auto

If you have been involved in an auto accident, you have a lot of things to think about and there are some things you absolutely need to know.

Did you know one of the most stressful aspects of living in modern life is dealing with the problems that arise after an auto accident?

Were you also aware that most auto accident injuries are hidden and seldom detected for months or even years?

Worse than that, most auto accident victims are unaware of the damaging effects of hidden injuries so they release the insurance company from liability by settling before getting checked for hidden injuries.

That’s a gigantic mistake!

Why? Because a lot of auto accident victims may not receive the care that they need. Initially, symptoms may seem relatively mild, consult their medical doctor and may only receive medication for pain relief. Then while the underlying damage and pain is hidden or covered up, they settle their case.

This is a big mistake. Don’t let this happen to you!!!

Because if you do, you may experience pain, numbness, headaches, muscle stiffness, fatigue, and other problems including arthritis many months down the road.

Remember, nothing is more important than your health when you start to lose it.

Are You Really All Right?

Not only are auto accidents an inconvenience and a hassle, you may have noticed that ever since the accident, you may not have been feeling your normal self. You may be experiencing obvious pains and symptoms like muscle stiffness or spasm, neck pain, headaches, numbness and tingling, back pain, difficulty sleeping, irritability, memory loss, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and many other difficulties.

Or Worse Than That, You May Be Injured And Feel Nothing At All.

Either way, did you know that auto accidents can and frequently cause post traumatic osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis can ruin your posture (giving you a slumped or hump back appearance). Osteoarthritis can cause the discs in your spine to degenerate and create scar tissue formation leading to chronic stiffness and the inability to move properly. When this happens, simple tasks like turning your neck become painful and almost impossible.

As a matter of fact…

Many Doctors Are Not Trained In The Detection Of These Hidden Injuries…And That’s A Fact!

How are these hidden injuries detected?

If you have been in an auto accident, you need a doctor that is trained in the biomechanics of the human body. That means that he or she can perform special orthopedic and neurological tests as well as other functional tests that can assess soft tissue damage, muscle strength, range of motion, and joint and nerve function. A computerized Dynamic Surface EMG can actually measure the electrical activity of the spinal muscles and help determine if an injury has occurred.

In addition, special x-rays can be taken to find out if there has been any structural damage.

My name is Dr. David R. Atkinson, I have been treating auto accident victims for over 20 years, at my location in St. Louis Park. My office is Boulevard Chiropractic Clinic and is conveniently located at 7200 Minnetonka Boulevard between Highways 100 and 169 at the corner of Louisiana Avenue and Minnetonka Boulevard.

I have treated literally hundreds and hundreds of auto accident victims just like you. I am trained in the diagnosis and treatment of auto accident patients.

I have the friendliest staff you will ever meet and we are all trained in handling the sometimes confusing paperwork that needs to be filled out to help make sure that your rights are protected and your injuries are properly documented.

If you have been in an auto accident recently, there are some important decisions you have to make and if I were you, I’d make these decisions very carefully.

Q: What If My Car Sustained Only Minor Damage?
A: Documented studies done by Charles Carroll, M.D., Paul McAtee, M.D. and Lee Riley, M.D. revealed that:
"The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relation to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants."
In other words, the damage to the passengers is not necessarily directly related to the damage to the vehicle.

Q: If I Need Treatment For This Injury, Do I Have To Pay For It Myself?
A: No, only in very rare circumstances does the patient pay for their care. Minnesota is a "no fault" state, which means that no matter who was at fault in the accident, you are still entitled to benefits under your car insurance policy.

Most car insurance policies have what is called "med pay." This means that your medical bills will be paid at 100% up to a certain limit. My office manager can assist you in obtaining this information.

Q: The Insurance Company Has Been Calling Me And Wants to settle. What Should I Do?
A: Please, for your own good, do not sign or settle until you have had us evaluate your injury for you. If you settle before your injury is fully resolved, you may be completely on your own. If, after you have been examined, the insurance carrier has questions about your injury, I will reveal to them the results of the examination and furnish them any necessary reports. It may be wise to consult an attorney to help determine your rights before you sign any settlement papers with the insurance company. If you don't know of an attorney, I can assist you in finding and consulting with an attorney who deals with personal injury cases at no charge to you.

Q: I’ve Been To The Hospital And My Medical Doctor, Do I Really Need to See Dr. Atkinson?
A: You need a doctor that specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of auto accident injuries. Many times hospitals may only check vital signs, do a brief evaluation and release the patient with pain medication. They may not be thoroughly trained to detect underlying improper musculoskeletal biomechanics (such as a vertebral subluxation) that can often lead to future pain.
If your M.D. has given you medication, you must understand that many pills generally cannot and do not correct structural or soft tissue damage. There are special therapies designed for that, and we offer these treatments at our office.

Q: Does Your Care Hurt?
A: Absolutely not. The care is very gentle and quite soothing. Most patients can hardly wait to get their care.

Q: Is The Care Safe?
A: Yes, extremely. Particularly when compared to the side effects from all medication.

Q: What Services Do You Provide That Are Covered By My Insurance Company?
A: Besides the different types of treatment provided, such as spinal adjustments and physiotherapy modalities, we have a Certified Massage Therapist on staff which your insurance will also pay for. You can also be referred for a Health Club Membership which is also covered by your insurance company. Other services that are covered by your insurance company include mileage to and from the doctors office, reimbursement for time off work, and housecleaning & maintenance services.

Should you have additional questions, we can refer you to an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases to answer your other questions at no charge to you.