As parents, we all want our kids to be safe at all times. We may read labels carefully to avoid harmful substances, research every purchase we make, or obsessively monitor their activity. This is especially true when it comes to traveling- car seats, strollers, booster seats, and cars are all items that people research intensely before putting their children in harm’s way. But we can’t always keep them safe- car accidents do happen. However, we can take precautions to make them safer in these crashes and ensure their safety afterward. Taking your child to a chiropractor in Tucker after a car accident is another tool to keep your children safe and healthy.
Identifying Injuries in Children
Just like adults, children may not immediately exhibit signs of car accident injuries that they sustained. In some cases, this is because they are too young to understand or communicate what is happening to their bodies. They can also suffer from delayed symptoms, in which the adrenaline and shock of a car accident hide the body’s natural pain responses. However, there are signs you may notice as a parent that can indicate something is off with your child. Pay attention to any of these signs following a car accident:
- Abnormal levels of fatigue
- Frequent headaches
- Neck pain
- Restricted motion
- Irritability
- Restlessness
Document any of these signs that you see to share with the doctor when you visit. When a child can’t properly communicate how they are feeling, this can help a chiropractor in Tucker diagnose the problem.
Potential Spinal Damage in Children
Some injuries from car accidents can cause pain and spinal problems in children that aren’t evident for days or even weeks, while other children may suffer serious spinal injuries that require immediate attention. Spinal problems can be progressive and may worsen the longer they go without treatment. The good news is you can prevent spinal problems with chiropractic care.
Because of their increased neck flexibility, children are more susceptible to certain injuries than adults, including spinal cord and nerve damage. Because children are not done growing, these problems can be made worse or lead to permanent issues. The nearly constant evolution of a child’s body often impedes what might have otherwise been a simple recovery process and can exacerbate injuries as the body moves and changes around them. In some cases, the injury may even stunt growth itself and prevent the natural changes that occur with growing up.
Protecting Your Child in a Car Accident
While children are vulnerable to many injuries in a car accident, there are also proven ways to protect them. The number one thing you can do to ensure safety is to properly install and use safety devices like car seats and booster seats. This includes having the seat face the proper way- children under two should stay in a rear-facing car seat, in the middle of the back seat if possible. This adds extra layers of protection in the event of a rollover or side-impact crash.
You can also protect your child with your day-to-day choices in the car. The choice of a vehicle itself is one step, as some cars offer safety features. Stability control, anti-lock brakes, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control are all options proven to protect children in car accidents.
While you should always be an attentive driver, this is especially true with children in the car. Preventing any distractions and keeping your eyes on the road is crucial- if you need to assist your child with something, pull over to a safe area before doing so. Avoiding driving late at night can also be safer as it prevents you from becoming drowsy or losing sight of the road.
Why Choose a Chiropractor?
Many people do not think of a chiropractor when it comes to finding care for their children due to misconceptions about the field. However, chiropractic care is extremely effective in children and is safe. By using less invasive treatments, chiropractors are able to diagnose the root cause of issues and treat those, preventing your child from suffering a lifelong condition with only symptoms being treated. Many people even prefer this for their child as chiropractic care does not rely on medications or surgical interventions and is more holistic.
At AICA Tucker, our chiropractors are experts in car accident-related injuries and will know what to look for in your children, even when they struggle to communicate their symptoms. When searching for a chiropractor in Tucker, the specialists at AICA Tucker will create custom care plans for your child to ensure their recovery.