Acupuncture is the process of stimulating specific points on the body by inserting very fine needles into the skin and underlying tissues. This procedure unblocks the flow of Qi along energy pathways and resores balance to the body. This has the effect of releasing various chemical messengers into the brain (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) that serve as natural painkillers.

Acupuncture can be used in the treatment of auto accident injuries, including whiplash and herniated discs. It is an effective tool in relieving the pain and anxiety associated with car crashes and is safe, painless, and drug free.

Acupuncture and Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when a sudden movement forces the head to jerk forward abruptly, pulling at the neck muscles and affecting bone structure and soft tissues. When left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain that is often difficult to treat, so it is important to address the condition as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Whiplash
People who experience whiplash may report experiencing one or more symptoms. Symptoms can occur immediately after the accident, or may appear several days or even weeks later:

·    Neck / Shoulder pain and stiffness

·    Headaches

·    Difficulty in moving the neck

·    Low back pain

·    Sensations such as burning or “pins and needles”

·    Irritability

·    Poor sleep

·    Fatigue

·    Difficulty with concentration or memory

·    Depression

·    Dizziness / Light-headedness

·    Pain or numbness in the arm and/or hand

·    Ringing in the ears

·    Blurred vision

·    Muscle spasm

In Chinese medicine, whiplash is thought of as a balance disorder because the structure of the bones has been affected by a sudden movement. Treatment focuses on helping patients regain proper balance. Acupuncture also works to alleviate the pain associated with whiplash.

Acupuncture for Herniated Discs

Herniated discs occur during auto accidents because the force of impact is often strong enough to damage the human body in very serious ways. The discs of the spine act as a cushion between the vertebrae. When a disc herniation occurs, the soft, inner part of the disc bulges or slips out of place, affecting the nerves and causing pain.

In this case, as with whiplash, the sooner acupuncture is begun after the initial onset of symptoms, the more effective it can be in terms of pain relief. While acupuncture cannot resolve the actual structural spinal condition, it is a powerful weapon in fighting pain. By stimulating the nervous system, acupuncture helps the body to release chemicals that ease pain. For herniated discs, results may be best achieved when acupuncture is combined with extra modalities at MMG such as Tui Na, Cupping, Moxibustion, Intersegmental Traction, Ultrasound Therapy and Hydrotherapy Massage .

Anxiety and Stress

The traumatic experience of an automobile accident can sometimes lead to powerful and negative emotions. Because accidents happen at a very fast pace, the brain is sometimes unable to process the experience until after the incident has passed and the participant is no longer in danger. This is known as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and it can occur in car crash victims.

The energy blockages associated with anxiety can be addressed through acupuncture. Acupuncture points serve as openings to the body’s meridians; when these are liberated from unhealthy blockages, energy can begin to flow smoothly once again. This can help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety as well as relieve the anxiety disorder itself. The experience of acupuncture is often very calming, and can decrease heart rate, relax muscles, and lower blood pressure.

Mattos Medical Group

Under Florida No Fault law, acupuncture is covered by the personal injury protection provided by your insurance policy. This coverage is available only when the treatment is administered by a License practitioner.

Will acupuncture be covered by my automobile insurance policy?

please email us at info@mattosmedicalgroup.com or call us at 813.871.2950 to schedule your consultation.