Chiropractic in Tallahassee vs. conventional auto accident doctors – Which one is right?
A car accident is scary but what happens after can be more stressful. First few hours after the collision seem fine, but the next morning you wake up with a stiff neck, aching back or pounding headaches.
Now, you ponder where do you go for treatment? Should you see a regular ER physician, a primary care doctor or the chiropractors in Tallahassee Florida are the better option?
Both kinds of doctors have their place in recovery. However, you should pick a better suited option after considering your injuries, pain levels, and long-term health goals. Read on to find out the real differences and the type of care to expect so you can make an informed decision.
What do conventional auto accident doctors near me do?
A traditional doctor you would see after a car accident can be one of these professionals:
- Emergency Room Doctors – You may have gone to the ER immediately for a severe accident. ER doctors check for life-threatening injuries through X-rays or MRIs. They give immediate pain relief if needed.
- Primary Care Physicians– Some people see their regular doctor after an accident. A PCP can diagnose injuries and prescribe medication. They refer patients to specialists for physical therapy.
- Orthopedic Specialists & Neurologists – You need a specialist if you have broken bones, nerve damage, or spinal injuries.
Cost of conventional auto accident treatment near me:
ER visits can cost $1,000 to $3,000 for tests and treatment. Primary care visits range from $100 to $250 with additional costs for imaging. Orthopedic and neurology visits start at $300+ per consultation. Physical therapy costs $50 to $150 per session and you will need multiple visits.
Treatment timeline:
Emergency care is immediate, but follow-ups may take weeks or months to schedule. PCPs usually refer patients to specialists, adding more wait time. Surgeries and rehab plans can last several months to a year.
Pros of Traditional Auto Accident Doctors:
- Immediate care for serious injuries
- Access to medication for severe pain
- Can perform surgeries if needed
Cons:
- Expensive if you do not have insurance
- Focuses on pain relief rather than long-term healing
- Longer wait times for specialist appointments
What do chiropractors in Tallahassee Florida do for auto accident injuries?
Chiropractors can treat patients who have had an accident and received sudden trauma. So, they are suitable for car accident injury treatment. They do not prescribe medications, they use natural techniques to align the spine and heal the body.
Common chiropractic treatments include:
- Spinal Adjustments – They correct the painful spinal misalignments which also makes your posture better.
- Soft Tissue Therapy – The treatment reduces muscle stiffness and inflammation.
- Therapeutic Exercises – It also makes the injured areas stronger for better mobility.
Cost of Chiropractic Care:
First visits typically range from $75 to $200 which covers evaluation and adjustments. They you have to pay $50 to $100 per session for follow up visits. Many chiropractors including Dr. Eric accepts PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance. There would be no out-of-pocket costs for car accident victims.
Treatment Timeline:
Chiropractic treatment is ongoing rather than one-time. Most patients see results within 3 to 6 weeks, but full recovery can take months, depending on the injury.
Pros of Chiropractic Care:
- Drug-free, non-invasive treatment
- Faster recovery for soft tissue whiplash injury and muscle strains.
- Affordable and often covered by auto insurance
- Personalized treatment plans
Cons:
Not suitable if you have broken bones
Requires multiple visits for best results
Comparison of chiropractic & conventional medical care: which one should you choose?
| Feature | Traditional doctors | Auto accident chiropractors |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Broken bones, severe injuries, internal bleeding | Whiplash, back pain, joint stiffness, headaches |
| Cost | $1,000+ for ER, $300+ for specialists | $50–$200 per session |
| Insurance coverage | May require co-pays and deductibles | Often covered by PIP auto insurance |
| Treatment Type | Medications, surgery, physical therapy | Natural adjustments, rehab, soft tissue therapy |
| Recovery Time | Weeks to months | 3 to 6 weeks for most injuries |
| Side Effects | Medication side effects, surgical risks | Mild soreness after adjustments |
The best choice for auto accident treatment near me
The best provider for specific injuries is listed below. Be mindful of your expectations and choose the suitable treatment choice.
Whiplash & Neck Pain → Chiropractor
Back Pain & Spinal Misalignment → Chiropractor
Muscle Stiffness & Joint Pain → Chiropractor
Severe Concussions or Head Trauma → ER or Neurologist
Broken Bones & Internal Bleeding → ER or Orthopedic Specialist
Chronic Nerve Pain → Seek a chiropractor for alignment + Neurologist for nerve care
Which treatment approach offers long term health benefits?
You visit the doctors repeatedly after a car accident. While you are spending money and those appointments also affect your productivity at work. So it is obvious that you seek a treatment that offers long term healing. Here is a comparison of traditional auto accident doctors and chiropractors within the aspect of long term health benefits.
ER and primary care doctors focus on immediate treatment
Their goal is to fix critical injuries and manage pain. Once your pain is under control, the treatment stops.
Chiropractors Focus on Full-Body Recovery
Dr. Eric offers treatments with the goal to restore mobility, fix alignment issues, and prevent future pain. Even after your initial symptoms are gone, they continue working on long-term posture correction and strengthening.
Studies show that 93% of whiplash patients who saw a chiropractor had long-term pain relief, compared to only 38% who took medication alone.
Final words
A severe accident which left you with broken bones or head trauma needs ER treatment at first. But if you have stiffness, back pain, or muscle soreness then a chiropractor is often the best option.
Dr. Eric offers faster recovery, non-invasive treatment and long-term healing for whiplash and muscle stiffness in Tallahassee. Indeed, chiropractic care is the ideal choice for soft tissue injuries. Plus, the treatment is usually covered by auto insurance so it is an affordable solution.
Still unsure? Call today and get a personalized recovery plan at Pragle Chiropractic,
Accident And Injury Clinic Tallahassee. We are next to W Tennessee St. providing affordable and personalized treatment for whiplash, muscle stiffness and back pain along with pinched nerves and sciatica Treatment in Tallahassee.