Motor vehicle accident? Here’s what acupuncture can do for you:

Acupuncture is an extremely effective treatment for pain resulting from auto accidents, and you DO NOT NEED A REFERRAL to see an acupuncturist following a motor vehicle accident. You are allowed to choose any type of care following the accident, including acupuncture, without a referral from an MD or chiropractor.

Acupuncture can be even more beneficial than other modalities immediately following a motor vehicle accident.?While aggressiveScreen Shot 2014-07-31 at 7.21.50 AM?adjusting, and manipulation of the body can sometimes aggravate very tender and inflamed areas,acupuncture can reduce pain and jump-start healing without putting more stress on the body.

In fact, acupuncture can actually alleviate stress — both physical and emotional — resulting from the impact of the accident, and it can be performed with very little physical manipulation of the body.

Pain resulting from motor vehicle accidents does not always appear right away, and acupuncture is most effective soon after an accident takes place. For this reason, it is important to seek care as soon as possible after the incident to prevent injuries from getting worse and to start the healing process quickly.

And when used in conjunction with massage, chiropractic care, and/or physical therapy, acupuncture can help speed up the healing process and maximize the benefits of these other modalities. I see this in my practice all the time.

Common conditions resulting from automobile accidents that are very effectively treated with acupuncture include:

HEADACHES

Acupuncture is a pro at alleviating headache pain. I maintain that it is the best modality for addressing this particular issue, especially when used in combination with regular chiropractic care.

NECK PAIN/LOW BACK PAIN

As mentioned, acupuncture can address pain in tender areas without aggressive manipulation of the injured body parts. This can be particularly important when injury to the neck and/or back is part of the post-accident picture. By helping to reduce pain and inflammation, acupuncture can also help the body more easily tolerate and integrate both chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy.

ANXIETY

Anxiety is a very common result of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. The impact of the accident activates the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system, and it can be challenging to come down from this elevated state of excitement — which is, essentially, your body’s attempt to protect you from harm. Acupuncture is great at treating anxiety, helping the sympathetic nervous quiet down while activating the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous system, reminding your body that you are safe so that you can finally relax.

INSOMNIA

Difficulty sleeping is another common complaint following an automobile accident. This includes difficulty falling asleep as well as waking multiple times during the night. Acupuncture is very effective for addressing any kind of sleep disturbance and can help you get back to a regular sleep schedule soon.

If you have questions about how acupuncture can help you following an automobile accident, or to schedule your first appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 503.302.4303 or to use the contact page to send me an email.

Please feel free to also use the online scheduling link below to find an appointment time that works best for you!