When all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were brought to the United States in the 1970s, they became instantly popular. Today, people use ATVs for many jobs--which include snow plowing and maintaining farmland-- to riding them around just for recreation on family farms, in off-road and mountainous areas, as well as in rural and coastal regions. Although ATVs can be a lot of fun, they can also be extremely dangerous if not used properly. The number of ATV-related injuries has gotten higher each year from 10,100 in 1982, to 58,200 by 1992, and to more than 150,000 in 2007.

Each year newer, faster, and more powerful ATVs hit the market for the general public to purchase. The first ATVs manufactured had around 7-horsepower, 89 cc engine and weighed about 200 pounds. Today, some ATVs have engines more than 600 cc and 50 horsepower, weigh over 400 pounds, and can go as fast as 100 miles per hour. If this powerful machine is not used correctly, serious injuries--including death-- can occur. ATV injuries typically occur in men around the ages of 18 to 30 years. Injuries commonly occur in rural areas, and 80 percent of injuries happen to the driver rather than to the passenger.

The most common cause of injury is associated with the ATV flipping or rolling. When this occurs, both the driver and passenger may be tossed from the vehicle, and in some cases, pinned down. In general, ATVs were not made to carry passengers in the back. Having a passenger can increase the risk of an accident exponentially.

Possible Symptoms/Injuries after ATV Accidents

Some non-fatal ATV injuries include:

• Headaches/Migraines
• Permanent concussions
• Neurologic injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Neck pain (whiplash)
• Muscle stiffness
• Acute/chronic pain
• Disoriented/Blurred Vision
• Pain in the arms, legs, hands, feet, back, face or jaw
• Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations
• And many more...

Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care can Help ATV accident pain and symptoms

Sometimes, people do not have any symptoms immediately after an ATV accident but they slowly appear over days or weeks. It is important to seek proper treatment as soon as possible. At South Minneapolis MN Chiropractic, we can help you restore movement lost after an ATV accident. We combine physical therapy, chiropractic care and massage therapy to achieve:

• Fast recovery
• Decrease Chronic Symptoms
• Overall health and wellness
• Rehabilitate injuries and prevent further damage
• Achieve and maintain a level of improved functioning
• Reduce and correct acute and chronic pain
• Increase range of motion after the accident
• And many more

Call our office today if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind While Operating an ATV

ALWAYS wear a DOT approved helmet, appropriate footwear, and other gear for protection when operating an ATV.
Do not allow passengers to ride with you.
Make sure that all ATV drivers are educated and understand how to operate an ATV by reading the operating manual, and know the vehicle's limitations and the terrain where it will be driven.
Be sure to check and know local and state regulations when using an ATV.
Never let young children operate an ATV.
Never drive an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Make sure to carry a cell phone or another communication device so that you can call for help in case of an emergency.

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Call our office today if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.