How soon should I see a chiropractor after an auto accident?
If you have been in an auto accident, you should see a chiropractor right away. Some symptoms take weeks or months to appear, but a chiropractor can evaluate your physical health and begin the encourage the natural healing process before symptoms even appear. Schedule an appointment right away!
What if I don’t have symptoms right away?
It’s not uncommon for symptoms to take a while to appear after an auto accident. Your soft tissues may have been stretched or sustained microtears, leading to a gradual inflammation. Pain medications taken for other symptoms may mask more serious injuries. Even auto accidents at slow speeds can damage the soft tissue, and you should consult with a chiropractor as soon as possible.
Do I need chiropractic care or massage therapy?
On your first visit, we will do a full evaluation of your condition to determine the right course of action. You may need chiropractic care for structural realignment, and you may need massage therapy to repair pinched nerves or strained soft tissue. In many cases, a patient may benefit from both. However, every case is unique, and an examination is necessary to establish a treatment plan.
Why do I have neck pain after an auto accident?
If you are experiencing pain in the neck area, you are probably suffering from whiplash. Though a seatbelt tends to hold your body in a relatively stable position during an auto accident, the head will still be jolted forward and backward during the collision. This puts a severe strain on the muscles and other tissues in the neck, which can tighten and fatigue causing stiffness and pain. It’s also possible that the spine in your neck or upper back has become misaligned, causing pain from pinched nerves. A full evaluation can determine the cause of neck pain, and chiropractic care or massage therapy can help alleviate the pain and help you heal without the ongoing need for pain medication.
Why do I have headaches after my auto accident?
If you are getting frequent headaches after an auto accident, this may be caused by whiplash. Though your seatbelt restrains your body in a relatively stable position, your head is still free and is often jolted forward and backward during the collision. Whiplash strains the muscles and other tissues in your neck and upper back that may radiate to other parts of your body, including your head. Headaches can also be caused by pinched nerves from misalignment of the spine. If you’re getting headaches after your auto accident, it’s important to see a chiropractor as soon as possible to determine and help correct the injury.
How safe is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is very safe. Chiropractic care is non-invasive and drug-free, and while every health procedure comes with some risks, the risks associated with chiropractic care are very small. Many patients report feeling better immediately after chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness that typically fades within 24 hours.
Our team of highly-trained doctors make your safety and comfort a top priority. And, with our use of the PulStar analyzer machine, spinal adjustments have never been more accurate or easy.
Is chiropractic care painful?
Chiropractic care is perfectly comfortable. And with our use of the PulStar analyzer machine, spinal adjustments have never been more simple and quick. Patients that have been nervous about spinal adjustments find that the PulStar’s quick and gentle taps leave nothing to worry about.
Do I need to see a chiropractor or a medical doctor?
Whether you see a medical doctor or chiropractor will depend on the nature of your injuries. In many cases, however, a patient can benefit from seeing both. A medical doctor, such as in a hospital, will often evaluate for life-threatening conditions or broken bones, but will merely prescribe medication for pain relating to pinched nerves, strained muscles or spinal misalignment. A chiropractor can treat these conditions that are causing pain, and often eliminate the need for pain medications.
Do I need to pay for chiropractic care out of pocket?
Most auto insurance policies will cover the cost of chiropractic care for injuries sustained in an auto accident. Bothell Chiropractic & Wellness accepts most insurance policies, and can work with you to determine what your policy will cover. We can also work with you to arrange flexible payment plans for any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.
Will I have to see a chiropractor forever?s
When you visit a medical doctor, you’re usually examined, diagnosed and put on a plan (such as medications) for you to self-administer at home. Chiropractic care is different in that it requires you to receive treatment at the clinic. It may take a number of visits for a chiropractor to treat acute, chronic or preventive care. On your first visit, we will tell you what treatment we recommend, and how long you can expect it to last.
How do chiropractors perform an adjustment?
A chiropractic doctor typically uses his or her hands or an instrument to manually perform an adjustment or manipulation using techniques developed over years of intensive education. These procedures restore or enhance joint function, particularly in the spine, and can help reduce joint inflammation and pain. Patients often begin feeling better right away.
At Ne-Plus Ultra Auto Accident Injury Clinic, we also utilize a PulStar analyzer machine, which uses technology to identify misaligned vertebrae, and gently nudge the back into place. The process is quick and painless, and computerized data collection helps track a patient’s recovery over time.
What kind of education and training do chiropractors have?
Doctors of chiropractic receive an education as primary healthcare providers. They focus on diagnosis and treatment of health conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, which is comprised of muscles, ligaments, and joints in the spine and extremities, as well as the associated nerves. Education to become a Doctor of Chiropractic is long and intensive.
Most chiropractors acquire four years of pre-medical undergraduate studies before applying to a chiropractic program. This is followed by four to five years in an accredited chiropractic college studying human anatomy, physiology, orthopedics, neurology, clinical diagnosis and laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition, rehabilitation and other course work. Chiropractic education also includes a lot of time training in clinical technique to hone their expertise in manipulative procedures.
Altogether, a student must gain 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience to be awarded a Doctor of Chiropractic certificate from an accredited school.
Does a medical doctor have to refer me to a chiropractor?
Chiropractors do not require a referral from a medical doctor to treat patients, but some insurance policies do require such a referral. While most health plans allow you to simply schedule an appointment with a chiropractor, you may want to look at your policy to be sure. If your insurance policy doesn’t cover treatment, or if you don’t have insurance, you can still receive the treatment you need. We have flexible and affordable payment options.
Is it safe for children to receive chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is completely safe for children. Children can experience symptoms like back pain, neck pain, stiffness and discomfort just like adults do. Since every chiropractic treatment is tailored for the individual patient, chiropractors use specific techniques to perform manipulations on children’s small bodies.