Whether you were involved in a high-speed collision or a fender bender, it’s possible that you sustained some damage to your spine. It may not be immediately noticeable, however. Symptoms linked to spinal injuries can manifest several days or weeks after a crash. They can also cause long-term and sometimes permanent pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of spinal injuries, such as whiplash or herniated discs, can include headaches, neck pain, back pain, tingling and burning in the limbs, numbness, dizziness, and nerve pain.
When should I see a chiropractor?
If you were involved in a crash, a chiropractor can help you recover from the pain and discomfort linked to your spinal injury. A chiropractor can also help you recover from musculoskeletal disorders and soft tissue injuries caused by your crash.
Before seeing a chiropractor, it’s important that you make a prompt appointment with your primary care physician for a full medical evaluation. Your doctor may discover that you have sustained a spinal injury alongside something else, such as a traumatic brain injury or bone fracture. You may have also sustained a spinal injury on its own.
Your doctor also may not discover any noticeable injuries during your medical evaluation. Weeks later, you may experience back pain that you never had before due to spinal misalignment.
If you have sustained a spinal injury, your doctor can refer you to a licensed chiropractor. During your first appointment, your chiropractor will need to get the full scope of your injury. This includes:
- The location of the pain and the source of the injury
- Your medical history and any current medical conditions
- An X-ray of your spine and neck
A chiropractor may then determine how often and how long you will need to be treated. Treatment often includes spinal adjustments. That’s where a chiropractor places pressure on certain areas of the spine to move the vertebrae into alignment.
Can I be compensated for chiropractic treatment after a crash?
If you were injured in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for all medical damages, including the cost of chiropractic treatment. While the other driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying for your damages, it can be difficult to get compensated.
Insurance companies may argue that you were at fault and you took too long to get medical treatment. They may also be biased against chiropractic treatment and reluctant to pay for it. That’s why it’s important that you always speak to an experienced Indiana car accident attorney promptly after your crash.
The Lafayette attorneys at Vaughan & Vaughan can inform you of your rights and the legal options available to you through a free case evaluation. We can also take on the insurance companies and advocate for fair compensation. You shouldn’t have to pay out of your own pocket.
To learn more, contact us online and we’ll get back to you promptly.
