A slip on wet stairs or a trip on a broken sidewalk can leave you sore for days. At HealthSource Chiropractic of Roseland, Dr. Jenna Patel, D.C., is our personal injury chiropractor for slips, falls and everyday accidents. She examines you, records what she finds and explains what care may help.
Here, personal injuries means slips, falls and other accidents at home or out in public. If a car crash caused your pain, read our car accident chiropractor page instead. For an injury at work, see workplace injury treatment. The information here is educational, not a diagnosis.
Common injuries a personal injury chiropractor sees
Everyday accidents can strain the muscles and soft tissues around your spine and joints. For example, you may notice:
- Neck or back pain after a fall on ice or stairs.
- A sore hip, shoulder or wrist after you catch yourself.
- Stiffness from twisting while you lift something heavy at home.
- Soreness that shows up a day or two after the accident.
Falls can happen anywhere, from your kitchen to a store parking lot. MedlinePlus has a clear overview of falls and how to prevent them.
See a medical doctor first for a serious injury
Some injuries need a medical doctor or the ER before you see a chiropractor. Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you notice any of these:
- You hit your head and then feel confused, very sleepy or keep vomiting.
- A bone looks out of place, or you cannot put weight on a leg.
- New numbness or weakness in an arm or leg.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Severe neck or back pain after a hard fall.
MedlinePlus also explains when to use the emergency room. Once a medical doctor rules out a serious problem, Dr. Patel can examine you and talk about next steps.
What to expect from a personal injury chiropractor visit
Your visit follows the same steps as any first visit with us. First, you fill out a health history questionnaire. Then you tell Dr. Patel how the accident happened and where it hurts. Next, she does a physical exam that checks your posture, mobility and pain. We take X-rays on site only when there is a clinical need for them. Finally, she explains her findings and a personalized care plan before any care starts.
How we document your exam findings
Clear notes matter after an accident. So Dr. Patel records what you tell her, what the exam shows and any X-ray results in your chart. She also goes over a report of findings with you in plain words. That way, you know what she found and why she suggests a certain plan.
If you need copies of your records for an insurer or an attorney, ask us how to request them. We do not give legal advice, and we cannot promise how any claim will turn out.
Care options that may help
Your plan depends on what the exam shows. Care may include:
- Hands-on chiropractic adjustments for the spine and joints.
- Soft tissue work for tight, sore muscles.
- Progressive Rehab® and functional exercise to help you rebuild strength and movement.
- Class IV laser therapy, when Dr. Patel thinks it fits your case.
- Kinesiology taping to support a sore area while you stay active.
For pain centered in the lower back, our back pain relief page has more detail. Dr. Patel also offers lifestyle guidance, so you can stay as active as is safe.
Insurance and payment options
Coverage after an accident depends on your plan and the details of the injury. We accept most major insurance plans, so please call to check your plan before your visit. We also offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit, plus the APEX discount plan. Our insurance and financing page explains each option.
Book a visit with our personal injury chiropractor
If you are sore after a slip or fall, you do not have to guess what is wrong. Our personal injury chiropractor can examine you and explain your options in plain words. Dr. Patel speaks English, Hindi and Gujarati. You can book online or call (973) 200-2424. We are at 12 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 1, in Roseland.