Auto Injury in Yakima WA

Have you or someone you know been involved in a car accident? Choosing where to receive the most appropriate care following a car accident can be confusing.

At West Valley Chiropractic Centre, we have been handling auto injuries since 1991 and will do our best to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Our goal is to get patients back to pre-injury status as effectively as possible.

“Was my accident serious enough for medical treatment?”

The types of injuries following car accidents varies greatly and depends on a number of things including; the speed of both cars involved in the collision, the size of the cars, condition of the road, the position of the headrests, bracing for impact etc. It is important to remember that the magnitude of the collision doesn’t always determine the severity of the ensuing injury. Even minor accidents have caused severe damage to the spine, nervous, and other bodily systems. One of the most common injuries involved with car accidents is whiplash; a whiplash injury can occur in a collision at 5 mph.

“I felt alright right after the accident, but now I am having pain. Why is this?”

People are often under the misconception that the injuries resulting from an automobile accident are always immediately noticeable or recognized following the incident. However, many musculoskeletal injuries go unnoticed for days or weeks following the accident.

“I was treated at the ER, do I need more care?”

We see many patients that were treated the emergency room directly following their accident. Most of the time, these patients are examined, then prescribed pain medicine and discharged. But what if the pain persists? What if you want to know what is causing the pain and how to correct it? After your consult and exam at our office, we will let you know if your injury is something chiropractic can help, or if another provider is best suited for care.

“When can I make an appointment? Do I need a referral?” 

Our office will do our very best to schedule a same day appointment. In most cases, you do not need a referral for chiropractic care.

“Who will pay for treatment?”

Many auto policies in Washington State have PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage. This coverage can cover all medical costs associated with your treatment. This includes complete chiropractic care as well as therapeutic massage at $0 out-of-pocket cost to the patient.

If you did not carry PIP coverage on your auto policy, but you were not at fault for the accident, your medical expenses may also be covered by a 3rd party insurance claim.  If there is no liable auto policy, private health insurance can be used.

Our staff at West Valley Chiropractic works with all auto companies and can assist in determining what benefits are available.

“What will happen at my first appointment?”

1. Dr. Riomondo will review your medical history and documentation regarding the accident. He will be concentrating on the effects of the accident on your body, so try to recall as much as possible.
2. A thorough examination will be undertaken. Various orthopedic, neurological, and vital examinations will be done to determine the extent of the injuries. Our office is equipped with specialized instruments which may be able to detect underlying injuries that are often missed.
3. An X-ray examination will be performed to skeletal structures of the body to evaluate for any possible damage.
4. Dr. Riomondo will then compile the medical history, findings of the examination, and imaging. From this information, we will devise a specialized treatment plan that is specific to your injuries.

The impact of an automobile accident often damages multiple tissues and structures associated with the spine. This ligamentous, muscular, and osseous damage often creates an uneven pull on the spine. If these are allowed to persist and fail to receive appropriate treatment, a cascade of neurological problems may occur over the many years following the injury. This uneven pull on the spine often limits the normal motion of the back, leading to early signs of degeneration and other disease processes. Dr. Riomondo at West Valley Chiropractic will address all aspects through a combination of therapeutic exercises, soft tissue work, home exercise programs, and careful adjustments of the misaligned bones throughout the body. This multi-faceted approach has been shown to be one of the most effective forms of treatment to attend to all of the various injuries occurring after car accidents.

A final thought

Following any automobile accident, make sure you consult with Dr. Riomondo at West Valley Chiropractic. Having an integrative team working with you can make all the difference in your final treatment outcomes.