Chiropractors Near Me in NY

What is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who use hands-on therapeutic manipulation, or chiropractic treatment, mainly to the spine. Chiropractors focus on conditions that involve the musculoskeletal and the peripheral nervous system, including herniated and bulging discs. A chiropractor’s principal goals are to improve a patient’s mobility and functionality as well as to educate patients on how to live a pain-free life. You may need to see a nearby car accident chiropractor after a motor vehicle accident. On accidentdoctors911.com we have top-rated chiropractors specializing in treating car accident injuries.

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Certification and Training of a Chiropractor

Chiropractors are licensed practitioners who have achieved the certification of a Doctor of Chiropractic or DC degree. To do this, a candidate must hold an undergraduate degree and complete a 4-year chiropractic program of study.

Specialization is also possible in areas such as orthopedics or sports medicine. This additional training can take two to three years to complete. Chiropractors continue their training and education on an ongoing basis to fulfill mandatory continuing medical education requirements. The training of chiropractors also covers personal & car accident injuries. Check out the list of top car accident specialized chiropractors near you

Car Accident Injuries Treated By Chiropractors

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who deal with car accident-related pain and inflammation affecting the musculoskeletal system. Patients who see chiropractors commonly complain of stiffness, radiculopathy, limited mobility, and decreased functionality of the neck and back.

Chiropractors, usually working along with other health care providers, play an important role in patient rehabilitation following spinal trauma. For example, chiropractors help patients by:

• Reducing the pain and inflammation of accident-related conditions;
• Managing whiplash or migraine disorders that may appear as a delayed, post-accident manifestation;
• Helping patients with the healing of muscle and ligament micro-tears;
• Addressing bruising or damage to soft tissue;
• Manipulating post-accident subluxations of the neck and back.

What Is The Musculoskeletal System?

One of the primary focuses of the chiropractor is the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system provides the body with support, form, and stability. It also enables movement and protects vital organs, such as the lungs, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys.

The musculoskeletal system is a complex system that enables movement of the body and is composed of the following:

• Bones that form the skeleton;
• Muscles;
• Ligaments;
• Tendons;
• Joints;
• Other types of connective tissue.

The smooth functioning and overall health of the musculoskeletal system is dependent on the health of each of its component parts. In fact, when a component part of the system is compromised, the system as a whole can fail to perform as it should.

Typical Chiropractic Examination

The first visit to a chiropractor’s office can last for up to 45 minutes and sometimes longer. A chiropractor will usually focus initially on three main areas to gain a better understanding of your condition:

• Patient history – Taking the patient’s history includes gathering the necessary information regarding the patient’s background, family history, and the condition at issue. Questions generally focus on when and how the pain started, whether it is linked to an accident, whether it is persistent or transient, and if any specific activities worsen it. Describing the pain feeling is also an important part of the initial examination.
• Chiropractic examination – The chiropractic examination is a full assessment that includes an assessment of a patient’s vital signs and evaluation of certain reflexes. Depending on a patient’s complaints, a chiropractor may conduct a neurological or orthopedic examination to assess ranges of motion, muscle tone, strength, as well as the integrity of your nervous system.
• Diagnostic Studies – These studies, including MRI, are helpful in diagnosing recent trauma or additional undiagnosed damage to the body. This testing is an important part of treatment planning.

Findings That Are Significant Following An Accident to a Chiropractor

An accident may cause symptoms and signs that are medically significant. Some symptoms are immediate in onset, while others develop slowly over time. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent or intermittent pain;
• Stiffness;
• Decreased mobility of one or more limbs;
• Bruising;
• Swelling;
• Diminished strength;
• Limited range of motion; and
• Decreased or increased muscle tone.

Typical Diagnostic Testing

There are many diagnostic tools available to chiropractors to assess the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems. This testing provides different types of information that, when taken together, provide the type of insight that can help a chiropractor establish the most appropriate course of treatment for you. Listed below, are some common diagnostic testing that can be ordered by a chiropractor.

X-Rays

A chiropractor may take an x-ray to assess the curvature, or lordosis, of your spine. Following an accident, the spine can become straightened, losing its normal curvature.

Spinal straightening can be caused by the pulling and tightening of the spine associated with muscle spasms. Spinal straightening is an important diagnostic finding and is an indicator that treatment may be necessary.

Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Studies

An electromyogram (EMG)/Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) study is a set of diagnostic tests, usually performed together, to asses whether the patient has muscle or nerve damage. The EMG uses a needle to activate certain muscles with a small electric current. This test allows the medical practitioner, usually a neurologist, to assess the health of a patient’s muscles.

The NCV study involves stimulation of individual nerves to assess whether there is any slowing of nerve impulses suggestive of pathology. An NCV study not only reveals the presence of pathology but can also disclose where, anatomically, the problem originates.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that creates detailed images of soft tissue and organs within the body. This is accomplished using a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves.

An MRI is an ideal diagnostic tool to evaluate common accident related conditions like torn tendons/ligaments, herniated discs, or other soft tissue conditions. 

Computerized Tomography (CT scan)

Computerized Tomography or CT Scan is a medical imaging test that creates cross-sectional images, or imaging slices, of the area of the body being studied. CT scans are effective in evaluating many different types of conditions within the body, including muscle and bone disorders. CT Scans, unlike MRI, however, do subject the patient to radiation.

Common Chiropractic Treatments

Chiropractic adjustments, also called spinal manipulation, are the most common method by which chiropractors treat musculoskeletal conditions. This hands-on approach is designed to re-align the spine and reduce misalignment, or subluxation, of the spine. Patients commonly report feeling pain relief immediately following chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractors also provide other modalities of treatment, such as:

• Therapeutic exercise – Chiropractors commonly focus on the strengthening of your muscles by prescribing therapeutic exercises. These exercises not only strengthen your muscles but also improve your stability, range of motion, and capacity to prevent future injuries.
• Therapeutic stretches – Therapeutic stretches prevent scar tissue formation and the development of stiffness by keeping your tissue flexible and healthy.
• Spinal traction – Spinal traction uses non-invasive devices that result in disc decompression, decreased nerve root pressure, and pain reduction.
• Soft tissue manual therapy – Soft tissue manual therapy represents the spectrum of the techniques that offer pain relief through manual manipulation of the tissue.
• Physical Therapy Modalities – Muscle stimulation, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, and ice and heat therapy are only some of the physical therapy modalities chiropractors use to treat musculoskeletal diseases.
• Lifestyle Modification Counseling – Chiropractors always suggest lifestyle changes, including diet modifications, to promote healthy living and to help patients increase their quality of life.

The benefits of visiting a chiropractor are numerous. Chiropractic evidence-based techniques improve the body’s function holistically and can increase the quality of your life.