- I’m not bleeding, so I don’t have any injuries .
We’re all used to watching TV shows where characters end up in shambles after a crash. In fact, most car accidents aren’t that bloody, leading people to believe they’re not hurt. The pain you feel after a crash is by no means an accurate indicator of the extent of damage to your body. And your medical condition can only be verified after an objective evaluation by a qualified accident doctor. Most injuries do not manifest themselves externally in the form of cuts, bruises, or bleeding, but are instead “soft tissue injuries.” Soft tissue includes ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves. Injuries to these areas are just as serious and often have lifelong consequences if not treated properly.
- The pain will go away on its own over time.
No no no! If you experience discomfort or pain of any kind after an accident, no matter how minor, it is a sign that one of your internal structures has suffered significant damage. Unless you receive treatment for that injury, the pain and symptoms will only get worse over time. By allowing the injury to worsen, you are putting yourself at risk for permanent damage. Plus, the longer the time lapse between the accident and your first visit to the doctor, the weaker your case against the insurance companies will be.
- I can treat pain with medication.
Painkillers, whether over-the-counter or prescription, do not treat injuries. Again: they do not treat injuries . This goes hand in hand with the idea that injuries will heal on their own, but as mentioned above, this is completely wrong. Medications only help treat the symptoms of the real problem, so the pain and other symptoms will return when the medicine wears off. In addition, extended use of painkillers has been shown to have adverse effects, such as damage to internal organs and intestines.
- Visit only the general practitioner.
It is usually a good idea to visit your general physician for pain and symptoms right after a car accident. These people usually perform a preliminary examination and assess your symptoms and then prescribe painkillers. However, you should keep in mind that there are specializations in medicine to accurately recognize, diagnose, and treat health problems. Car accidents have a particular pattern of injuries that require a specialist doctor capable of finding them in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Chiropractors are the experts in the field of car accident injuries and are trained to treat the true cause of the problem and stimulate your recovery based on your health condition.
- Opting for surgeries and other invasive procedures too soon.
Pain is not an accurate indicator of the extent of damage from an internal injury. You should always begin your treatment with more conservative, less invasive options that will reduce your chances of having to undergo surgery. Surgical procedures do not guarantee a full recovery and may even increase your rehabilitation time. Chiropractic care is proven to be effective in treating car accident injuries, providing relief from pain and symptoms. These therapies also greatly reduce your chances of needing surgery in the long term. In rare cases , your chiropractor may refer you to an orthopedist for further testing and suggested treatments. This situation may occur when the injuries are quite severe and do not respond to standard adjustments or manual therapies.
- “Soft tissue” injuries are not serious.
The phrase “soft tissue” creates the misconception that these injuries are not acute or require urgent attention. And part of this misunderstanding is because they cannot be easily diagnosed. Soft tissue injuries do not show up on x-rays and their symptoms vary in type and intensity. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves are all characterized as “soft tissue.” Damage to any of these elements affects the other structures as they work together in every aspect to execute necessary bodily movements and functions. Furthermore, insurance companies have gone to great lengths to downplay the importance and value of these tissues. However, the best chiropractors can diagnose and present your injuries in a way that will ensure you do not fall victim to these tactics.
- I have to pay for the treatment out of my pocket.
There are many cases of people who decide not to pursue any treatment for pain and injuries caused by an accident because they do not have any medical insurance or income to cover the expenses. If you are not at fault for the accident, the other party’s insurance is responsible for covering all medical expenses. On the other hand, if you are the party that caused the accident, check to see if your car insurance has MEDPAY. MEDPAY is a type of car insurance that covers the medical and funeral expenses of the insured person, and provides coverage regardless of whether you are the party that caused the accident. Keep in mind that, by law, your insurance premiums will not increase if you use your MEDPAY. In any case, talk to your chiropractor to find out your options.
All of the points discussed above come together to determine your condition and the consequences after a car accident, both physically and, in most cases, legally. Unfortunately, the number of patients and doctors who are unaware of this information is not as high as one might think. Your chiropractor’s knowledge of comprehensive car accident treatment is just as important as his or her skills and resources in making the diagnosis and providing therapy.
Your Sugarloaf Pain & Rehab chiropractors in Suwanee are trusted professionals experienced in car accidents. With over 13 years of experience and specializing in car accidents, your chiropractors at Sugarloaf Pain & Rehab will effectively identify and treat injuries that those less experienced and trained often miss. As a patient, you will benefit from the most advanced techniques and procedures performed by your chiropractor, along with the different cutting-edge therapies that you will only find at this clinic.
For more information about our clinic and the ways we can help you with your unpleasant car accident experience, please call us at (770) 817-3399 or visit our website for more details.
