As the number of auto accidents increase, so does the number of patients seen by Clarksvillle chiropractic office, Ollis Chiropractic. Yet many of these patients wait to come in after it is too late.

Upon initial examination, there are no immediate causes for the pain patients experience in their back and neck. However, upon questioning, chiropractors such as Dr. Phil Ollis, a doctor at Ollis Chiropractic, find that many people were in a recent auto accident.

While severe auto accident victims oftentimes receive immediate medical attention, auto accidents that happen at lower speeds can leave victims feeling fine, thus decreasing their request for additional attention. According to experts, this is when the most damage occurs.

Minor rear-end collisions can lead to delayed aches and pains. Patients are sometimes confused by the case of the pain. After further examination, Dr. Ollis says that he has found many patients with delayed onset symptoms due to low velocity car accidents.

Dr. Ollis has also seen patients who did seek immediate medical treatment and still fall victim to the same symptoms. When a patient has been seen at the hospital following an accident, they are usually sent home in a neck brace or with prescription grade pain killers. Pain killers can easily mask the pain and delay patients’ eagerness to seek treatment for long-term damage.

However, with the help of a chiropractor, patients can receive instructions on stretches and exercises to do to prevent future pain.

With car accidents, timing is everything.  Dr. Ollis says seeking immediate treatment can prevent longer term damage to joints and muscles. Patients are encouraged to be evaluated by a professional, regardless of how minor the accident may seem at the time.