. If you don’t have an ice pack, a bag of peas is a great substitute as it will conform to the shape of the area, particularly if there is neck pain. Because the muscles in the back are large you can ice for up to 60 minutes. Make sure you do not put ice directly on your skin. An ice pack or a ziplock bag with ice will work.

Low back pain is one of the the most common results of improper use of equipment, over working, improper lifting and carrying techniques, etc. when doing yard work or gardening. If you are still in pain after a day or two, make an appointment to see your chiropractor to make sure you have not moved a bone or joint out of position. Dr. Alexander has helped 1,000’s of people get back pain relief.

Happy Gardening!

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