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One of the most fascinating things about seat belts is they often prevent deaths in the event of a car accident. On the other hand, they also can contribute to the likelihood of serious bodily injury. These lifesaving restraints can prevent your body from hurling through your car's windshield or being ejected from your car seat. But, in doing so, they can cause ugly injuries to your spine and soft tissue.

There are many factors surrounding a car accident that can influence the extent of your injuries. Some of the more common factors include the speed which you were traveling, whether the impact was with a moving or stationary object, whether you had time to react and brace for it, and whether the impact was felt. While there is no way of predicting what injuries you will suffer in an accident, there are injuries that occur with various types of accidents.

In an accident in which you are moving at speeds of 10 mph, injuries are likely to be the result of unexpected rapid movement of the body at the moment of impact. These injuries include muscle strains and bruises from the body impacting with seat belts and dashboards. Symptoms from these injuries, such as pain and stiffness, may not appear for at least 12 to 36 hours after the accident.

Accidents occurring at speeds greater than 10 mph involve more rapid body movements and possible impact with objects inside your car, such as the steering wheel, windshield or dashboard. Common injuries in these situations include shoulder, head or knee bruises, neck and back sprains, wrist fractures or sprains, concussions and contusions, and frequently, spinal disc injuries. People with these injuries generally know where and how badly they are hurt within a short period of time -- but sometimes, shock masks the symptoms.

If you are in pain, whether it is the first time or you have frequent problems, whether it just came on or was caused by an accident, you should consult with your family chiropractic physician to determine the treatment method best for you. Your family chiropractic physician is the physician with the most training and experience with spinal related disorders and the musculoskeletal system, including the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems involving muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.

Chiropractic physicians have four years of college education that is identical to the medical profession, and then five years of chiropractic college that covers the same scientific background in diagnosis and treatment options. However, the difference is in the treatment method. Chiropractic physicians use manual methods -- manipulation and physical therapy -- while traditional medicine uses drugs and surgery. Call your doctor of chiropractic today for an appointment.


Drs. Slovin maintain chiropractic offices at 205 Main Ave., Norwalk. If you have any questions about this or any other health concern, please call (203) 840-0000 or visit the website www.DrSlovin.com.

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