I was hit from the rear in an auto accident. Now I have head, neck and back pain. What kind of doctor do?

Question

I need to see? Do I need a chiropractor or neurologist? I don't know??

I really appreciate everyone's answers thank you. I don't have a primary doctor however so I'm still uncertain if I should really see a chiropractor..I am scared they might screw up my back and keep me coming back for endless therapy. I'm not sure what a neurologist does either..my back, neck etc is not in condition right now so I need all the help I can get. thank you so much for all your wonderful help.

Answer 1

Before you waste time on a chiropractor who will likely not do anything until he/she gets xrays, release of liability, and talk you into weeks, if not months, of therapy --- just see your regular doctor. Chiropractors, while helpful for some, are not a good option for an acute/traumatic pain such as an MVA.

It is not uncommon for people to have worsening muscle and body aches within the next 2-3 days following an accident. If they think an xray is needed, they can order that. Simple neurological tests can be done in office, and at least they can prescribe you something that can help with the pain too.

Best of luck!

Addendum: I realize there are many here who are advocates for chiropractic care, and the suggestion that PT or traditional medical care is not as effective. The reason chiropractors are even considered is more based on anecdotal (word-of-mouth) suggestion, than any evidence based outcomes. This basically means that chiropractors have very few studies that demonstrate their effectiveness in spinal manipulation is any better than that of time, physical therapy, or other techniques or medication. I'm certainly not suggesting the chiropractors are necessarily "bad," but ask yourself a question -- where did you get your info from? Usually it's from a friend, or someone you know who went to Dr. so-and-so who really "fixed" his/her back, etc. Believe me, if this is going to be filed via insurance, you have a much better chance of less hassles by seeing a physical therapist than a chiropractor any day. I've had several patients who have seen chiropractors over and over. They get roped into the chiropractors ol' song and dance, convincing them that they will need MONTHS of therapy, starting with 3 times weekly for 3 weeks, then twice weekly for another 3 weeks, then once a week for another month or so.

In my practice, I would say that better than 90% of people in MVAs do VERY well with a regular prescription anti-inflammatory and some muscle relaxers. A few stretching exercises and some heat/ice can do wonders, and often alleviate the necessity of further intervention.

Also, here's a clip from a study that I found: "Using an evidence-based approach increases the probability of optimal patient outcomes by improving the health care decision process [3,4]. Chiropractic has, for the most part, relied on knowledge based on anecdote and tradition. Diagnostic and therapeutic intervention decisions are often made with little to no attention to evidence-based methods. Instruction in evidence-based methods by chiropractic college clinics is almost absent [5]."

Answer 2

The snapping noise could be anything. Current soreness in the neck following a hit-from-behind accident can lead to soft tissue injuries in the neck. This can take months to heal. My wife was in an accident over two years ago and her back is only slowly getting better. There is no doubt that you have grounds. Now, here is where you need to take the advice of another poster, and I am agreeing. Don't ask here. We cannot see you, and despite having stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night, we cannot diagnose soft tissue injuries over the internet. Call your lawyer and call your doctor. If your lawyer doesn't drool just a little bit, I'd be surprised.

Answer 3

Start with your Family doctor. He/ she can order any xrays or tests needed to determine the extent of your injuries and it will save you time if you do need seen by a specialist. If there is an injury to your neck or back, a neurologist is the way to go. Make sure when you go to your appointment you take copies of the actual xray and/or MRI films, not just the report. Most won't see you without them and you will ahve to be rescheduled.

Answer 4

A chiropractor is not a medical doctor. A neurologist or pain management specialist could potentially offer you some relief. I have seen both as well as an orthopedic specialist due to arthritis in my spine and hips with good results. You may also need to consider physical therapy.

Answer 5

go to your general practitioner and have them file your car accident. this is proof for insurance companies that you were actually in a car accident, were hurt, and are in the process of seeking help.

i don't care if you don't want to "sue" or whatever, whiplash is a serious injury, and medical care is expensive. you will need all the help you can get, and it should be the other party's responsible to pay your medical bills. period.

your doctor may advise you to try physical therapy before going to a chiropractor. this is not a good idea. hospital's usually don't have their own chiropractor's so they send you to their own PT. trust me, don't wait. go to a chiropractor. they know whiplash better than anyone else.

what happened to me was that the vertebrae in my neck actually twisted to the left. now how's a PT going to fix that? the chiropractor i went to readjusted me about twice a week. it's been two years since my accident, and i am still in daily pain. people do not understand whiplash, but unfortunately, you soon will.

you need as much documentation as possible. go to the chiropractor whenever you feel pain. if you do not get help early, it makes it worse to heal later on. my doctor advised me to go to a PT (which was bull!) and i went on my own to a chiropractor. it is expensive, but if you file it with the insurance company the person at fault will have to pay your medical bills (although this is a pain in the butt).

please, please, please trust me. what you have is whiplash, and it won't go away on it's on. your neck literally snapped about 180 degrees in one second. go file a report so it's on record, see a chiropractor, and file an insurance claim!

good luck

Answer 6

I would start with your family doctor for pain meds, then i would see a chiropractor before i would start physical therapy. I had the same problem you did, and this is the route i took and it worked great.

Answer 7

Start with your primary care physician. You will probably be given a pain medication and muscle relaxer first to see if that helps. If not, return to your primary care Dr. for further instructions.

Answer 8

If you don't have a primary doctor to go to first, I would be seen in an emergency room for evaluation, and ask the doctor that sees you to refer you if you need treatment.

Answer 9

you need to see an orthopedist . Did you retain a lawyer ? If there will be a suit . Most lawyers know really good acident orthopedist . A chiropractor never looks good on a law suit .

Answer 10

Chiropractor. They'll help. Big time.

Unless you've got a nervous system problem, then you'd want a neurologist. :) Hope you feel better soon!