Auto Accident Chiropractic in Tampa
In the early 2000s, Dr. Lichter was a research assistant at the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. They conducted research on low speed rear impact collisions, including crash mechanics and how injuries are created. The Institute found that even at speeds of 6-12 mph, the impact to the spine was astonishing. A car may have little damage, but people can still sustain ligament damage, disc injuries, and nerve root injuries.
That’s why we encourage people to consult a chiropractor as soon as possible after an accident.
Nervous System Specialists
Your nervous system controls every function of your body, and nerves control muscles, organs, glands and blood vessels. Nerves give the ability to feel sensations such as pain, tingling or numbness. We’re not only checking whether a person has a fracture or dislocation, a sprain or strain, but also looking for misalignments in the spine, and whether the discs have been injured.
In car accidents, we often observe a herniated or protruded disc. Only 1-2% of people with disc herniations end up in surgery.
Most can be rehabbed through chiropractic care, exercise rehab, spinal decompression and home exercise.
What to Expect
Before any chiropractic care, physical therapy or massage is provided. We will have you fill out a complete health history, followed by an assessment. We want to find out the following:
- The reason you’re here
- Your background, including any prior accidents
- Any health conditions you have
- Any medications you’re taking
Then, our doctors will put you through a complete orthopedic, neurological, and spinal exam, and have images taken if necessary. These may include x-ray, MRI, CT scan, or nerve conduction studies to rule out other conditions like pathologies, tumors and fractures.
Based on all the information we gathered, our doctors will determine whether we can help you. If we can help you, we will craft a treatment plan that includes goals and frequent reassessments.
We’ll deliver a certain amount of care and re-assess your progress regularly. If improvement is not as expected, we will consider what can be done differently. Can we refer out for other tests or change our course of action? Should we utilize different modalities? Or should we refer you to other doctors?
Dr. Lichter and Associates is limited to certain types of conditions. Our doctors focus on soft tissue, which includes muscles, ligaments, joints, joint capsules, discs and nerve roots. Those are the structures that are frequently the source of pain in whiplash-type traumas. We don’t treat broken bones at the practice. When we have issues that require the services of a surgeon or orthopedist, our chiropractors will refer out to trusted specialists.
In addition to our doctors’ decades of experience, they also possess honesty and integrity, something in short supply these days. We will not accept you as a patient if we believe we cannot help you. Our doctors know their limits and when it’s time to make a referral.
If the treatment plan isn’t working, we’ll stop and try to determine if there is an appropriate Plan B. We’ll always ensure you get the care you need.
Book an Appointment
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, we want to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our doctors.
