Car Accident Chiropractor in Portland, Maine – WHIPLASH! HEADACHES!

After the car accident, things can get ugly.

Most people will be in a car accident at some point in their lives. They happen fast, and if you are unlucky, in the wake of the impact, your body can feel like you were hit by a train. It is very common for symptoms to get worse before they get better, and sometimes symptoms are delayed.

Chances are, you will have your damaged car looked at by a professional. You should do the same for your body. Even fender benders can cause whiplash, concussions (with or without head impact) and a host of other symptoms.

What should you have checked on your body after a car accident?

Your provider should check your neck for muscle, joint and nerve damage. They should check your head for signs of concussion, abnormal neurological changes, and for headache potential.  Your arms, shoulders and upper back and spine should be checked for injury to the nerves, joints, and muscles from the impact. Gripping the steering wheel in a car accident often leads to hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and upper back injury. Your low back and pelvis, as well as your legs, should all be checked.  Broken bones and structural damage may be the least of your issues, so have your nervous system checked thoroughly. Your brain, spinal cord, and nerves control every aspect of your feeling and function. If damaged, those nerves can lead to real problems down the road. Fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndromes throughout the body are surprisingly common. Chronic pain is pain that lasts a long time, and nobody wants that.

WARNING: The video below contains footage of Victor’s accident. The impact recorded by an oncoming vehicle with a dash-cam may be upsetting to some. The video is a true story with an actual patient.

Should I get a lawyer?

We always recommend finding a lawyer. Because of the often delayed nature of car accident related injuries, you may not feel your worst until after the case has been settled. An excellent attorney will fight hard for you, and will successfully get compensation for future care should it be needed. We have recommended law offices and attorneys should you have questions. We have worked with dozens of personal injury attorneys and firms in Maine. They are NOT always all they appear to be. Attorneys who are quick to “settle” your case to avoid a fight for you, are to generally be avoided.

Research shows that the sooner you seek care, the better off you’ll be.

There is plenty of evidence showing that the sooner you get to work on your injuries with a specialist, the sooner you will feel better, function normally, and the risk of longterm problems will go down. Imagine feeling as bad as you feel now, forever. If that is unacceptable to you, seek advice and help immediately.

What symptoms should concern me after a car accident?

Neck pain

Headache pain

Memory loss, fuzziness, or forgetfulness

Nerve pain

Low back pain

Wrist pain, arm pain, and shoulder pain

Pelvis pain

Inability to smell or taste

Weakness in body or limbs

Numbness or tingling anywhere in your body

Swelling and stiffness  in the neck and spine

What should I do if I’m experiencing any of these symptoms?

Call a specialist in car accident injuries. Chiropractors who see lots of car accident patients will provide you with a comprehensive examination, testing and strategic plan of action to get you back to your pre-accident status. Chiropractors specialize in finding problems with your physical structure that lead to nerve problems and pain. Symptoms like pain, weakness, concussion symptoms, numbness, tingling, whiplash are all issues that chiropractors deal with from various causes, on a regular basis.

Dr. Lou Jacobs (“Dr. Lou”), has been a chiropractor and acupuncturist in Portland, Maine for nearly 20 years. Dr. Lou is a native of Farmington, Maine, but has lived in Beijing, China, Kansas City, Boston, Chicago, and on occasion, in Bucharest, Romania. He has cared for hundreds of car accident victims, all while working closely with very satisfied lawyers. Dr. Lou is not afraid of depositions, going to court, or fighting for your best interest.