Can I Recover Compensation For Treatment From a Chiropractor After a Crash in Ohio?

Crash victims need medical care, and one type of doctor who may be able to help is a chiropractor. However, you may be unsure about including this treatment in your claim for compensation.

Below, we discuss the benefits of getting treatment from a chiropractor and when you may be able to include this treatment in a compensation claim.

At Friedman, Domiano and Smith, we recognize the importance of seeking comprehensive medical care, including chiropractic treatment, after a crash. If you have questions about securing compensation for your medical costs and other damages, our Cleveland-based auto accident lawyers are here to help.

Why Chiropractic Treatment is Recognized in Personal Injury Cases

Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals. The treatment they provide is widely recognized as a valid form of medical care, particularly for victims injured in car crashes. There is widespread recognition of the benefits and effectiveness of this type of treatment for various musculoskeletal issues, such as:

• Whiplash: Perhaps the most common injury, whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, causing neck strain.
• Back injuries: These can range from minor sprains and strains to more severe spinal injuries, including herniated discs.
• Joint pain: The impact of a car crash can lead to joint pain, particularly in the knees, shoulders, and hips, as these areas tend to absorb a significant amount of force during an accident.
• Muscle stiffness and soreness: Many victims experience general muscle stiffness and soreness, which can be effectively managed by chiropractic treatments.
• Headaches: Neck, shoulder and back injuries could cause severe headaches, including painful migraines, that chiropractors may be able to relieve.
• Other symptoms caused by your injury: This can include blurred vision, dizziness, and burning or tingling sensations.

Chiropractic care is not just about treating specific symptoms, but also helping to improve your overall quality of life after a car crash injury.

There is growing acceptance of chiropractic care in the broader medical community. In fact, going to a chiropractor is often seen as the first line of intervention before resorting to invasive treatment, like surgery or prescription medicines.

Including Chiropractic Care in an Auto Accident Claim

Many crash victims go to the hospital first. This is often the best idea as hospitals are well-equipped to diagnose and treat a variety of injuries.

Once you have been diagnosed, the doctor may recommend that you go to a chiropractor to help treat your injury.

Some crash victims might not go to the hospital right after the collision. They might not seek treatment for a few days or longer. The first person they see might be a chiropractor.

Either way, if you are seeking treatment for an injury caused by the crash, you should be able to include the cost of that treatment in your claim for compensation. However, it is worth mentioning that waiting to get a full medical examination after a crash is not recommended. Not only could it put your health at risk, but it could also make it harder to link your injuries to the crash.  Any delay in treatment could adversely affect your claim.

If you want to get all your medical bills covered, you need to make sure your injuries and need for chiropractic care are well-documented by medical professionals. Continue your treatments and maintain thorough and consistent records of all your chiropractic visits, treatments received and progress notes.

The experienced lawyers at our firm assist crash victims in keeping track of their medical bills and other damages to help them seek full compensation for their damages. We have been taking on insurance companies in negotiations and in the courtroom for many years. We are committed to securing full compensation and have a proven track record of doing exactly that.

What Are the Main Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor After a Car Crash?

Seeking chiropractic care after a car crash can offer several benefits:

• Pain relief: Chiropractic adjustments to the spine can help alleviate pain without the need for medications. Problems with your spine can often cause pain in other body parts, such as your shoulders or arms. Spinal adjustments could help relieve this type of pain.
• Improved mobility: Chiropractic care can enhance flexibility and mobility, speeding up your recovery from stiffness and soreness.
• Reduced inflammation: Manual therapies can reduce inflammation in the body, which is often a response to injury. When you treat inflammation, it makes it easier for your underlying injury to heal. For example, breaking up scar tissue makes it easier for tendons and muscles to start healing.
• Holistic care: Chiropractors often provide a holistic approach to treatment, addressing the entire body to encourage overall well-being.
• Discovering other injuries: Chiropractors are adept at discovering additional injuries that should be treated by doctors. For example, they may discover an injury that requires treatment from an orthopedic surgeon. They may advise you to get a medical imaging test to diagnose other medical problems.

Types of Chiropractors Injured Victims Can See

Generally speaking, there are two main types of chiropractors: musculoskeletal chiropractors and wellness chiropractors. Usually, crash victims see musculoskeletal practitioners. Wellness chiropractors deal with nerve issues affecting the spinal cord.

Chiropractors can be further broken into the following categories:

• General chiropractors, who focus on standard spinal manipulation and alignment to reduce pain and improve function
• Sports chiropractors, who specialize in treating sports-related injuries and are adept at handling injuries, such as those sustained in car accidents
• Pediatric chiropractors treat children, as they are trained to handle the delicate nature of pediatric injuries.
• Rehabilitation chiropractors specialize in post-injury rehabilitation and can be particularly beneficial after car accidents.

Treatments Chiropractors Can Provide For Ohio Crash Victims

Chiropractic treatment includes a range of techniques, each tailored to address specific injuries:

• Spinal adjustments, which are the cornerstone of chiropractic care; these adjustments help align the spine, reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Soft-tissue therapy is used to treat muscle tension and spasms.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises are designed to improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine.
• Lifestyle and nutritional counseling support your overall recovery and health.

Some of the more specific treatments chiropractors may provide include:

• Nerve stimulation
• Ice or heat therapy
• Flexion distraction
• Muscle stimulation
• Myofascial release
• Spinal traction

Call Friedman, Domiano and Smith After a Car Crash

If you have been injured in a car crash in Ohio and are considering chiropractic treatment or are struggling to secure compensation for your care, we may be able to help you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.