Slip and Fall Injury Care in Valley Stream, NY
A slip or fall can happen anywhere: on a wet floor, an icy sidewalk, a loose step or an uneven parking lot. At Valley Stream Chiropractic in Valley Stream, NY, we specialize in the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal injuries resulting from auto accidents, worker’s compensation and slip/fall claims. If you have been hurt in a fall, we are here to help you find relief and get back to your daily life.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
When you fall, your body tries to protect itself, and that often means landing hard on a hand, a hip or the lower back. Common injuries we see after a fall include:
- Neck pain and stiffness, sometimes with headaches
- Lower back pain and muscle spasms
- Shoulder, wrist and hand injuries from catching yourself
- Knee and ankle sprains
- Pain, tingling or numbness that travels into the arms or legs
Why You Should Not Wait
Many people feel fine right after a fall and only notice pain a day or two later. Even if your pain seems minor, it is a good idea to be checked. An exam can help find the source of your pain so it can be treated before it becomes a bigger problem. If you hit your head and feel confused or drowsy, lost consciousness, cannot put weight on a leg, or have numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, go to an emergency room or call 911 first.
How We Can Help
We start with a thorough examination to understand your injury. Based on what we find, your care plan may include chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, cold laser therapy, electrical stimulation and stretching and strengthening exercises. As your pain settles, rehabilitation can help you rebuild strength and return to your normal activities.
We also keep clear records of your injuries and your care. We do not give legal advice, so questions about a slip/fall claim are best directed to your attorney or insurer.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have been injured in a slip or fall, call Valley Stream Chiropractic today at (516) 791-6421 to schedule an appointment. When experience counts, think of Valley Stream Chiropractic.
How It Can Help
A thorough examination
We examine your neck, back and joints to find the source of your pain after a fall.
A plan tailored to you
Care may combine chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work and therapeutic exercise, based on your exam.
Clear records of your care
We document your injuries and your treatment, which matters for many patients with slip/fall claims.
Why a Fall Deserves a Proper Check
A slip on a wet floor, an icy sidewalk or a loose step can happen in a second, but the body often absorbs a lot of force in that moment. People instinctively reach out with a hand, twist a knee or land hard on the hip or lower back. The neck can also snap forward and back much like it does in a car accident. Because adrenaline masks pain at first, many people get up, brush themselves off and assume they are fine. Stiffness, soreness and headaches may then set in over the next day or two.
Getting checked after a fall helps you understand what was injured and how to care for it. Strains and sprains are common, but a fall can also cause injuries that need medical care first, such as fractures or a head injury. Go to an emergency room or call 911 if you hit your head and feel confused, drowsy or sick to your stomach, lost consciousness, cannot put weight on a leg, see an obvious deformity, or have numbness or weakness in your arms or legs. Older adults and people who take blood thinners should be checked promptly after any blow to the head.
What to Expect at Your Visit After a Fall
Your chiropractor will ask how you fell, what part of your body hit the ground and how your symptoms have changed since. The exam looks at how your spine and joints move, along with your strength, reflexes and sensation. If there is any concern about a fracture or other injury that needs a different kind of care, imaging may be recommended or you may be referred to another provider before hands-on treatment begins. Your chiropractor will explain the findings and walk you through the plan.
Care is usually gentle at first and builds as pain settles. Depending on your injury, it may include chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, cold laser therapy or electrical stimulation, followed by stretching and strengthening exercises to restore movement and support the injured area. We keep clear records of your exam and your treatment. We do not give legal advice, so questions about a claim are best directed to your attorney or insurer. Let us know between visits if any symptom gets worse.
New to the office? Read what to expect at your first visit, or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are common after a slip and fall?
Falls often cause neck and back strains, sprained wrists, knees and ankles, shoulder injuries and bruising. Some people also develop headaches or pain that travels into the arms or legs.
When should I see a chiropractor after a fall?
It is a good idea to be checked within a few days, even if the pain seems minor. Some types of pain do not show up until several days after an injury.
What treatment do you provide after a fall?
Depending on your exam, care may include chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, cold laser therapy, electrical stimulation, and stretching and strengthening exercises.
Can a fall cause back or neck pain that shows up later?
Yes. It is common for stiffness and pain to build over a day or two after a fall as muscles and ligaments tighten up around the injured area. Delayed symptoms are a good reason to be checked even if you felt fine right after the fall.
Do you work with patients who have slip and fall claims?
Yes. We treat injuries from slips and falls, including patients with slip/fall claims, and we keep clear records of your exam and care. We cannot give legal advice, so please direct questions about the claim itself to your attorney or insurer.
Terms You May Hear
- Sprain
- A stretch or tear of a ligament, the tough band that connects bones at a joint. Wrists, knees and ankles are often sprained in falls.
- Strain
- A stretch or tear of a muscle or tendon. Back and neck strains are common after a fall.
- Soft tissue injury
- An injury to muscles, tendons or ligaments rather than to bone. These injuries often cause pain, swelling and stiffness.
Related Services
Spinal Manipulation & Adjustment
Chiropractic adjustments at Valley Stream Chiropractic address vertebrae that are not moving or functioning properly, to reduce pain and improve range of motion and mobility.
Learn MoreMassage Therapy
Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance health and well-being.
Learn MoreRehabilitation
Our rehabilitation program includes strength, flexibility and agility training, plus training focused on coordination, to prepare you to return to full participation.
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Schedule a Consultation Today
We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule.