Auto Accident Care in Portland OR

Have you been in a car accident in Portland OR? It’s important to see a chiropractor quickly after an accident.  Some injuries you sustain in a car accident – such as broken bones or bruises, cuts, and contusions – will be immediately obvious. Others are harder to detect, but have symptoms that will develop either immediately after the crash or in the days following. Whether you were the driver, passenger, pedestrian, on a bike or scooter, your care is important and crucial to how you heal and should be evaluated as soon as possible after an accident.

Auto Accident Chiropractor in Portland OR

Dr. Helton has had over 44 years’ specialized experience treating patients of all ages for injuries related to car accidents. As a member of a select group of chiropractic doctors expertly trained and certified to recognize and diagnose cervical ligament injuries, concussions, and vertebral fractures. His Advanced Certification in Whiplash and Brain Injury Traumatology helps him spot hidden and time-sensitive injuries to the brain, spine, bones, joints, tendons, and soft tissues that other doctors might miss and that patients might ignore – until they get worse. Dr. Helton provides detailed evaluations, in-depth analysis, thorough reporting, and explanation of your specific conditions and commonly missed injuries that occur in auto accidents.

Commonly Missed Injuries Sustained in Auto Accidents

People go through a variety of emotions immediately after an accident. Many are often shocked and dazed; so, they might not notice right away exactly how they’re feeling physically. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:

• Back and Neck Pain: Spinal injuries can have lifelong impacts on mobility and daily living, so it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately if you’re experiencing any back or neck pain.
• Pain or Stiffness in the Neck and Shoulders: Associated with sprains, strains, whiplash, and herniated discs, neck and shoulder pain can take hours or days to develop after an accident.
• Headaches, Nausea, Increased Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Headaches are common, but if they’re accompanied by nausea or flu-like symptoms, they can indicate the presence of a concussion, cranial nerve dysfunction, or other traumatic brain injury.
• Tingling and Numbness: Numbness or a “pins and needles” feeling in your extremities can be evidence of irritated nerves, herniated or bulging discs, or other injuries to the spinal cord or nervous system.
• Memory Loss, Lack of Concentration, and Problems With Balance: These symptoms can be evidence of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury.
• Fatigue or Excessive Sleepiness: These can indicate the presence of a concussion and are sometimes associated with psychological conditions that can develop after an accident, such as depression and anxiety.
• Abdominal Pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, or Other Gastrointestinal Complaints: Many times in an accident, the same seat belts that save lives can also cause trauma or injury when pressure and constriction from an accident occur.
• Problems With Speaking, Breathing, or Pain With Coughing or Laughing: Could be a sign of injury or trauma to the ribcage or lungs.