Although riding a motorbike can be dangerous, no one can deny the thrill and excitement that comes with it. Probably the most important benefit of riding a bike is the freedom that it provides. While driving a car, a person is confined within a limited space whereas riding a bike is completely the opposite.
The whipping of the wind on your face, the rush of adrenaline as you accelerate on an open road or crisscrossing your way through traffic are just a couple of the more exhilarating benefits of driving motorcycle.
More Than Just Transportation
Motorcycling is more than just transportation from point A to point B for most enthusiasts. There are many reasons people choose a bike over a car. Some for recreation, some for commuting, some for touring or sports riding, and some for the image it portrays.
There are just as many varieties of motorcycles as there are reasons for riding them. There are cruisers, sports bikes, dirt bikes, touring bikes, dual purpose one, and standard bikes. In other words, there a plenty of motorized bikes to meet everyone’s needs.
Physical Harm & Risk
There is one thing, however, that all bikers have in common. Riding exposes the biker to a certain amount of physical risk which can be attractive in its own right. This attraction is often due to the unique mental and physical skills it takes to ride this machine.
Statistics show you are 20 times more likely to be injured riding a motorcycle than driving in a car, this is a risk all riders take whether they are aware or not. Sure, cars are bigger, heavier and made with a lot more metal but that doesn’t mean that with some common sense and the right mental attitude you can’t be safe on your motorcycle.
Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of riding a motorcycle.
Advantages:
- Lower purchase price
- Great fuel economy (can you say 48 miles to the gallon)
- Easier to repair
- Easier to park
- Easier to tow (if you have any mechanical difficulties)
- Greater maneuverability
- It’s just more fun
Disadvantages:
- You don’t get the same protection you get in a car
- You’re limited to the number of passengers you can have
- If you can’t ride year round you may need another form of transportation
- You don’t have as much protection from the rain, sleet, etc.
- It’s more prone to road conditions such as gravel, potholes and slippery surfaces
- You can’t carry as much as you do in your car
Motorcycle Accidents
According to national statistics, motorcyclists are about twenty-six times more likely to die and five times more likely to be injured in an accident than someone riding in a passenger car.
There are a number of issues motorcycle riders face on the road that do not apply to automobile drivers, for example:
- Since motorcycles make a smaller visual target, they are much more likely to be obscured by other vehicles, and therefore, more likely to be involved in an accident.
- Road conditions may present a minor problem for automobiles, but potholes, uneven pavement, objects in the road (hazards) and wet road conditions can be a major hazard for motorcycle riders.
- Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injury and even death and can be caused by any number of factors, including defective design or manufacturer of the motorcycle itself, and negligence on the part of another driver.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, the negative consequences can significantly affect your life and well-being. Seeking proper medical care following a motorcycle accident is imperative; even if you don’t feel any serious pain, you may have actually suffered severe injuries which could become chronic conditions later in life, including whiplash and head trauma.
Chiropractic Treatment
Motorcycle accidents may cause spinal misalignments, because of this the bones, nerves, discs, and ligaments can be adversely affected. Any of the adverse effects can damage one’s overall health. Also, motorcycle accidents can cause post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which may lead to degenerative spinal disks.
Chiropractors are trained to analyze the spinal cord and will check for nerve pressure caused by spinal stress or vertebral subluxations. A chiropractic adjustment has the potential to offer patients a life free of pain or disability that they otherwise would not have had post-accident.
Chiropractic care has proven to be the most effective treatment for patients involved in auto accidents. Chiropractic care is gaining popularity because it is a non-evasive and drug-free method of treatment.
Traditional forms of medical care usually consist of prescription medication, trial and error treatments, and possibly surgery. Trial and error treatment can take a very long time, a lot of money, and possibly cause long-term and irreversible damage.
Prescription medications have numerous side effects ranging anywhere from mild skin problems to serious respiratory issues, and even death. These often leave the patient with more health problems than they originally started with.
Chiropractic treatment simply realigns the spine and joints, which usually gives immediate relief and helps the bodily systems function properly. Other rehabilitation services, like ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation and traction to name a few, may also be recommended following a motorcycle accident.
Schedule Your Appointment, Today
If you have been injured while out riding your bike, call our office today to schedule and appointment…we may be able to help you.