Collision and Medical History
Be prepared to explain when the crash occurred, the direction of impact, whether you were wearing a seat belt, whether an airbag deployed, and what evaluation or treatment you have already received.
After a collision, the first priority is identifying injuries that require emergency or medical care. Once serious concerns have been addressed, Dr. Ben McDowell can evaluate selected neck, back, and musculoskeletal symptoms and explain whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
Call 911 after a crash when there is loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, chest pain, breathing difficulty, significant head injury, severe or rapidly worsening pain, weakness or numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, loss of balance, or another possible emergency.
Do not delay emergency evaluation to attend a chiropractic appointment. A chiropractic office is not an emergency department and should not clear a patient of serious trauma without appropriate assessment.
When you schedule, describe what you are experiencing without exaggerating or minimizing it. Relevant concerns may include neck or back pain, stiffness, reduced movement, headache, shoulder discomfort, numbness, tingling, or difficulty with normal activities.
Be prepared to explain when the crash occurred, the direction of impact, whether you were wearing a seat belt, whether an airbag deployed, and what evaluation or treatment you have already received.
Dr. McDowell may evaluate movement, tenderness, strength, sensation, reflexes, posture, or other findings relevant to the symptoms. The exact examination should reflect the clinic's documented process.
The recommendation may be chiropractic care, additional medical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, another specialist, or a coordinated plan. Chiropractic treatment should begin only when serious injury and contraindications have been appropriately considered.
Atlas Orthogonal may be considered when an upper-cervical finding is relevant and the technique is appropriate. It should not be described as a universal treatment for whiplash or every post-collision symptom.
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Emergency symptoms require immediate care. For non-emergency musculoskeletal symptoms, contact an appropriate healthcare provider promptly and explain when the collision occurred. The right timing depends on the symptoms and any medical evaluation already completed.
A referral is not required to schedule chiropractic care in Georgia. McDowell Chiropractic also accepts referrals from medical doctors and other healthcare providers. Insurance coverage, authorization, and documentation requirements may vary by plan, so patients should confirm their individual benefits when applicable. Auto insurers, attorneys, or a specific clinical situation may have separate requirements — ask the office and the relevant payer before treatment.
Coverage and billing depend on the claim, policy, documentation, and clinic procedures. A benefit quote is not a guarantee of payment. Please call our office to discuss your specific situation.
"Whiplash" describes an acceleration-deceleration neck injury, but post-collision symptoms vary and may involve different tissues or injuries. Some patients may be candidates for conservative musculoskeletal care after serious injury is excluded. An evaluation is required.
No. A chiropractor provides clinical assessment and documentation, not legal valuation or a guaranteed claim outcome. Ask a qualified attorney for legal advice.