Getting the most out of Car Accident Injury treatment

Getting the most out of your treatment for a car accident injury is essential for a swift and complete recovery. Car accidents can result in various injuries, from whiplash and fractures to soft tissue damage, and the journey to recovery can be challenging.  You want your care to be straightforward, and save you time, money and hassle. Here are some key tips to help you maximize the effectiveness of your treatment at Blue Heron Chiropractic in NE Portland, OR.

Seek Immediate Chiropractic and Medical Attention

After the accident, it’s crucial to seek attention promptly, even if you don’t feel immediate pain or discomfort. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and an evaluation can identify and document any injuries for insurance purposes. In some case, an emergency room or urgent care visit is vital to getting your injuries recognized properly.  You might get X-rays that will quickly identify an injury site. You can come in to Blue Heron Chiropractic and Doctor Sibilla as soon as possible after your ER visit, and referrals or authorizations- including insurance permissions – are not necessary. Getting timely care also helps you lose less time from work or away from your family. The last one is the most important, so that’s your hint to read on.

Document, Document, Document

Get copies of everything that you sign and keep all of the handouts you are given at the emergency room, urgent care, or in the clinic. If you get X-rays, ask for a copy at the facility that you can carry out with you. In Oregon, you need to make a DMV report if anyone is injured in the car accident or if damage is more than $1500. Print that report out before you submit it, keep it for your file and bring it in with you to the clinic. If the doctor lays out a treatment plan, get it and the goals in writing. If you have pain, we are going to find ways to help you understand it and document it. 

Follow the Doctor’s Advice

Once you’ve received a diagnosis and treatment plan, it’s vital to adhere to our recommendations. This includes attending follow-up appointments, taking prescribed supplements we have recommended or medications prescribed by other providers, and following any restrictions or guidelines we provide.

Chiropractic, Exercises and Rehabilitation

Most of our treatment plans include some Physical Therapy Exercises.  You are going to do these at the Chiropractic Clinic and at home. These programs can help restore mobility, strength, and function while reducing pain. Consistency in attending sessions and actively participating in exercises is key. Your exercises are often the key to a healthy recovery. By the way, not all exercises you see on YouTube are correct for you or the timing is not right. Ask the doctor!.

Manage Your Pain

Pain management is an integral part of recovery.  There are different types of pain and pain can change as an injury begins to heal or hangs around too long. Discuss pain management strategies with Dr. Sibilla, which may include medications, physiotherapy modalities, or alternative therapies.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices:

Adopt or improve a healthy lifestyle to support healing. Proper nutrition, regular exercise (as approved by the chiropractor), and adequate rest and sleep can all contribute to a faster recovery.  If you need time off from work for pain, advise the doctor and he can discuss a work restriction with you – sometimes you have to stay on the bench for an inning to play the rest of the game.

Communication

Maintain open communication with your healthcare team. If you experience new symptoms or changes in your condition, inform us promptly. We can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Stay Informed

Educate yourself about your injury and treatment options. Understanding your condition and treatment goals can empower you to actively participate in your recovery.

Emotional Support

Car accidents can be traumatic, and emotional well-being is a crucial aspect of recovery. Seek emotional support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed. Dr. Sibilla will be empathic, responsive and can assist you with finding strategies that work for you.

Cover all the Bases

Car accidents knock you off your daily routine. Suddenly you cannot go to work, your car is in some sort of tow yard, you are being asked to give recorded statements on the phone like you did something wrong, and your body hurts. We’ve been treating car accident injuries (and work injuries, by the way) for over 25 years. We can relate to what you are going to and know how to support you. We can help you with the right questions to ask.

Legal Considerations

Car accidents are “Medical-Legal”.  If the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. They can help you navigate legal matters, including insurance claims and compensation for medical expenses. While Doctor Sibilla can answer certain questions, these matters are best answered by an experienced legal counse, so he will help you get those answersl. Claims representatives at insurance companies have their own agendas and should probably not be considered legal advisors. Lawyers are as variable as doctors – not all of them will fit your style. If you have any questions, just ask. Tell us up front if you think you have insurance problems or need special attention.  Remember also, if your accident was your fault or ended up being considered the “At-Fault Driver”, you are still entitled to the same level of care.

Patience and Persistence

Recovery can take time, and there may be setbacks along the way. Be patient with yourself and stay committed to your treatment plan. Doctor Sibilla is attentive at Blue Heron Chiropractic and will assist with your motivation.

Ask Questions, Make Notes

Doctor Sibilla considers getting answers to questions you have as a very important part of your treatment. It’s no problem to repeat instructions, and we will give you handouts to keep track of exercises and your plan. Don’t hesitate to ask a lot of questions. Make notes about what we are saying; you can refer to them at home. It’s easy to forget about all the great ideas we lay out when there is so much exciting chiropractic work going on. And we do lay out some great ideas, and typically give you printouts.

Remember that every car accident injury is unique, and treatment plans will vary. Consult with Doctor Sibilla for personalized guidance on the best approach to your recovery.

Is Blue Heron Chiropractic masking for the COVID Pandemic at this time?

Covid-19 is still causing a lot of people to get sick, have to stay out of work, isolate from their families, avoid immune-compromised relatives. You are going to miss some fun some precautions aren’t considerd. The Doctor is going to mask for your session, while your mask is definitely optional.  Our Staff is always vaccinated and boosted, so even if we get this, we won’t be gone long and will get back to caring for you. We remain protective for folks who are immune compromised, have “Long Covid”, or need special considerations. A patient can wear their own mask at any time – and If you would like a mask and don’t have one, we can provide it – but again, masking is optional.  If you have flu-like symptoms, are sneezing or coughing or blowing, we may provide you with a mask, so we can continue to serve you better; feel free to mention this to us when you call in to confirm your appointment.  You can access Chiropractic safely and securely at Blue Heron Chiropractic & Healing Arts Center, with Dr. Dana Sibilla, DC DABCO FIANM.

Want some more chiropractic reading? Try our prior blog on a Frozen Shoulder and Menopause case.