CASTLE ROCK, Colo., Feb. 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Steiner Chiropractic, PC is reaching out to car accident victims about the importance of prompt diagnostic care. Thanks to the proliferation of smartphones, the chiropractic center says that distracted driving is causing an increase in minor car accidents. Unfortunately, Castle Rock chiropractor Dr. Chris Steiner says that many fender bender victims mistakenly believe that accidents at slow speeds cannot cause serious injuries. In reality, Dr. Steiner says that whiplash injuries can occur at speeds as slow as 5mph. Prompt diagnostic care is important after a fender bender for determining the extent of internal injuries and preventing chronic pain.
In order to avoid chronic pain, car accident victims should receive an immediate diagnostic evaluation, says Castle Rock chiropractor Dr. Chris Steiner. The chiropractor says that many people involved in car accidents delay treatment, mistakenly believing that the lack of external injuries means they are healthy. In reality, that's not the case.
"We have patients coming to us three or six months after an auto accident," said Dr. Steiner. "They're complaining of chronic neck pain, migraines and headaches. Much of this pain could have been avoided had they received chiropractic care after the injury."
Dr. Steiner says the lack of visible injuries following car accidents can lull victims into a false sense of well-being. "Musculoskeletal injuries are just as serious as a broken bone," said Dr. Steiner. "Mass times velocity equals force. So a 4,000 lb. car moving at 5mph creates 20,000 lbs. of force on a patient, which can be truly detrimental."
Dr. Steiner provides chiropractic care to help restore proper alignment to the spine. These treatments are effective for relieving both neck and back pain. Depending on the type of injury, Dr. Steiner may also recommend corrective exercises to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the injury. These exercises can restore movement to stiff shoulder or neck muscles following injury. Stronger core muscles also help protect the spine from future injury.
According to Dr. Steiner, his chiropractic center has seen an increase in the number of whiplash injury patients suffering from chronic headache and neck pain. Many of these patients were victims of a minor fender bender and failed to seek immediate treatment. Dr. Steiner blames distracted driving for the increase in fender bender accidents, and is urging drivers to exercise caution on the road.
"Distracted driving is a serious danger on the road today," said Dr. Steiner. "Drivers have a misplaced confidence in their ability to multi-task. Sending or receiving a text message can take a driver's eyes off the road for 5 seconds. That may not seem like long, but it's enough time to rear end the car in front of you."
Car accident injury victims may learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care by visiting http://www.steinerchiropracticpc.com.