Should You See A Chiropractor After A Car Accident?

After a car accident, you have a few choices of care providers to see. A chiropractor is a popular choice, and while it’s a great fit for many people, it’s not for everyone. Here are some things you should know about seeing a chiropractor after a car accident:

See a Doctor First

Chiropractic care is a specialized practice dealing with the spine and other bone structures. Before you are clear to receive chiropractic adjustments for personal injury, you’ll want to make sure nothing is wrong with your musculoskeletal system. An urgent care provider or an ER should generally be your first stop after a car accident. They can do X-rays and check for internal bleeding and other conditions that need to be urgently treated before you seek out chiropractic care.

Consider the Differences Between Chiropractors and Physical Therapists

You may need either physical therapy rehab or chiropractic care after an accident. These treatments are popular because they get into the problem quickly and affordably, compared to many typical medical treatments. But depending on the location of your injuries, you would be better off seeing one or the other.

Chiropractors are best at treating whiplash. Your visit to the urgent care or ER may have returned the news that you have some sprains. Back and neck sprains are very common after a car accident because your body absorbs the shock of the accident. Chiropractors adjust the spine so that your body heals faster.

On the other hand, if you have a lot of soft tissue concerns, then you may want to see a physical therapist instead. They restore movement and function to wrist sprains and other areas of pain after an accident.

Paying for Chiropractic Care Is Simple

When you have chiropractic needs resulting from an accident, paying for them can be as simple as hiring a personal injury attorney. They set up medical liens that allow medical providers to give care and be paid directly out of the settlement of your case. If you don’t have the money to put forward for needed care upfront, this is a great way to tend to your medical needs and also get legal counsel to increase your settlement.

Listen to Your Body

Of course, not everyone responds to chiropractic care. There is an adjustment period where you might feel in pain after an adjustment but see your health gradually improve. But if you find that you aren’t getting enough improvements from chiropractic care, you might ask your provider for other alternative care steps or techniques to try for healing your injuries.