What if I just take pain medications from my family doctor instead of seeing a chiropractic doctor for my car crash injury?

If you choose not to see a chiropractor like Dr. Sheely after a car crash and instead rely solely on pain medications prescribed by your family doctor, there are several serious risks and missed opportunities to be aware of:

⚠️ 1. Pain Medication Only Masks the Problem

Pain medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, opioids) do not treat the underlying injury—they simply numb the pain. This can lead to:

• Delayed diagnosis of spinal injuries (disc herniations, ligament sprains, nerve root compression, etc.)

• Continued mechanical stress that worsens the injury without you realizing it

• Missed early intervention opportunities that could prevent long-term complications.

  
  

🧠 2. Ligament and Disc Damage Can Become Permanent

According to research referenced by Dr. Sheely:

• Ligament injuries from whiplash never fully heal once damaged.

• Discs are innervated with pain-sensing nerves, and injuries (like annular tears) can lead to chronic discogenic back pain.

• Herniated or protruded discs may compress nerve roots, causing radiating pain and possible weakness, potentially requiring surgery if left untreated.

  
  

🔥 3. Inflammatory Reactions Like Chemical Radiculitis Can Develop

A tear in a disc can leak fluid that causes chemical radiculitis—an intensely painful inflammatory reaction along the nerve root. This condition is often undiagnosed and untreated with medications alone.

🧬 4. You May Miss Evidence of a Recent Injury

If you don’t get evaluated promptly:

• Acute findings (like edema or disc extrusion) may be misinterpreted later as degenerative or pre-existing.

• A chiropractic physician, like Dr. Sheely can use MRI or X-ray imaging to age-date your injury and document it accurately for medical or legal purposes.

  
  

📉 5. Crash Injuries Are Often Underdiagnosed

Most crash-related spinal injuries—especially disc injuries—are underreported by up to 99% in national data, especially in low-impact crashes. If you’re not examined by a specialist who knows what to look for, your injuries might not even be acknowledged.

✅ Why See Dr. Robert B. Sheely at Middletown Spine and Injury?

• He specializes in accurate trauma analysis, spinal diagnostics, and long-term functional recovery.

• He can document your injuries for insurance/legal use, and will testify in court, if needed - something most primary care doctors are not equipped to do.

• Dr. Sheely uses advanced imaging, rehabilitative therapy, and chiropractic care to address both pain and the root cause of injury.

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📍 Contact Dr. Sheely Today

Middletown Spine and Injury - Sheely Chiropractic ,

A division of Dr. Robert B. Sheely Inc.

📍 1002 N. University Blvd, Middletown, Ohio 45042

📞 Phone: 513-217-7035

📠 Fax: 513-318-4973

📧 Email: drrob@sheelychiro.com🌐 Website: www.sheelychiro.com