What You’re Probably Wondering About Post-Accident Chiropractic Care
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may have been told that you should see a local chiropractor. But if you’ve never gotten chiropractic services before, then you might have more than a few questions about that. Here are answers to some of the top ones:
- Why Can a Chiropractor Help Me?
Chiropractors deal primarily with the musculoskeletal system, or all the joints, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves that are most likely to get hurt in a car accident. They’re also highly qualified to deal with both back pain and neck pain, which are extremely common after car accidents (even ones that occur at relatively low speeds).
- How Soon Should I See a Chiropractor?
Ideally, you should see a chiropractor as soon as possible after an accident. That’s because the injuries sustained in car accidents tend to get worse, rather than better, on their own. Chiropractors often see patients come in years later with injuries that have become chronic due to a lack of treatment.
- Is a Chiropractor a Doctor, or Not?
Is a chiropractor a doctor? That depends on what you mean. Chiropractors do not generally hold the M.D. degree, which is held by many physicians (other physicians hold the D.O. instead). However, chiropractors do have D.C., or doctor of chiropractic, degrees. They also go through similar amounts of schooling compared to physicians.
- When Should I Go to the ER Instead?
Obviously broken bones, bleeding and other external signs of injury should be addressed immediately by emergency medical services. If you experience loss of feeling in your extremities or loss of bowel function, you should also get immediate medical attention; these could be signs of an injury to the spinal cord.
- Is Chiropractic Care Affordable?
You might be surprised to learn that going to the chiropractor costs less, in many cases, than seeking other kinds of medical care. Most insurance plans cover at least some level of chiropractic care. And since chiropractors look to treat underlying conditions rather than prescribing painkillers, you’re less likely to face the costs of chronic conditions and constant medication for years to come.
What other questions do you have? Discuss in the comments.
