Should I Treat With An Orthopedic Physician or Chiropractor After A Car Accident in Massachusetts?

It’s an important decision, not just for your health, but also for protecting your personal injury claim that stems from a car accident in Massachusetts. The type of medical care you receive after an accident can significantly affect how auto insurance companies view your injuries and the value of your case. 

This is a question our car accident lawyers are asked many times, “whether I should see an orthopedic doctor or a chiropractor after an accident”. It depends on a number of factors, such as your symptoms, the severity of your injuries, and your goals for rehabilitation. Here’s a clear way to think about it, especially in the context of a Massachusetts injury claim.

At the Framingham personal injury firm, Mahaney & Pappas, LLP, we regularly advise our clients on how medical treatment fits into Massachusetts injury law. It’s important to understand the difference between Orthopedics and Chiropractic.  Here’s what you should know.

What’s The Difference Between An Orthopedic Doctor And Chiropractor?

Orthopedic Doctor

An orthopedic doctor is a licensed medical physician who specializes in injuries to the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and spine.  Orthopedic physicians commonly treat accident-related injuries such as herniated discs, fractures, torn ligaments, joint damage, and nerve compression.

If you are experiencing severe and/or worsening pain, suspect fractures or spinal disc injuries, numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs, limited range of motion or instability after being injured in a car crash you should strongly consider seeing an orthopedic doctor. 

From a Massachusetts injury claim standpoint, orthopedic care is critical because they can order and interpret diagnostic imaging, provide medical diagnoses insurance companies rely upon, determine whether an injury is permanent, assign impairment ratings when appropriate and refer patients to physical therapy, pain management, or surgery.

Bottom line is that the opinion of an orthopedic physician carries significant weight with insurance companies. 

Chiropractor

Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment, soft-tissue injuries, and musculoskeletal pain through manual manipulation and conservative care.

A chiropractor is your best choice if you have neck or back pain (including whiplash), muscle stiffness or spasms, soft tissue injuries without neurological symptoms and/or mild to moderate pain after an accident.

The benefit of chiropractic care is that you often get quicker appointments.  The treatment is non-invasive and conservative.  Chiropractic treatment can be effective for soft tissue and strain injuries, and is helpful early in recovery when the pain is mostly muscular.

Which One Should You See First?

In many car accident cases, the safest approach is to get evaluated by a medical doctor first (ER, primary care, or orthopedic specialist), especially if pain is significant or persistent.  Then follow up with chiropractic care or physical therapy if recommended for ongoing treatment.  Following this approach protects your health, documents your injuries properly and may avoid insurance arguments that treatment was unnecessary.

Can You See Both?

Yes, and many injured clients do.  It’s common to start with an orthopedic or primary care evaluation, then treat conservatively with a chiropractor or physical therapist.  You can always return to orthopedics if symptoms don’t improve.

As long as treatment is reasonable, consistent, and medically supported, seeing both providers is acceptable and often beneficial.

Important Legal Consideration In Massachusetts Car Accident Cases

It is important to understand that insurance companies often scrutinize chiropractic-only treatment.  Insurance companies will try to downplay injuries without medical imaging or physician involvement, much in the same way they argue gaps in treatment mean you weren’t really hurt.

Having an orthopedic or medical doctor involved, especially early in your treatment, helps establish injury credibility, supports future treatment and damages and protect the value of your case.

Bottom Line

• Severe, worsening, or neurological symptoms?  See an orthopedic doctor.
• Mild to moderate neck or back pain?  A chiropractor may help.
• Unsure?  Start with a medical doctor, then treat conservatively.

If you were injured in a Massachusetts car accident and have questions about medical treatment or your legal rights, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Mahaney & Pappas, LLP are here to help. We understand how medical decisions affect injury claims and we work to make sure your case is positioned for maximum recovery.

Contact Our Massachusetts Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in Massachusetts, contact our Framingham car accident lawyers at (508) 879-3500 or contact us online for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your options for pursuing compensation. Time is critical – don’t wait to protect your rights.