Do I Need Chiropractic Care After An Injury?

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use manual adjustments, manipulation, and other therapeutic techniques to help with physical recovery.

Injuries from an accident, whether from a car crash or fall, can involve damage to the muscles, joints, or spine — areas where chiropractic care is particularly helpful. Your primary care physician can help determine whether you need chiropractic care after an injury. They may recommend it as part of your rehabilitation plan. Chiropractic treatments also help if you’re experiencing chronic pain or mobility issues. Many patients also seek chiropractic care after getting injured to aid in their recuperation or managing their relevant conditions.

There are many valid reasons to see a chiropractor. However, the decision to seek chiropractic care depends on the nature of your injury and your recovery goals. You must also consider various factors. For example, if you have an ongoing civil case for your injuries, you also have to account for the legal implications of seeing a chiropractor.

Should I Go To A Chiropractor After An Injury?

Your doctor can recommend chiropractic care if it is necessary for your recovery. Many people seek spinal adjustments for their work injuries, physical trauma from accidents, and age-related conditions. Chiropractic care is a less invasive yet more holistic approach compared to surgical procedures. Patients typically consider this option to manage their pain without relying on medications.

However, the main question is — is it medically necessary for you? Your doctor will consider various factors before recommending this option, such as if you have any existing condition that might not be compatible with chiropractic treatments. Additionally, they will consider the nature and extent of your injuries. Chiropractors handle a wide range of injuries — not just back injuries, as some might believe.

On your end, you may have to weigh the costs of going to a chiropractor. It’s normal to want to know how much you will be paying. Chiropractors accept different payment plans. You’ll want to ask:

• Will your insurance cover your sessions?
• Do you have to pay out of pocket?
• Can someone else be held responsible for the costs of your chiropractic sessions?

For example, if you were injured because of another person, you might want to know who pays for your chiropractor after an accident. From a legal standpoint, getting chiropractic care, if needed, may strengthen your claim. It can provide documentation of your injuries and proof that you’re actively following a recovery plan. However, keep in mind that insurance companies tend to be hesitant to pay for this kind of treatment. Your personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether this is a viable option for you.

Signs You Need A Chiropractor After An Injury

Injuries, chronic illnesses, and other conditions can manifest in various ways. For example, suffering from whiplash due to a traffic accident can lead to a variety of symptoms, from immediate stiffness and discomfort to potential nerve damage. While chiropractic care can be beneficial for certain symptoms, it’s not a universal solution for every injury. If you’re experiencing symptoms and wonder if chiropractic treatment could help, it’s best to consult your primary care physician for advice on any of the following:

Chronic Pain Or Discomfort

Feeling pain or soreness after an injury is common, and it often improves with a few days of rest. However, persistent pain, especially in the neck, back, or joints, could indicate a more serious condition, such as a pinched nerve, often resulting from a slip-and-fall or a car accident. In such cases, consider consulting a doctor about exploring chiropractic treatments to address the underlying issues.

Limited Range Of Motion

After a personal injury, you might face difficulties with movement, experience stiffness in areas like your arms, neck, and back, or struggle with daily tasks. These issues could be signs that your bodily injuries haven’t fully healed, potentially involving the spine, muscles, or joints. Delaying treatment could worsen the condition, complicating recovery and potentially affecting a personal injury claim. Insurance companies might argue they’re not liable for the aggravated condition due to negligence in seeking timely care.

Tingling Sensation

Occasional tingling in the hands, arms, fingers, and feet is usually not worrisome. Still, if it happens often, it might signal underlying problems such as compressed nerves, herniated disks, or carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s important to consult a doctor immediately after an accident, as conditions like whiplash or spinal cord injuries could also cause this symptom. Early diagnosis allows for management through medication or chiropractic care, reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Constant Head Pains

Chiropractors can also help manage chronic headaches and migraines. Some injuries can induce migraine-like symptoms. If you hit your head after a fender bender, for example, you might start experiencing persistent headaches. Any damage to the structure of the bone in the neck area can cause cervicogenic headaches or head pains that start from the neck. While this affects only 0.4% to 4% of people who have headaches worldwide, it can cause intense discomfort to patients.

If you’ve been experiencing chronic headaches, you might have an injury that requires immediate attention. Ask your doctor for their advice, especially if you’ve been in an accident recently. Proper treatment, which may include chiropractic adjustments, can only begin after a complete diagnosis.

Difficulty Sleeping

Emotional stress is not the only reason why people develop difficulty sleeping. Some injuries also cause inflammation and nerve issues that disrupt normal sleep patterns. In particular, the pain and discomfort from conditions involving the back and joints can prevent you from finding a comfortable sleeping position. You may even find yourself waking up in the middle of the night because of back pain, impeding your recovery and damaging your mental health.

Chiropractic treatments may help by relieving pain and relaxing your muscles, making it easier to doze off and stay asleep. Going to your sessions diligently can also demonstrate your commitment to recovery, which can positively influence your insurance or personal injury claim.

Common Symptoms Chiropractors Treat

Chiropractic adjustments focus on treating symptoms related to musculoskeletal conditions that affect bones, joints, and muscles. They help treat injuries sustained in sports activities, motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, workplace accidents, and more.

Here are some common conditions that chiropractors treat:

Lower Back Pain

If you’re experiencing lower back pain after an accident, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of your recovery plan. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests spinal manipulation may moderately improve lower back pain and function.

This recommendation is supported by a 2019 review of 47 randomized controlled trials, which found that an adjustment may have similar effects to standard therapies. It may temporarily enhance function better than non-recommended, placebo, or conventional treatments. The American College of Physicians also recommends it as part of a treatment plan that involves the use of heat, massage, and acupuncture for low back pain.

Neck Pain

People experience neck pain for a wide variety of reasons, including injuries caused by poor posture, rear-end collisions, or workplace accidents. Chiropractors can realign your musculoskeletal system, ease or tighten specific muscles, and prescribe exercises to keep the problem from returning.

Chiropractic techniques, whether used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, have shown promise in alleviating either acute or chronic pain. According to a 2021 review, spinal manipulation is both effective and safe for treating neck discomfort lasting less than six weeks.

Nerve Problems

When it comes to nerve problems, chiropractic care is among the most widely used treatments, particularly for sciatica. This is a painful condition that affects the lower back and legs. It is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the spinal cord to the feet. One reason why people develop sciatica is a type of injury called spinal disc herniation, commonly resulting from slip-and-falls and vehicular accidents.

Research supports the effectiveness of spinal manipulation for sciatica. In 2021, researchers examined 44 patients with subacute or chronic sciatica and found that spinal manipulation enhanced the pain-relieving effects of physiotherapy.

Joint Problems

Tightness and spasms in tendons, ligaments, and muscles throughout your body may be caused by an injury to one joint. This means that resolving this specific issue can lead to relief.

Chiropractic care may be more viable for discomfort that’s not caused by arthritis — like a dislocated knee after a bicycle accident or a rotator cuff tear from excessive lifting. Chiropractors may employ joint mobilization and soft tissue therapy to address the pain and inflammation in the affected areas.

Chiropractic care may be beneficial for joint-related conditions, but its suitability depends on the specific concern being addressed. In general, it is not recommended for diseased or inflamed joints. It is also not recommended for patients with frail bones due to an increased fracture risk.

How Chiropractors Can Help You Recover From Your Injuries

Chiropractic care offers natural remedies for injuries in different ways, but it focuses on helping the body heal itself by manipulating its alignment. When treating patients with pain, chiropractors often work in tandem with primary care physicians, specialists in pain management, and even surgeons.

The benefits, effectiveness, and risks of chiropractic care depend on the patient’s condition, age, and health. Chiropractors will develop a tailored treatment plan to address your specific problems, combining a range of treatments and therapies. According to a 2023 review, there are over 130 different chiropractic techniques, but not one can be considered the best universally. However, it also says that the diversified technique is the most common.

The Diversified Technique

This technique involves forceful thrusts to spinal joints using the hands or a special device. It aims to restore proper spine alignment to improve movement and function. A chiropractor uses this technique to adjust the spine and other joints all over the body. It can be especially beneficial in correcting misalignments caused by trauma. An example is whiplash, one of the most common injuries in car accidents.

Depending on the area being treated, the chiropractor may position you in different ways to ensure the most effective adjustment. Once they put pressure, you may hear a “popping” sound, which results from the release of gas bubbles from the joints.

Myofascial Release Therapy

Also called trigger point therapy, this gentle massage relieves myofascial tightness and pain. By applying mild pressure, the chiropractor identifies and treats stiff areas, enhancing elasticity and movement. This method effectively releases tension and inflammation in the body’s connective tissues.

Spinal Mobilization

This is a gentler technique without the quick thrusts used in spinal manipulation therapy. Instead, it involves slow, controlled movements within the joint’s natural limits to either restore or enhance its function.

This method could work for those who have very delicate joints, including the elderly or those who suffer from chronic pain. Although spinal mobilization is less aggressive than conventional manipulation, it may result in comparable outcomes.

The Activator Method

This method employs a piece of handheld equipment known as the Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI). The device allows for rapid, low-amplitude manipulation of the spine or other body parts. This is another method that may be easier for the elderly.

Chiropractic adjustments using an AAI have shown promise in alleviating back pain in earlier studies. Nevertheless, additional studies are needed to ascertain the advantages of this method.

Flexion Distraction

This method combines manual therapy with flexion-distraction movements and uses a specialized table to stretch and decompress the spine. It is non-thrusting, relieving pressure on spinal nerves without aggressive manipulation. Back discomfort, caused by issues like herniated disks, is one symptom that chiropractors may treat using this method. It’s often used to improve spinal mobility and overall disk health.

Thompson Drop-Table Technique

In this method, the chiropractor uses a specialized table to make adjustments. During the adjustment, the chiropractor applies a quick thrust while a section of the table drops slightly. According to a previous 2019 study, the drop-table technique could help individuals with herniated disks by improving intervertebral disk height and straight leg raising angle.

Spinal Decompression

This method involves the use of a specially designed table or device that carefully stretches the spine. This stretching helps to take pressure off the spinal disks, which are the soft, gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine. By reducing the strain, spinal decompression can help relieve pain from disk degeneration, whether due to an accident or excessive wear and tear.

How Long After An Injury Should You See A Chiropractor?

Visit a chiropractor as soon as you’ve been checked by a doctor and received a referral. This is essential, even if the injury doesn’t seem serious at first. Pain or discomfort might develop gradually, and some symptoms might not even surface until much later. Chiropractic care helps activate the body’s cellular repair processes, which could build a strong foundation for your recovery.

Furthermore, many injuries from accidents deteriorate with time. Any delay could cause your condition to become more severe and harder to treat. By seeking prompt chiropractic care, you can reduce the chances of worsening your injury.

Your team of injury lawyers will also advise you to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The steps you take after an injury can impact your ability to get compensation and the amount you may receive. Seeking medical help within a reasonable timeframe is crucial for improving your chances of getting fair monetary reparation.

Paying For Chiropractic Care For Injuries Caused By An Accident

One of the main reasons why patients hesitate to get chiropractic care after an injury is the cost. A single visit can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on where you live. Multiple appointments are often necessary, which can drive up the expenses.

How can you pay for chiropractic care if you need it? Here are some ways:

Your Insurance

Some insurance policies cover chiropractic care, though the level of coverage can differ from plan to plan. Here are some possible options:

• Your health insurance, either from the marketplace or directly from an insurance company.
• Your car insurance policy if you’re injured due to an auto accident.
• If applicable, UM/UIM insurance for hit-and-run accidents or accidents caused by uninsured motorists.

Many plans only pay for chiropractic services up to a certain limit or number of visits. Some don’t cover them unless your primary care physician recommends it or your insurance company gets pre-authorization.

Get in touch with your insurance agent to find out exactly what services are covered and if there are any restrictions. Doing this will guarantee that you get the most out of your benefits while paying the least amount out of pocket.

Personal Injury Claim

If your injuries are due to an accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to recover the costs of chiropractic care through a personal injury case. This is a valid option in “at-fault” states like California, where the responsible party is accountable for the losses sustained by the victim.

For example, a driver runs a red light and crashes into your vehicle, causing a back injury. That driver’s insurance provider should cover your expenses resulting from the injury, including chiropractic visits.

It’s best to work with a personal injury attorney who can guide you through this process. They can negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring you’re properly paid for your needed chiropractic care and other damages, including hospital bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.

Medical Lien

With an insurance or personal injury claim, you don’t receive the money after it’s resolved, which can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years or more. During this period, you might face the challenge of covering your medical expenses, such as chiropractic treatments, without having access to the settlement funds yet. How can you pay for chiropractic care and other medical bills in the meantime?

This is where medical liens can be useful. It’s a formal agreement that allows you to receive the necessary medical attention right away without needing to pay upfront. With this arrangement, the healthcare providers agree to postpone payment for their services. They will be paid from the money you receive from your insurance settlement or the court verdict related to your claim once everything is settled. This way, you can focus on your recovery without worrying about medical bills at the moment.

Your personal injury lawyers can help you get a medical lien. They will review the terms to ensure that they are fair and favorable to you, safeguarding you from any potential unfair financial obligations after your claim is settled.

Out-Of-Pocket Options

Sometimes, patients have no choice but to pay for chiropractic care out of pocket. If you can’t afford it outright, ask the chiropractor’s office for payment options that can help ease the financial burden. Some examples are:

• Installment Plans — This payment method allows you to spread the cost of treatment over a set repayment period. The schedule can vary, so make sure to discuss the terms with the clinic.
• Package Deals — Chiropractic offices often allow you to purchase multiple sessions at once. You typically have to pay for the whole thing upfront, but each visit ends up being cheaper than paying for individual sessions.

If you’re struggling to afford chiropractic care or other forms of medical treatment, it may be worth exploring legal routes. For injuries caused by an accident, consult a trusted injury attorney. They can evaluate your options for getting medical help and financial recovery.

Risks Involved With Chiropractic Adjustments

While chiropractic care offers many benefits, you must also be aware of the potential risks associated with this treatment method, especially after an injury. The consequences can range from minor to severe and from temporary to long-lasting or permanent.

The treated area may feel sore or mildly painful after an adjustment, or you may feel fatigued. These effects are usually temporary. However, spinal manipulation can also lead to more severe conditions, such as fracture, spinal cord injury, paralysis, or even death. Adjustments on the neck can also increase the risk of artery dissection, which could eventually lead to a stroke. It could aggravate pre-existing conditions instead of treating them, particularly if the treatment was too aggressive or not the right approach.

It is crucial to be completely open with your chiropractor in order to minimize any risks. Disclose any pre-existing conditions, your current treatment plan, and medications, as this will help your medical provider create a safe treatment plan for you. If you are pregnant, inform your provider as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should You Not Go To A Chiropractor?

While chiropractic care can be beneficial, it’s generally not advised for patients who have:

• Numbness or loss of strength in an arm or leg.
• Cancer in the spine.
• A bone abnormality in the upper neck.
• Severe osteoporosis.
• A risk of stroke.

Chiropractic treatments could also be harmful if you’re taking certain medications, particularly those that affect your bones. Always consult with your doctor first to determine if chiropractic care is suitable for you. Get a comprehensive assessment before starting any treatment, including spinal adjustments. This helps ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your specific health condition.

What Should I Expect When Meeting With A Chiropractor For The First Time?

Here’s how a first chiropractic consultation typically goes:

1. You fill out paperwork with your medical history, symptoms, and previous and current treatments.
2. You undergo a thorough physical examination, including diagnostic imaging tests and specific orthopedic assessments.
3. The chiropractor discusses your personalized treatment plan, which includes the types of therapies you need and the frequency.

The chiropractor may or may not proceed to an adjustment, depending on the results of the examination. Regardless, you can prepare for your first visit by wearing relaxed and non-restrictive clothes, such as workout apparel. As much as possible, avoid dresses and skirts.

What Happens During A Chiropractic Adjustment?

How your session goes depends on your specific condition. You usually have to lie down on your back or stomach on a chiropractic table. This specialized equipment has adjustable sections that can help the chiropractor make precise adjustments.

Your chiropractor might carefully extend your joints further than they usually move or utilize small tools to apply a specific amount of pressure swiftly to a joint. This action helps release gas that’s trapped in your joints and can assist in adjusting your spine’s vertebrae back into place if they’re not perfectly aligned.

What Happens After A Chiropractic Adjustment?

After an adjustment, patients often feel a bit of discomfort or minor aches in the areas that the chiropractor focused on during the treatment. However, this sensation is generally mild and tends to fade away within a few days. People who regularly visit a chiropractor are less likely to experience these discomforts.

To enhance and extend the benefits of the adjustment, chiropractors often recommend specific activities for their patients to do after their session. They can develop treatment plans that incorporate at-home stretches, self-mobilization techniques, and posture training. The goal is to improve recovery and reduce the chances of sustaining new ailments.

How Do I Know If My Chiropractic Treatment Can Be Covered?

Review your policy to see if there are restrictions against chiropractic care. You can also ask your insurance agent to discuss your coverage in-depth, allowing you to understand the full scope, any limitations, and potential out-of-pocket costs.

If your injury or condition is related to an accident, coverage is more likely as long as it’s deemed medically necessary for your recovery. Common conditions that warrant chiropractic adjustments include whiplash and back injuries. You need a good injury lawyer who can ensure you’re fairly compensated for the harm you sustained.

How Many Times Should I Go To A Chiropractor After An Accident?

The frequency of your chiropractic care depends on the severity of your injuries and your body’s response to treatment. Chiropractors might recommend more frequent sessions at the start to jumpstart the recovery process. Many patients undergo three or even five visits a week.

Your chiropractor will monitor your progress and adjust the frequency of your treatments accordingly. Also, they will let you know when they think it’s safe to stop treatment. That will decrease to twice or thrice weekly — and eventually to once a week once your discomfort and symptoms are under control.

Is It Safe To Take A Child To A Chiropractor?

If your child is experiencing symptoms like back discomfort, stiffness, or cracking in the joints or spine, visit a physician or an orthopedic expert first. They have extensive knowledge of growth plates, developing bones, and common pediatric disorders that may be overlooked by clinicians who primarily treat adults.

In general, chiropractors often treat people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. Many parents or guardians take their kids for issues like colic in infants or sports injuries in children. Pediatric chiropractors can help relieve pain, improve sleep, reduce injury risks, and address developmental delays. If you think your child can benefit from adjustments, raise your concerns with their pediatrician.

Is Chiropractic Safe For Older People?

Chiropractic care can help seniors with a variety of issues, including chronic pain, reduced mobility, and age-related issues. It may also help those who are suffering from injuries due to accidents or physical abuse. Moreover, the elderly may benefit from individualized recommendations for nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.

However, it’s important to remember that elderly people may be more prone to certain side effects of chiropractic care, such as headaches or fatigue. Consult a healthcare professional before deciding to pursue chiropractic care.

Should I Go To The Chiropractor If I Fell?

Consult with your primary care physician after suffering from a fall. You may have sustained a fracture, spinal cord injury, or brain trauma — some of the most common consequences of falling. They can advise you on whether you need to go to a chiropractor for your injuries. If you’re experiencing pain in the neck, knee, and back, chiropractic treatments may help by:

• Realigning your back.
• Reducing inflammation.
• Relieving pressure on your spine.
• Preventing further injuries.

Is It Good To Go To A Chiropractor After A Car Accident?

After a car accident, it’s recommended to see both a general doctor and a chiropractor. This is because injuries from accidents often affect the muscles and bones, and chiropractors specialize in treating these types of injuries. Getting checked and treated early on can help prevent long-term pain and issues with how the muscles and bones are aligned. If you wait too long for an evaluation, you’re more likely to face chronic pain and alignment problems.

Can I See A Chiropractor After A Car Accident If I’m Pregnant?

While chiropractic care can be beneficial for some pregnant women, there are risks to consider, especially after a car accident. Some chiropractors specialize in prenatal adjustments, using techniques designed for the safety of both the mother and the baby. However, pregnancy brings unique challenges that can complicate injuries and recovery.

Consult with your healthcare providers before undergoing any kind of treatment for any type of injury. They can advise you on safe and appropriate options for your specific condition. Afterward, it’s also wise to discuss your situation with personal injury attorneys. They can help secure compensation for medical treatments, including chiropractic care, which can be vital in managing pain and aiding recovery without medications.

How Long Should I Go To A Chiropractor After An Accident?

The duration of your treatment varies according to the nature and extent of your injuries. Treatment for minor physical trauma typically lasts between three and six weeks. Meanwhile, it may take a few weeks or months to treat moderate injuries. Chiropractic treatment may be necessary for the rest of your life if your accident left you permanently disabled.

Some factors can extend the duration of your treatment. This is particularly the case if you skip a chiropractic appointment or put off seeing a doctor promptly following the accident. Expect a faster recovery with consistent treatment. If you’re looking to improve your health, a chiropractor can assist in crafting a plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me Get Chiropractic Care?

Yes, having a personal injury lawyer may be beneficial in some cases. There are many situations in which you need to see a personal injury lawyer, such as when:

• Someone else is at fault for your injuries.
• You’re unsure of your next steps after an accident.
• The insurance company denied your claim.
• The person who caused your injuries is not cooperating or denying their fault.
• You’re being blamed unfairly for the accident.

Lawyers who specialize in personal injury can help you take steps to recover your damages, including the costs of your chiropractic care and other expenses. Most law firms offer a free initial consultation, allowing you to understand your rights and options without an obligation to proceed.

Need Help Paying For Chiropractic Care? Contact Our Injury Lawyers

Unfortunately, not all those who need chiropractic care and other forms of therapy can afford them. Are you thinking twice about getting chiropractic care because of financial concerns? If you are injured due to someone else’s fault, we may have a solution for you. Consult our lawyers, who are experts in various personal injury cases. Arash Law offers a free, no-obligation consultation where you have the chance to discuss your case, injuries, and legal concerns.

If you choose to hire our attorneys for personal injury, we’ll immediately get to work to build your case. We’ll work diligently to identify the responsible party and establish liability, ensuring you receive the compensation you need for your medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other damages. Our team can also refer you to medical specialists and chiropractors who can assist you in getting better.

The award-winning attorneys at Arash Law are committed to helping their clients get the most compensation for their injuries. We’ve previously helped a victim who required chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and surgery. The defense tried to deny their fault, but our attorneys eventually won $1.3 million for our client’s lumbar spine injuries and other damages.

You, too, can get what you’re owed with our help. We’ve won over $750 Million in settlements and awards, helping thousands of victims and families rebuild their lives.

Our attorneys can help you get compensation for injuries caused by various types of traffic collisions, including motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, Uber crashes, Lyft accidents, and DUI accidents. We also handle claims involving construction accidents, premises liability cases, and more.

Get a free consultation now. Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.