In the State of Hawaii, automobile owners are required to carry “no fault” coverage for their vehicles and passengers. That means that if you are in an accident, you have chiropractic coverage. However, many accident injuries are hidden and can go undetected for months or even years.

After an accident, you may experience obvious pains and symptoms such as muscle stiffness or spasm, neck pain, headaches, numbness and tingling, back pain, difficulty sleeping, memory loss, fatigue, or other general pains. Even worse,you may be injured and feel nothing at all. You should get yourself checked out immediately by a doctor trained in recognizing soft tissue damage. Unfortunately, most doctors are not trained in the detection of these hidden injuries.

Dr. Zen is trained to diagnose and treat injuries related to automobile accidents. At Zen Health Center, we know that nothing is more important than your health, especially when you start to lose it. That is why Dr. Zen has provided a few answers to common questions he often hears from patients after they have been in an accident and his answers below.

Common Questions and Dr. Zen's Answers:

• Q: Should I See An Attorney Before I See My Chiropractor?
  A: It is important to get checked out by the doctor first. That way the findings from your exam will allow you the information you need in order to decide if an attorney is necessary. If necessary, we can refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney.

• Q: What If My Car Sustained Only Minor Damage?
  A: Documented studies done by Charles Carroll, M.D., Paul McAtee, M.D. and Lee Riley, M.D. revealed that: "The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relation to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants." In other words, the damage to the passengers is not necessarily directly related to the damage to the vehicle.

• Q: If I Need Treatment For This Injury, Do I Have To Pay For It Myself?
  A: If you were in an accident in the State of Hawaii, your “no fault” auto insurance immediately covers the cost of chiropractic treatment. It also covers the cost of therapeutic massage when referred by your primary care physician.

• Q: I've Been To The Hospital And/Or My Medical Doctor, Do I Really Need To See a Chiropractor?
  A: You need a doctor who focuses in the treatment and diagnosis of auto accident injuries. Usually hospitals will check vital signs, make sure there are no life-threatening conditions and release the patient with pain relief medication. They normally do not treat the underlying improper musculoskeletal biomechanics that can and often do lead to future pain. If your M.D. has given you painkillers, you must understand that pills do not correct or heal soft tissue damage. There are special therapies designed for that which we provide in our office.

• Q: Does Your Care Hurt?
  A: Absolutely not. My primary goal is to reduce your pain and speed your healing process, not to make things worse.

• Q: Is The Care Safe?
  A: Yes, especially when compared to the potential side effects from pain medication and long-term injuries which result from automobile accidents.