Whether you have experienced a car accident or recently sustained a sports injury, trying to understand the origins of your pain can be difficult to approach. When it comes to selecting a medical specialist that can help relieve pain and treat the source of your condition, it’s easy to find yourself speaking to countless clinics and practices throughout Atlanta. With so much information and medical news available, trying to choose the right form of treatment to address back or neck pain can be overwhelming.
One question you may have after an accident injury occurs is whether you should connect with a chiropractor or an orthopedist. To answer this, consider the following information that can help guide your decision:
Chiropractors vs. Orthopedists
Both medical specialists are highly educated and trained professionals who focus on conditions or health issues that affect the musculoskeletal system. In general, they specialize in treating pain that exists within your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Individuals often work with either a chiropractor or an orthopedist when they notice or experience:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Pinched nerves
- Joint issues
- Scoliosis
- Arthritis
- Whiplash injury
- Tissue damage
- Bone fractures
- Accident injuries
- Spinal conditions or disorders
Depending on the circumstances, both types of physicians may recommend similar forms of treatment such as physical therapy or adjustments. What tends to differ between each type of specialist is their approach to treating issues.
Orthopedic Treatment For Accident Injuries
Though orthopedic doctors address similar systems of the body as chiropractors, their approach consists of different techniques. Working with an orthopedic doctor often includes recommendations that consist of pain medications, muscle relaxants, cortisone injections, and surgery. Where chiropractors often resort to physical therapy or manual adjustments to treat pain, an orthopedist will rely on surgical intervention when pain does not diminish or disappear.
To support or repair damaged bones and strained ligaments, orthopedic doctors often use non-biologic implants that made up of materials that not meant to change or move like metal screws.
Chiropractic Treatment For Accident Injuries
Unlike orthopedic doctors who recommend prescription drugs or surgery, chiropractors always rely on natural treatment solutions that do not contain adverse side effects. Chiropractors focus on supporting spinal health and ensuring that the spine is in an ideal position to communicate with the central nervous system. Instead of treating pain through surgery, chiropractors prefer alternative solutions like manual adjustments or acupuncture.
Chiropractors are able to address a wide variety of conditions and ailments that exceed beyond the musculoskeletal system, such as allergies, asthma, fibromyalgia, and high blood pressure.
Making The Right Decision
Whenever you experience chronic pain, it’s important to make sure that the medical specialist you work with has a set plan of action that is not only useful but aligns with your personal comfort level. For fractured bones and damaged muscles, consider working with an orthopedist to repair muscle damage with surgery. If you prefer non-invasive solutions, contact one of our Atlanta chiropractors to understand which methods will provide ideal results.
AICA Atlanta is ready to help whenever you need it. Just dial (404) 889-8828 to schedule a free consultation or an appointment.