Dr. Troy Dreiling: Summer Travel, Population Growth Increasing Risk of Auto Accidents and Injuries in Hollywood

It’s widely understood among Southern Californians that having to endure the frequent delays caused by high-volume traffic is a relatively small price to pay in exchange for the vast array of benefits associated with living in the area. Unfortunately, the high volume of traffic in Hollywood and the rest of the region has also increased the likelihood that Southern Californians will, at some point in time, be involved in some kind of automobile accident resulting in physical injuries of varying severity, some of which might involve the delayed onset of pain or discomfort.

An influx of summertime visitors has only added to the issues created by a Los Angeles County population that has already eclipsed 10 million residents due to recent surges in population growth, further increasing the likelihood that Southern Californians will experience pain or discomfort stemming from involvement in an automobile accident. Although it is more than obvious that it is simply best to do everything within one’s power to avoid an automobile accident in the first place, there is certainly a benefit to developing an understanding of the methods available for addressing any physical issues that arise in the aftermath of a car accident.

Among experts, it is a well-established fact that far too many people are unsure of the treatment options available for alleviating the pain or discomfort caused by an automobile accident. In the case of whiplash, perhaps the most common injury experienced by those involved in a car collision, the delay in the onset of symptoms creates some confusion as to the actual cause of the pain -- but just because the timing of the symptoms does not coincide with the timing of the accident does not negate the cause-and-effect relationship existing between the two.

So what exactly causes this delay in the onset of symptoms, and, perhaps most importantly, what can those experiencing these type of symptoms do to alleviate the pain and discomfort?

According to Vancouver, Washington chiropractor Dr. Troy Dreiling, the delayed onset of whiplash symptoms is due to the fact that the capillaries and soft tissues damaged during the accident begin to bleed and swell over a period lasting anywhere from two to three days. As these tissues continue to swell, the pain only becomes more intense and begins to cause potentially significant discomfort.

Further complicating the matter is the fact that, following an automobile accident, soft tissue damage is rarely, if ever, the principal focus in the administration of emergency care, meaning that patients might not expect to experience any delayed symptoms after undergoing a battery of tests and being discharged with a clean bill of health.

Fortunately, the pain and discomfort caused by the symptoms associated with whiplash can be alleviated through chiropractic care and massage therapy. With the help of chiropractic interventions, individuals experiencing whiplash symptoms can expect to regain their full range of motion after a period of approximately eight to sixteen weeks, depending, of course, on the severity of the injury.

Dealing with the congestion, delays, and increased risk of involvement in an automobile accident is certainly representative of the relatively minor drawbacks associated with life in Southern California, but residents can take solace in the fact that advancements within the medical profession have ensured that the healing and recovery process is far more efficient and effective than ever before.