More and more people are trying alternative methods of medical care, chiropractics included. While chiropractors are known for treating back injuries, but they can help people recover from other types of injuries too. Car accident victims may have whiplash, lower back pain, restricted range of motion, headaches, soft tissue damage, and muscle weakness. Chiropractors are medical professionals who have studied the way the body works and how all of our system are interconnected. They also know how to treat the body in such a way that it is non-invasive and drug-free.
Benefits to the Chiropractic Approach
A visit to your local chiropractor shortly after the car accident can make the difference between healing faster, or having to deal with uncomfortable symptoms for a long time to come. There are many proven health benefits, including more rapid healing time and helping prevent re-injury to the area. During your first visit, inform your chiropractor that you were recently in a car accident. They will perform an examination and then let you know what the best course of treatment would be. Chiropractic treatments may:
- Promote healing of soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, and joints
- Reduce pain, stiffness, inflammation
- Restore mobility through spinal adjustments and other methods of care
- Prevent chronic and long-term conditions from developing
- Reduction of stress after having been in a traumatic incident
Spinal Adjustment/Manipulation
The most common method of treatment is spinal adjustment/manipulation, which focuses on correcting misalignments of the spine. A chiropractor administers a quick thrust to specific vertebrae using their hands, to encourage proper alignment. When the vertebrae are not in line as they should be, it can cause restricted motion and pain. This technique produces a popping sound that many people associated with chiropractic treatments. This cracking sound is nothing to be intimidated by, as it is the release of gas that has built up between joints. In fact, a number of people actually experience immediate relief after this interjoint gas has been expelled.
When treating a patient for an injury due to a car accident, chiropractors can determine what is the right amount of pressure to use during a spinal adjustment/manipulation. This treatment should only be done by a chiropractic professional, and with the use of hands or a small instrument designed for this exact purpose.
Working With Your Insurance Company
A chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Mesa, AZ at LifeCare Chiropractic who has experience treating people with car accident injuries can work with you and your insurance company during your treatment. Your chiropractor can let you know whether your care can be covered by your medical provider, and may bill your insurer directly, instead of you, for services rendered. If you filed a car accident claim to your insurance company and need proof of your injuries, a chiropractor can also make copies of exams as evidence.
Victims of car accidents are encouraged to get medical care for their injuries right away from a chiropractor near them. The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely you are to acheive a full recovery.
