On top of being extremely stressful and scary car accidents often leave us in a sea of paperwork and confusion. Many of us get so caught up in how to fix our cars we sometimes forget the toll an auto accident can take on our bodies. Whether you are experiencing pain, whiplash symptoms, or not yet feeling the full effects of trauma from the accident there are some very important questions you need to ask. The following are 3 of the most commonly asked questions we hear in my office from auto accident patients.
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Toggle1. What are Whiplash Treatment Options?
In my opinion this is one of the most significant questions you can ask after any injury. Unfortunately many whiplash cases are taken to medical doctors who often prescribe pain killers which only cover up the symptoms of the underlying problem. It is important to know that there are all-natural treatment options available to you.
Chiropractic: Chiropractic care is an all-natural therapy in which the chiropractor using his hands to adjust and treat misalignments called subluxations in the spine. Don’t let fender benders fool you! Even the smallest car accident can be devastating to your body and eventually lead to chronic pain. You should always be examined after an auto accident, especially since it can take 24 to 48 hours following the accident before whiplash symptoms are present.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is another all-natural healing option that uses stretching and fitness to strengthen specific areas of the body. When used alongside chiropractic adjustments physical therapy can significantly help restore the body. While chiropractic adjustments work to slowly shift your bones back into the correct alignment, physical therapy helps strengthen your muscles so that they are strong enough to hold the bones in the proper place.
Many people may not realize that chiropractors, myself included, often incorporate physical therapy techniques into treatment plans. This saves you, the patient, both time and money while helping to further your recovery.
Pain Medication: There are many holistic pain supplements available today which provide pain relief without the sometimes harmful side effects of prescription drugs. That being said chiropractors will and do refer patients out if prescription pain medication is needed following an auto accident.
2. Will Insurance Cover Whiplash Treatment?
By far the most frequent question we receive from patients when inquiring about care is if insurance will cover their treatment. Auto accidents are unique in the insurance world because in most cases the at fault drivers auto insurance will cover a portion if not all of the medical costs related to the accident. If you are the at fault driver many times your auto insurance company depending on your plan coverage will cover at least some of the expenses. Some auto insurance policies however do not cover medical costs so it is important to have your medical provider check your benefits before care is received.
3. Do I Have To Limit My Daily Activities?
Though we may want it to auto accidents do not cause life to slow down while we heal. Auto accidents are not only traumatic to our bodies; they affect us emotionally as well and can make it hard to focus on daily tasks. I understand the need to continue home life and work as usual, but it is extremely important that you do not put too much strain on your body while it is in recovery mode.
When taking pain medication be especially careful since it can give you a false sense of feeling better or healed. Always consult your doctor before taking part in any strenuous activities, exercise, or stretches. It is better to take things slower than to rush recovery which may cause more harm to your body and health.
Have you or someone close to you recently been involved in an auto accident? Call Hinz Family Chiropractic today at (615) 503-9900 to set up a consultation.
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