Auto Accidents and Work Injuries

Thousands of Americans experience auto accidents and work injuries each year, resulting in musculoskeletal issues and disability. At Northwest Wellness in Federal Way, Washington, the experienced team offers various minimally invasive and nonsurgical treatments for auto accidents and work injuries, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage, cold laser therapy, and acupuncture. Call Northwest Wellness today for an appointment today or schedule online.

What are auto accidents and work injuries?

Auto accidents and work injuries are two of the most common causes of musculoskeletal issues. 

Auto accident injuries

These injuries occur when you crash your car into another vehicle, object, or pedestrian. Common examples of auto accident injuries include broken bones, whiplash, and muscle strains.

Work injuries

These injuries occur when you’re on the job. Anyone can experience a work injury, but certain professional environments are riskier than others. For example, work injuries are more common where hand tools and heavy equipment is present, like on construction sites.

What are some common auto accidents and work injuries?

At Northwest Wellness, the team treats various auto accident and work injuries, including:

• Concussions
• Fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Dislocated joints
• Whiplash
• Stiff or sore muscles
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Back and neck pain

The team treats repetitive strain injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and osteoarthritis.

How are auto accidents and work injuries diagnosed?

Your Northwest Wellness provider reviews your medical records and asks about your injury and symptoms, including what you were doing when it occurred, what the pain feels like, and if it’s worse during certain activities, like when you turn your head. 

Next, your provider completes a physical exam. They check your skin for redness, bruising, or swelling and gently press on it to identify sensitive areas. Then, they assess your muscle strength, reflexes, and range of motion and have you complete a series of easy exercises.

Usually, an exam is enough to make a diagnosis, but the team may also order X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at your bones, joints, or connective tissues.

How are auto accidents and work injuries treated?

The team at Northwest Wellness treats auto accidents and work injuries using noninvasive and integrative treatments. They may recommend:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• The Impulse method of chiropractic care
• The Graston® method of chiropractic care
• The diversified method of chiropractic care
• Physical rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Primary care
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
• Cold laser therapy

The goal is to relieve pain, improve your mobility, and encourage your body’s healing process. 

It may take some trial and error at first to determine the best treatment approach. Be patient, attend each of your appointments, and follow the team’s instructions.

Call Northwest Wellness today to explore the treatments for auto accidents and work injuries, or request an appointment online.

FAQ For On-The-Job Injuries & Workers Compensation

What is Workers Compensation?

Workers’ Compensation is a state insurance program that pays for any care that is related to your job-related injury. It is likely you have heard of it, but you may not know how it works and how chiropractic care can be used to safely treat your injury.

Why choose chiropractic care for my work-related injury?

Studies show that chiropractic care after a work-related injury significantly reduces recovery time, decreases the need for hospitalization, and is more cost-efficient than traditional medical care. A chiropractor uses a variety of equipment and techniques to help relieve pain and facilitate the healing process.
Chiropractic care can involve realigning joints, stretching, heat and ice therapy, massage, and functional rehabilitation, all of which are safe and non-invasive techniques. These methods will not only speed up your immediate recovery, but they will also keep you healthier and avoid future injuries, by establishing better habits into your normal routine.

What other types of care are available at Northwest Wellness?

Northwest Wellness also offers Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy, Natural Pain Management and Acupuncture. Work conditioning is also available to ensure your safe and timely return to work.

What is the “no-fault” system?

The no-fault system means that employees who were injured on the job do not have to prove their employer was negligent and that worker has the right to workers compensation benefits, regardless of who was to blame for the injury.

What are common workers’ compensation claims?

The most common workers’ compensation claims include the following:

• Overexertion – When muscle is pulled or forced beyond its normal point of motion due to repetitive use. It is most common in construction, factory, and warehouse jobs
• Lifting more weight than a muscle can bear
• Pushing, pulling, or carrying more weight than a muscle can bear
• Stressing muscles with awkward movements, including twisting while lifting
• Twisting ligaments (for example) by stepping in a hole
• Collisions that exert force against ligaments in knees
• Slipping, tripping, or falling from a height
• Struck by an object – Usually, being struck by an object occurs when an object falls from a ledge or shelf and hits an employee walking by

How do I file a workers compensation claim?

• You can apply online 24/7 at FileFast
• You can apply by phone at 877-561-3453
• You can apply in our office via an Accident Report

Find out how we can help you heal and get answers to any questions you have about job-related injuries. Reserve your initial consultation on our website or call us today at (253) 927-0660.