Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
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What should I do after being involved in an automobile accident?
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How do I know if I should see a chiropractor after an automobile accident?
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If I need treatment for this injury, do I have to pay for it myself?
Answers
1. What should I do after being involved in an automobile accident?
Call your insurance company to make a claim. 2) Find a doctor who focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries due to auto accidents. Though you may have been to the hospital and a medical doctor you still need to see a chiropractor. Why? Because you need a doctor that focuses on the treatment and diagnosis of auto accident injuries. Usually, hospitals will check vital signs, make sure there are no life-threatening conditions, and release the patient with a prescription for addictive pain-relief medication. They do not treat the underlying improper musculoskeletal bio-mechanics that can and often do lead to future pain. Dr. Aprile focuses on treating and correcting the many symptoms associated with auto accident injuries such as: neck pain, headaches, back pain, numbness in arms & legs, sciatica, disc bulge, hip pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, anxiety/tension, and many more.
At Aprile Chiropractic Center, we are specially trained in treating auto accident injuries. Our comprehensive rehabilitation services focus on structural correction of the spine and posture, not just pain relief. In addition to chiropractic spinal adjustments, we also provide other therapies like heat, ice, traction, massage, neuro-muscular therapy and postural exercises. Once a spinal injury due to an auto accident is corrected, or is as near normal as possible, we will help you to maintain the correction in order to prevent the condition or injury from returning. Dr. Aprile and his staff understands the pain, difficulty, and discomfort that an auto accident causes, which is why we treat each patient like a member of our own family, offering an exceptional level of comfort. Dr. Aprile utilizes state of-the-art digital technology to evaluate and treat auto accident victims. We also make any appropriate referrals to other health care providers if needed. Our primary responsibility is giving you the care you deserve and submitting the required medical reports to the insurance company so your rights are protected.
2. What types of patients does Dr. Aprile work with?
Dr. Aprile works with everyone who is suffering from pain as the result of a car accident. He uses a natural and gentle method and works one-on-one with children, adults, and seniors to assist in the restoration and maintenance of health after an auto accident. It is our goal to help you regain your health and independence. Whether its missing work, inability to spend time with loved ones, putting off the yard work and house cleaning, or not being able to enjoy the fun things in life, spinal conditions caused by auto accident injury can affect all aspects of life. Call today, and let Dr. Aprile at Aprile Chiropractic Center help you regain your health and your life.
3. How do I know if I should see a chiropractor after an automobile accident?
You may be experiencing obvious pains and symptoms like muscle stiffness or spasm, neck pain, headaches, numbness and tingling, back pain, difficulty sleeping, irritability, memory loss, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and many other difficulties, or worse than that, you may be injured and feel nothing at all. Either way, did you know that auto accidents can cause post traumatic osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis can ruin your posture (giving you a slumped or hump back appearance). Osteoarthritis can cause the discs in your spine to degenerate and create scar tissue formation leading to chronic stiffness and the inability to move properly.
4. If I need treatment for this injury, do I have to pay for it myself?
No. First, you must understand your rights after you have been injured in an uto accident. Since Florida is a "no-fault" insurance state, you must look at your own auto insurance carrier and the other driver's auto insurance carrier as a source of recovery. Your auto insurance carrier is responsible for repairing your vehicle, paying for any lost wages, paying your medical bills, medical mileage, attendant care, and paying for help around the house if necessary. You should never have to pay a medical bill out of your own pocket as long as the treatment was medically necessary and related to injuries sustained in your auto accident. Our office provides care "on credit" when patients are represented by an attorney. Some car insurance policies also have have what is called "med Pay." This means that your medical bills will be paid at 100% up to a certain limit. My office can assist you in obtaining this information.
5. Should I see an attorney before I see my chiropractor?
It is important to get checked out by the doctor first. That way, the findings from your exam will allow you the information you need in order to decide if an attorney is necessary. If necessary, we can refer you to a reputable and qualified attorney.
6. What if my car sustained only minor damage?
Documented studies by Charles Carroll, M.D., Paul McAtee, M.D., and Lee Riley, M.D. revealed that: "The amount of damage to the automobile bears little relation to the force applied to the cervical spine (neck) of the occupants." In other words, the damage to the passengers is not necessarily directly related to the damage to the vehicle.
