Auto Injury in Yakima WA

Deciding where to receive the most effective and appropriate care following a car accident can be difficult and confusing.

At Yakima Chiropractic Centre, we have been handling auto injuries since 1982 and will do our best to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Our goal is to get patients back to pre-injury status as effectively as possible.

---

Was my accident serious enough for medical treatment?

Injuries sustained from a car accident vary and depends on a number of things including; the speed of the cars involved in the collision, the size of the cars, condition of the road, the position of the headrests, bracing for impact etc. It is important to remember that the magnitude of the collision doesn’t always determine the severity of the resulting injury. Even minor accidents can cause severe damage to the spine, nervous, and other bodily systems. One of the most common injuries involved with car accidents is whiplash; but concussions, muscular/ligament damage, broken bones, and internal injuries may also occur.

I felt alright right after the accident, but as time passes, I am having more pain.

It is a misconception that injuries from an automobile accident are always immediately noticeable after the incident. For many people, some injuries are unnoticed for days or weeks following the accident.

I was treated at the ER, but I think I need more care.

We see many patients that were treated at an emergency facility after their accident. Most of the time, these patients are examined, prescribed pain medicine and discharged. But what if the pain persists? What if you want to know what is causing the pain and how to correct it? After your consult and exam at our office, we will let you know if your injury is something chiropractic can help, or if another provider is best suited for care.

How can my injuries lead to long term pain?

The impact of an automobile accident often damages multiple tissues and structures associated with the spine. This ligamentous and muscular damage can create an uneven “pull” on the spine. This uneven pull on the spine often limits the normal motion of the back, leading to early signs of degeneration and other disease processes.  Chiropractic care assists with the repair of these soft tissues, allowing your body to heal properly.

When can I make an appointment? Do I need a referral?

Our office will do our very best to schedule a same day appointment. In most cases, you do not need a referral for chiropractic care.

Who will pay for treatment?

Many auto policies in Washington State have PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage. This coverage can cover most medical cost associated with your treatment. This includes complete chiropractic care as well as therapeutic massage at zero out-of-pocket expense to the patient.

If you did not carry PIP coverage on your auto policy, but you were not at fault for the accident, your medical expenses may also be covered by a 3rd party insurance claim.

Our staff at Yakima Chiropractic deal with all auto companies and can assist in determining what benefits are available.

If there is no PIP or 3rd party insurance, our office can assist in finding benefits with your own health insurance company or setting up a self-pay claim.

 What will happen at my first appointment?

1. During an initial consult, we will gather your medical history and information about the accident. Our doctors will concentrate on the effects of the accident on your body, so try to recall as much as possible.
2. A thorough physical examination is the next step. Various orthopedic and neurological tests will be done to determine the extent of the injuries. Our goal to detect underlying injuries that are often missed.
3. A digital X-ray will be performed at our office to view the bony structures of the body to evaluate for any possible damage.
4. As long as we are medically able to safely treat at your first visit, you will receive your first treatment.
5. The doctors at Yakima and West Valley Chiropractic Centres will then review your medical history, details of the car accident, findings of the examinations, additional medical records and x-rays. From all this information, we will devise a specialized treatment plan that is specific to your injuries.

A FINAL THOUGHT

Following any automobile accident, make sure you consult with a chiropractor at Yakima or West Valley Chiropractic Centres as soon as possible. Our training will allow us to detect and help those injuries which are specific to car collisions.  Having an integrative team on your side can make all the difference in your final treatment outcomes.