5 Common Car Accident Injuries and How to Recover
Each year, there are millions of injuries from car accidents. Depending on the severity of the accident, those injuries can be serious or even fatal.
While the majority of injuries stem from accidents on the road, people get injured while driving or sitting in parked cars, too. Why? Because these are modes of transportation, many potential injuries can arise.
With that in mind, we’re going to talk about car accident injuries in this article. We will help you understand how to recover after you’re injured because of a car wreck. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents due to its nature of moving the neck beyond its limit. It is the tearing of muscles and tendons when the neck is forced beyond its natural range of motion. Symptoms of whiplash include:
- neck and shoulder stiffness
- pain
- dizziness
- headaches
To recover from whiplash, you can do ice therapy and prescribed muscular relaxation exercises. You can also do physical therapy or massage therapy for prolonged pain. For severe cases that need surgery, radiotherapy may be used to reduce swelling and aid in healing.
Extra treatment options are anti-inflammatory medications and pain medications. This will help reduce pain and headaches.
Many doctors suggest avoiding physical activities to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Which can lead to neck pain and nerve damage.
As for the question of whether you can get insurance from whiplash, the answer is yes, as long as it is a genuine injury that was caused by a car accident. Your insurance provider can provide you with more information about filing a claim for compensation due to whiplash. This means you also need to learn more about car accident lawyer services and how they can help you.
2. Broken Bones
Broken bones are one of the most common car accident injuries. Bones can be broken by impact or because of the jerking motion of the car. Depending on the severity of the break, healing can be a lengthy process.
The displacement of the fractured bones can cause nerve, tissue, or organ damage which can lead to long-term consequences. To ensure proper healing, it is important to consult a doctor for a professional diagnosis.
In most cases, recovery from this car accident injury requires walking and exercises to increase mobility, continued rest, and physiotherapy. In the interim, pain medications may be utilized to help ease discomfort.
Additionally, depending on the severity of the break, individuals may need to undergo surgery or use a cast or brace to support the injured area. Recovery may be a challenging process, but it will return you to normal or near-normal functionality. Follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
3. Soft-tissue Injuries
Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Soft tissue injuries such as whiplash, sprains, and strains are common after an automobile accident. They can cause significant pain and disability.
Recovering from soft tissue injuries can be a slow process, with patients encouraged to limit their activities. Use ice and heat as needed, and use support devices such as a brace or splint.
Physical therapy is particularly beneficial in recovery and should be undertaken as soon as possible. Chiropractic care has also been found to be beneficial in providing relief and speeding up the healing process.
It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Resting and avoiding strenuous activity can help to reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain medications can also help relieve the discomfort.
4. Head & Spinal Injuries
Some of the most common car accident injuries are head and spinal injuries as these are the body parts that are most likely affected in a car accident. Those affected by head and spinal injuries may experience long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments.
Recovery from these injuries will depend on many factors, such as the severity of the injury, and the affected area. To recover, those affected should seek medical treatment as soon as possible and follow the prescribed treatment plan. They should also focus on getting enough rest and engaging in physical therapy if needed.
Everyone who experiences car accidents should ensure they have access to the best medical care available. They must have the right physical rehabilitation required to make a full recovery.
If a head or spinal injury is suspected, seek medical help as soon as possible. These types of injuries can be life-altering, and prompt attention is essential.
Comprehensive rehabilitation plans and support groups can be a big help to those recovering. With proper medical care, physical rehabilitation, and support, car accident survivors can recover and go on to lead happy, healthy lives.
5. Psychological Injuries
Psychological injuries can also be caused by car accidents. It is often referred to as PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychological injuries involve:
- emotional distress
- panic attacks
- hypervigilance
- nightmares
- flashbacks
It is important to seek professional help if any of these symptoms arise after a car accident. Besides psychotherapy and medications, self-care approaches such as mindfulness, positive self-talk, journaling, exercise, and relaxation techniques can also help in the recovery process.
Recovery usually involves talking to a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist as well as cognitive behavior therapy, and/or other evidence-based treatments such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques. In either case, support from family and friends is key to a healthy recovery. It is also important to seek social support from family, friends, and community networks to promote recovery and foster a sense of well-being.
Common Car Accident Injuries to Be Mindful Of
Common car accident injuries can be both physical and psychological, but there are ways to manage them and recover. Taking part in physical therapy and manual therapies can help to reduce the severity of your car accident injuries. If you suffer from a car accident injury, visit your doctor or physiotherapist to start a tailored rehabilitation program to aid in your recovery.
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