Back pain and similar symptoms are common after a collision. While you should see a medical doctor first, seeing a chiropractor after a Georgia car accident might help you deal with lingering back or neck pain. However, make sure your chiropractor has the proper license before seeking treatment.
How Soon After a Georgia Car Accident Should You Seek Medical Care?
See a doctor immediately after any car accident, no matter how you feel. Some car accident injuries don’t show up right away but might have severe complications if left untreated. Seeking medical care protects your health by allowing a doctor to thoroughly evaluate you and start treatments as soon as possible.
Seeking a doctor immediately after a collision is vital for a car accident claim. Being proactive about seeking care demonstrates the severity of your injuries and shows the insurance companies that you’re taking them seriously. You don’t want to give an insurer any excuse to deny your claim or reduce your compensation, which could happen if you wait to seek medical treatment.
What Car Accident Injuries Could a Chiropractor Treat?
Chiropractors specialize in treating issues with the spine, muscles, and joints. They focus on realigning the body, easing muscle tension, and helping the nervous system function properly. Instead of using surgery or medication, they rely on hands-on techniques to relieve pain and restore movement.
Chiropractors can often help with hidden car accident injuries by targeting the source of the pain, not just the symptoms. Some of the most common injuries they treat include:
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Back pain and spinal misalignment
- Soft tissue injuries
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Joint pain or limited range of motion
- Headaches related to neck or spine issues.
How Does a Chiropractor’s Treatment Differ from a Medical Doctor’s Treatment?
Medical doctors use medications, injections, or surgery to manage patients’ symptoms and repair damage to their bodies. Doctors tend to focus on treating specific injuries, especially those involving broken bones, internal bleeding, or other severe conditions. Doctors may also use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to diagnose a patient’s condition and determine whether more specialized care is necessary.
Chiropractors take a more hands-on approach to treating injuries. They focus on the musculoskeletal system and use spinal adjustments, stretches, and similar exercises to restore the body’s natural balance. They usually don’t prescribe medication or perform surgery, as they are not licensed.
Despite these differences, chiropractors and doctors play vital roles in your recovery. It’s common for accident victims to see a medical doctor first for urgent care, then follow up with a chiropractor to help with long-term healing and mobility.
Do Chiropractors Have to Be Licensed?
Yes, chiropractors in Georgia must be licensed. The Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners oversees chiropractors in the state, sets the requirements to receive a license, and disciplines chiropractors who don’t meet the board’s standards. All chiropractors must go through an approved education course from a school with a Council on Chiropractic Education certification. You can find more information on licensing and education requirements for Georgia chiropractors here.
What Should I Consider When Choosing Between a Doctor or a Chiropractor?
Doctors and chiropractors offer different types of care for car accident injuries, and the right choice depends on your injuries, needs, and personal preferences. Here are a few key factors to consider before seeking treatment:
- Severity of injuries – If you have visible injuries, broken bones, or symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or numbness, start with a medical doctor or visit the emergency room. Doctors can diagnose and treat serious or life-threatening conditions right away.
- Type of pain – A chiropractor might be a good option for issues like muscle stiffness, back pain, or whiplash. Their treatments focus on realigning the body and relieving pressure on muscles and nerves. On the other hand, a doctor is a better choice for more severe pain or internal injuries.
- Recovery goals – Chiropractic care might be the better fit if you want to avoid long-term use of pain medication and take a more natural route to healing.
- Medical referrals – You don’t necessarily have to choose between seeing a doctor or a chiropractor. Many accident victims work with both types of providers as part of a comprehensive recovery plan. You might even get a referral for a chiropractor from your doctor.
Can You Seek Both Types of Care After a Car Accident?
You can see a doctor and a chiropractor after a car accident. Depending on your doctor, they might even recommend you see a doctor to help with your long-term pain and promote the healing process. Another matter is whether an insurance company will cover your chiropractic treatments, so review your insurance policies carefully before seeing a chiropractor. Talking to a car accident attorney about your situation is also smart.
Does Car Insurance Cover Chiropractic Treatment for Car Accident Injuries?
Some car insurance companies cover chiropractic treatments, while others don’t. If another driver or someone else caused the accident, you can seek compensation for the cost of your chiropractic care as part of a car accident claim or lawsuit. You and your car accident lawyer must persuade the liable party and their insurance company to cover your medical expenses, including your chiropractic bills.
If you have medical payments coverage on your auto policy, you should verify the specific details of your policy. Your medical payments coverage might cover chiropractic care, or it might only cover visits with traditional doctors. If you don’t have medical payments coverage, you might need to use your health insurance or pay out of pocket to see a chiropractor.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Whether you see a doctor, chiropractor, or both after a car accident, Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., can help you seek fair compensation. Since 1992, we have dedicated our law firm to providing our clients the highest level of service and fighting for the maximum amount for them. As one former client shares:
“I would highly recommend John Sherrod to help you with a personal injury claim. He and his staff not only settled my claim but were able to negotiate my medical and health insurance liens.”
– Carla Pounds (Winston, Ga.)
We’re ready to listen if you’re prepared to talk to a car accident lawyer. Call Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
