10 I Spring 2018 www.anjc.info urance Update MEDICARE Q&A Legislative Update Legal Ease LEGAL ANJC Leadership Executive Director’s UPDATE Legal Q&A We are taught from an early age that wearing a seat belt is an essential key to survival in a car accident. Though statistics show that the chances of surviving an accident while wearing a seat belt increase exponentially, it is no secret that they can also cause some injuries. However, it should be noted that the injuries caused by not wearing a seat belt are much more serious than those suffered because of wearing one. Seat belts are meant to restrain and tighten up once an impact occurs. Although this prevents a person from being ejected or tossed violently around the inside of a vehicle, the unnatural force can cause internal and external injuries. It is quite common for a person’s body to immediately tense up during an accident, which can augment an injury. Many of these injuries affect the spinal cord, shoulders, neck, and head. One of those injuries, known as a chance fracture, most commonly happens in the upper lumbar spine. Another injury having repercussions to the spine and neck is whiplash. This occurs when the neck and spine extend beyond the normal range of motion, causing pain, discomfort, muscle tears, and disc bulges and herniations. Many believe that the faster a car is going at the moment of impact, the more severe the injury is, but even speeds as low as 5 mph can cause whiplash, due to the position of the person’s head. Damage to the shoulder and rotator cuff tears are also common seat belt injuries. One of these injuries, known as AC joint injury, occurs when the bones between the collarbone and shoulder separate, causing intense pain and swelling. When a seat belt is pushed into the skin, it causes blood vessels to compress within the shoulder, neck, and arm, causing immobility and pain. This is known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Sometimes, injuries like this can also inhibit a person’s ability to work and support themself. If that is the case, and the injuries were caused by the carelessness of someone else, seeking help from a personal injury attorney may be an option. No injured person should ever have to worry about seeking medical help because they’re afraid of the expense. Though the above injuries are usually considered non-life threatening, they can hinder a person’s daily life by preventing them from enjoying activities and requiring assistance from family members and friends. Treating these injuries in a holistic manner is vital in leading a productive and quality life, and chiropractic care offers healthy, effective, and long-lasting relief. However, if some injuries cannot be helped by chiropractic care, then they may need to be treated through epidural, steroid injections, or even spinal surgery. However, certainly before enduring surgery, a person should undergo holistic therapy without drugs or surgery, which need to be the treatment of last resort. Garry R. Salomon, Esq., is a partner at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon P.C. and a premier supporter of ANJC. He is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney. If you have any legal questions, feel free to call him at 201-907-5000. By Garry R. Salomon, Esq. SEAT BELT INJURIES i Request a demonstration online at LightForceLasers.com // 302.709.0408 • Deliver effective treatments to deep and superficial target tissue • Maximize dosing and delivery efficiency with patented technology • Deploy optimal wavelengths and power settings • Create custom treatments for each patient with intuitive software • Save and repeat treatments for consistency LightForce® Therapy Lasers introduces the i-series, designed for ease, precision, and expert results. LASER PHYSICS IS HARD. PARTNER WITH THE EXPERTS. FX & EXP therapy lasers COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT I T ’ S T I M E F O R A , the nation’s leading malpractice insurance company To receive a free quote and learn more about MedPro’s ChiroPreferred program, call your local MedPro agent today. 8 8 8 . M E D P R O 5 C H I R O P R E F E R R E D . C O M MedPro Group is the marketing name used to refer to the insurance operations of The Medical Protective Company, Princeton Insurance Company, PLICO, Inc. and MedPro RRG Risk Retention Group. All insurance products are administered by MedPro Group and underwritten by these and other Berkshire Hathaway affiliates, including National Fire & Marine Insurance Company. Product availability is based upon business and regulatory approval and may differ among companies. Visit medpro.com/affiliates for more information. ©2018 MedPro Group Inc. All Rights Reserved.