Do I need to get an MRI after my car accident?
Auto accidents can cause many different types of injuries, such as whiplash, herniations or bulging discs. These injuries are related to the spinal cord, spinal column, and muscles of the body. The spinal column supports the entire body and allows you to be able to move freely without pain. The spinal cord, which is inside the spinal column, provides a passageway for the nerves. This enables you to send important messages from the brain to all the muscles in your body thru nerves that come off the spinal cord. The muscles then communicate back to the brain. This communication lets you move, perform your daily tasks, and perform functions you don’t even think about (ex. Digestion, breathing etc.) You have discs(shock absorbers) between each bone that makes up your spinal column. Your spinal discs are made up of a soft inner core and a strong outer wall. When injured, this inner core can push out and the strong outer wall can get tears in it causing compression of the nerves. This is called a herniated disc or a bulging disc, which can come from the impact of a car accident. This results in less padding between the joints which will cause pain and discomfort. An MRI reveals the damage of your discs’ soft inner core and if any tearing is present even if it is microscopic. When you have a herniation or bulging disc, it compresses the surrounding nerves that come off the spinal cord and can cause an array of symptoms. You may experience pain, weakness or numbness and tingling into the arms and legs. An MRI is used to diagnose nerve and musculoskeletal damage from your auto accident. MRI studies also reveal any soft tissue damage or “Whiplash” to the muscles that you may have sustained from your accident.
Dr. Ressler, your Oviedo chiropractor uses neurological, orthopedic, and musculoskeletal tests to assess the cause of your pain. This allows him to determine if you will need an MRI study. Once Dr. Ressler, Oviedo chiropractor has received your results, he will know what specific injuries you have sustained. This allows him to develop a specialized treatment plan that will give you optimal results.
Dr. Ressler, Oviedo chiropractor uses a special adjusting instrument called an "activator". The activator is a spring-loaded device that sends a gentle force into the joint and moves it back into position. The activator method is low force, precise and does not involve cracking or twisting of the neck or low back. He can also use the activator to treat injuries such as wrists, shoulders, knees, and ankles. There are no side-effects associated with the activator technique. This makes the activator method more comfortable and effective for patients who are experiencing severe pain from auto accident injuries. Keep in mind that symptoms may not present for two or three weeks after your accident. Remember: you only have 14 days from your accident to receive an examination or you will lose all your auto insurance medical benefits. It is important to call 407-977-5005 and schedule your examination with Dr. Ressler right away. He has 20 years of experience treating patients who have been injured from a car accident.
Want more information on whether you will need an MRI? Click the link below!
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/when-do-i-need-an-mri#1
Looking for treatment from car accident injuries? Oviedo Injury and Wellness Center has same day late appointments and flexible hours so you can get the care you need. Don’t hesitate to call 407-977-5005 and get relief from your auto accident injuries today!