Holiday Season Planning To Avoid Accidents
With the holidays quickly approaching, the street is becoming crowded with last minute holiday shoppers. Living in a fast paced metro like Dallas-Fort Worth with fast paced commuters can become overwhelming. Here are some tips from us at Accident Centers of Texas to take control this winter season and avoid accidents.
Preparing for the drive for you and your family
Now that the season has changed and the weather has started to get colder, you will want to give the road plenty of caution and care to safely get where you are going. Here are some tips to ensure that you can properly prepare you and your family on the road this holiday season:
- Turn on any traction control on the vehicle and adjust your speed accordingly. Remember, the roads will become harder to drive on if it has been sleeting or raining. Be aware of black ice, you may not see the ice and rain will make any oil on the road slick. According to TxDot there were 130,856 auto accidents in 2016 due to weather related conditions.
- Check your headlights. Make sure the roads are visible in the dark, clean the headlight covers along with the brake lights, signal lights, bright lights, and any backup lights. The best way to do this is to remove the lamp covers. There are several at home hacks that can be used or products from any store that sales automotive parts.
- Ensure that your tires are still in good condition. Don’t forget to check air pressure and you can always do the penny test for tread!
- Maintain a safe distance behind any vehicle. Stay at least 2 car lengths behind the vehicle in front of you. Cautiously check your mirrors and place any mobile distractions on hold until you get to your next destination.
- Replace windshield wipers and top off windshield wiper fluid, make sure to leave in enough time to heat your vehicle as well as giving enough time to melt any ice or frost off your windshields.
- Prepare an on the road emergency kit. Include things such as water, blankets, and heat packs for any off road unplanned event.
Stay cautious on the road
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were no deathless days on the road in 2016. Be sure to take the proper precautions and keep aware of drivers around you.
- According to TxDot there were 21,317 injury related crashes that could be caused by weather conditions. Keep off the road as much as possible when it has been sleeting, snowing, raining, or poor weather.
- As the sun moves closer to the horizon, it becomes blinding to drivers during rush hour. Always keep sunglasses handy and never look directly into the lights of oncoming traffic at night. As a driver ages, glare, distance, and lighting may become less clear and bothersome. At 60 years of age or older, a person will even begin to judge speed less clearly. And a 50 year old will need twice as much lighting as a 30 year old.
- Child safety can be the hardest and most timely to maintain, as we would like to bundle up our children during the colder months, remember that a harness on a car seat can be impeded by overly thick coats and blankets. Make sure to use thinner materials in a car seat. You can use blankets, mittens, hats and booties to ensure that all children will be able to keep warm in the car. But a child restraint system may fail during an accident if the child is able to slip out due to overly thick jackets or snow gear.
Wishing the best for your family this holiday season
This season should be filled with joy, thanks, and family cheer. Make sure to keep safe this holiday season and prepare for the weather during the colder months. Start the new year right and keep your shopping rush to a minimum. Be aware of your surroundings and keep in mind that more time is needed to get from point A to point B during the month of December.
We would like to wish you and your family a happy holiday, keep in mind to call us even when your trying to stay prepared and in top notch health if the cold is keeping your movement limited. We are here to help and want you to enjoy this winter season, so if you are involved in a car wreck and sustain an auto injury be sure to contact Accident Centers of Texas right away. Our team of chiropractors in Dallas-Fort Worth aren’t just qualified, they care!
BY: rosat
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Whiplash and Chiropractic Therapy
Whiplash can be diagnosed, treated and cared for within the scope of a Chiropractor in Dallas-Fort Worth without the use of surgery or medication.
Whiplash is a traumatic injury in the neck due to a “whip-like” motion of the spinal column in the neck area, lots of times resulting from auto accidents. This can cause restricted movement in the neck due to acute or a prolong muscle strain around the neck.
Diagnosis of a Whiplash Injury
A chiropractor will start with a full evaluation of the spine. Pain may subside only in the neck area but other areas of the spine may be affected as well. During the evaluation, your chiropractor will typically order an MRI to show if there has been any intervertebral disc injury. They will also check for restricted motion of the joints, any ligament injuries as well as visible muscle spasms. The chiropractor would use a very simple static diagnostic technique involving touch to feel for tight and tender muscles. They will also perform a physical movement test to evaluate the spine and joint ease of motion and if there are visible or verbal signs from the patient of pain. Once all of this has been done your Dallas chiropractor will establish a treatment plan for both physical and neurological issues they have found.
Whiplash Treatment
Once a diagnostic treatment plan has been created there are a copious amount of therapy techniques that a chiropractic clinic may use that are both noninvasive and homeopathic. There would be techniques such as manipulation and stretching as well as therapeutic massages. The chiropractor may also suggest at-home self-therapy such as heat or ice, creams, sprays, spinal support or stretching. During the first several days of acute whiplash therapy, it is suggested to use ice to minimize the swelling or inflammation of the muscles. Once pain has started to decrease and swelling has dissipated heat can be used to bring relief to the muscles and joints surrounding the spine.
The treatment options will depend on the severity and length of time of the sustained whiplash injury. During the plan’s time frame for healing, the most common version of treatment will be manual therapy or manipulation of the spine. Common manual therapy techniques used are:
• flexion-distraction technique: A slow pumping technique that is used to be gentle and non-thrusting.
• instrument-assisted manipulation: A gentle form of manual therapy that uses a handheld tool.
• specific spinal manipulation: Manipulation using a gentle thrusting motion while the chiropractor identifies joints that show abnormal motion or restricted movement. This type of manipulation will stretch soft tissue around the joints.
Other forms of therapy used during a visit with the chiropractor are:
• ultrasound
• trigger point therapy
• therapeutic massage
• instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy
• manual joint stretching and resistance training
• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Contact Accident Centers of Texas After Whiplash
At Accident Centers of Texas a local chiropractor will examine your entire spine, performance of the body, as well as reexamine after each visit for therapy, to review improvement and to ensure each patient receives the best outcome. They will examine each patient individually to give the best form of therapy, not all patients are treated identically.
Within 6 weeks time most patients will see improvement of at least 30% to 90% in function and daily activity. Most acute whiplash can dissipate within several months with manual manipulation. Using these techniques, a chiropractor can be the best and least invasive form of therapy. So if you’re suffering from whiplash due to an auto accident or other type of injury, contact Accident Centers of Texas today!
BY: rosat
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7 Reasons to Choose Chiropractic Care After an Auto Accident
The “Aftershock” of an Auto Accident
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, every minute and fifty-seven seconds there is an auto accident reported in the state of Texas. Every two minutes someone is injured in a reported crash. In 2016, approximately 265,076 people were injured in an auto accident. When you are in an auto accident, the best way to protect yourself is to immediately seek medical attention. Do not wait until the shock has subsided and pain has become intolerable. There are many ways a Dallas chiropractor can help if you decide to seek medical attention immediately.
Chiropractors Are Affordable
Typically a chiropractic visit is covered under health or auto insurance. During an auto accident claim, most car insurances will pay for the expenses of the medical treatment sought. There is also something called PIP (personal injury protection) that may be offered and often times given to you by your own auto insurance. Regardless of who is at fault PIP will cover the injured person. Often times the chiropractor can also refer you to an attorney and give you more information on treatment costs and best coverage for your treatment plan.
Whiplash and Acute Injuries
Most commonly, injuries sustained from an auto accident are so minor that they are overlooked. Before you experience the after effects of whiplash, immediately go to an auto injury chiropractor. Most injuries during an auto accident can be very painful the day after even if you felt fine after the accident. When seeing a chiropractor immediately, they can help reduce any swelling or inflammation by spinal manipulation.
Neck and Back Injuries
Most people experiencing pain after a car accident have a spinal injury. Most injuries that’s occur will be considered facet injuries. Adjustments from a local chiropractor can help release anti-inflammatory substances that help the body heal faster. These adjustments will also help keep your spinal functions normal.
Auto Injury Pain Relief
Sometimes after the shock has worn off, you will start to feel pain and much more intensely after the first couple of days. These affected vertebrae, muscles, or tissue will react to other impacts of force or even weather change before you realize you were injured in a car accident. Chiropractic care can help reduce pain by keeping your body active. When tension is released from the spine it has been proven that you are able to heal and recover faster. Those who are able to keep mobile and active are more likely to have a faster healing time and less likely to endure long-term issues.
Muscle Relief
Chiropractic care can help reduce and prevent a patient Fromm needing surgery. A publishing from the Journal of American Medical Association stated that patients whom suffer from back pain should try chiropractic care prior to surgery attempts. A chiropractic adjustment will realign the spine and reduce pressure on certain nerves providing a relief in all muscles and organs connected to these nerves.
The Proof in Care
In a recent study conducted by NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 53 percent of drug-free patients reported a 75 percent reduction of pain. Whereas, only an average of 33 percent of the patients who received medication to help with pain only saw a 38 percent decrease in pain. Through chiropractic care, patients are able to reach their health goals by a holistic approach to self healing. The nervous system essentially controls all of the cells and tissue in the body. An adjustment can reduce the stress a patient will put on their body and immune system. Chiropractic adjustments and care can address all issues in the body and enhance a patients’ ability to facilitate the inner healing process.
The bottom line is if you’ve been injured in a car wreck, don’t hesitate to contact Accident Centers of Texas . We’re based in Dallas with 8 clinics across Dallas-Fort Worth and even have a ride service if you need assistance making to your appointment. At Accident Centers of Texas we’re not just qualified, we care.
BY: rosat
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Safe Driving During the Holiday Season
Drive Safely During The Holidays
Now that the season has changed and time has fallen back, keep in mind that around this time of year auto accidents increase by 30%. Now that time has changed, it is typically darker around rush hour. While driving in the summer and spring months are typically easier to see hazards, most commuters may find it hard to adjust during the winter season due to less lighting and poor weather conditions. Here are some tips to stay safe during this holiday season. While we are your local auto injury chiropractor in Dallas-Fort Worth, we would prefer that you stay safe during your travels.
Preparing for the drive
Now that time has changed, you will want to give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going. Also, don’t forget to make sure your car is ready to be driven:
- Make sure your headlights are visible in the dark, clean them along with the brake lights, signal lights, bright lights, and any backup lights. The best way to do this is to remove the lamp covers and use a headlight cleaner that can be purchased at an automotive store or Walmart. Toothpaste can work as well!
- Ensure that the traction on your tires is still in good condition. Don’t forget to check air pressure and you can always do the penny test for tread!
- Turn on any traction control on the vehicle and adjust your speed accordingly. Remember the roads will become harder to drive on if it has been sleeting or raining, you may not see the ice and rain will make any oil on the road slick.
- Maintain a safe distance behind any vehicle. Stay at least 3 car lengths behind the vehicle in front of you.
- Replace windshield wipers and top off windshield wiper fluid.
- Ensure that your emergency kit has water, blankets, and heat packs for any off road emergency.
On the road
According to the National Safety Council, 25% of all driving is done at night, however, 50% of traffic deaths happen during night hours.
- As a driver ages, glare, distance, and lighting may become less clear and bothersome. At 60 years of age or older, a person will even begin to judge speed less clearly. And a 50 year old will need twice as much lighting as a 30 year old.
- In November, deer are at the peak of their mating season. This means that traffic accidents are more likely to occur in rural areas where the deer and feral animal count increases. PETA has stated that 1 out of 100 drivers will hit a deer during a driver’s life. During the fall and winter seasons you are 3.5 times more likely to hit an animal, according to IIHS.
- As the sun moves closer to the horizon, it becomes blinding to drivers during rush hour. Always keep sunglasses handy and never look directly into the lights of oncoming traffic at night.
- Child safety is also important, as we would like to bundle up the babies during the cooler months, remember that a harness on a car seat can be impeded by overly thick coats and blankets. Make sure to use thinner materials in a car seat. You can use blankets, mittens, hats and booties to ensure that all children will be able to keep warm in the car. But a child restraint system may fail during an accident if the child is able to slip out due to overly thick jackets or snow gear.
- Teen driving is also important during this time, remember to limit a teens driving during the winter season to ensure that teens are kept safe during the holidays. Every year, 6 teens between the ages of 16-19 die in driving accidents daily.
This season should be filled with joy, thanks, and family cheer. Make sure to keep safe this holiday season and prepare for the weather and lighting changes that have and will occur. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep all emergency preparedness up to date. If you do unfortunately find yourself in an auto accident contact Accident Centers of Texas of Dallas-Fort Worth for a free consultation today. Don’t just assume you are fine. Let our qualified and caring chiropractors assess you to help ensure no long term problems arise.
BY: rosat
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How Spinal Decompression Can Help After An Injury
What Is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression by your auto injury chiropractor involves stretching the spine using a device that will relieve back, neck, or leg pain. Decompression devices used by your Dallas chiropractor use a nonsurgical method to stretch one or several problems that may have occurred for patients, including but not limited to bulging discs, herniated discs, pinched nerve, or degenerating discs.
Why Would Someone Need Spinal Decompression?
When an injury occurs the nerve root pain is referred to as a herniated disc and a pinched nerve is called sciatica. These are very common issues that occur with spinal injuries. They more times than not will cause little to no pain upon injury. It isn’t until later that these areas can be injured again causing a pain that may radiate to other parts of the body, which is why you should always call your auto injury chiropractor after a car wreck. Legs and neck are very common reactors to the nerve root and pinching pains. However, unlike the other symptoms a degenerative disc can cause a weakness or radiating numbness through the spine. With the right healing time and treatment from their Dallas chiropractor, someone with degenerative disc disease will actually get bet better over time, not worse as most people may think.
Who Can Administer Spinal Decompression?
Accident Centers of Texas Is Here For You
BY: rosat
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