Should You See the Chiropractor After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
Many car accident victims in Pennsylvania consider chiropractic care as part of their recovery process. Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, particularly those affecting the spine. Their approach aims to restore proper alignment and function to the body, reduce pain, and enhance the natural healing process. Therefore, it is ideal to see a chiropractor within 72 hours of a collision, especially if you have an injury or feel pain in your neck, back, shoulders, or head.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident
Seeing a chiropractor after a car accident can offer several advantages for your recovery:
Non-Invasive Treatment
Chiropractic care focuses on non-surgical and drug-free approaches to healing, reducing the need for invasive procedures or long-term medication use.
Pain Relief
By addressing the underlying causes of pain, chiropractic adjustments can provide natural pain relief.
Restored Mobility
Car accident injuries can restrict movement and limit mobility. Chiropractic techniques, including adjustments and therapeutic exercises, aim to restore proper alignment and range of motion, enhancing your overall mobility.
Faster Recovery
Chiropractic care can help speed up the recovery process by promoting optimal healing conditions and addressing any lingering issues that could impede your progress.
Common Car Accident Injuries Treated by Chiropractors
Car accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor sprains and strains to more severe conditions. Some common car accident injuries that chiropractors treat include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from the sudden back-and-forth movement of the head during impact. Chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and restore range of motion in the neck.
- Back Injuries: Chiropractic care can provide relief for various back injuries, such as herniated discs, spinal misalignments, or muscle strains, through spinal manipulations, stretches, and strengthening exercises.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries can be treated with massage therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to promote healing and reduce pain.
Will Car Insurance Pay for Chiropractic Visits?
Car insurance coverage for chiropractic treatment after a collision in Pennsylvania can vary depending on the specific insurance policy and the circumstances of the accident. Generally, Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” state, meaning drivers can choose between no-fault insurance or traditional fault-based insurance.
No-Fault Insurance
If you have chosen no-fault insurance coverage, also known as personal injury protection (PIP), it typically includes coverage for medical expenses, including chiropractic care, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. PIP coverage is designed to provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. However, there may be limits and restrictions on the amount of coverage available.
Traditional Fault-Based Insurance
If you have opted for traditional fault-based insurance coverage, you will generally need to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to seek compensation for your injuries, including chiropractic treatment. In fault-based insurance systems, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is typically responsible for covering the medical expenses of the injured party.
Consulting an experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer can provide valuable guidance. They can review your insurance policy, evaluate the circumstances of your accident, and help navigate the claims process to ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation for your chiropractic treatment and other medical expenses. Contact Rosenbaum Injury Firm for a free consultation today.