Having to live through a car accident is one of the most traumatic experiences you could have. Even though there are rules and regulations to be followed on the road, there are still some shortcomings. It is because the system is faulty due to human error. Human beings are bound to make mistakes and critical errors on the road. It may be because of a lack of maturity and experience while driving. It could also be a moment of recklessness from one person. Whatever the reason, a nasty car accident can be the outcome you have to face. There are certain risks to your body after it suffers from a car accident. There may be some apparent damage, and there can also be the damage that shows up later. It all depends on if you seek out the appropriate car injury doctors on time.
There are lots of reasons a car accident can take place. The most common cause happens to be distracted driving. When you are on the wheel and in the midst of the traffic, it is crucial to keep your focus intact. The reality is that you can’t look away while you’re driving because the next thing you know when you look back up is that the scenario has completely changed. It can all happen that quickly. All it takes is a moment’s distraction to alter someone’s life forever. It could very much be your own. If you have certain things going on that won’t let you focus on driving safely, it is best not to drive at that particular moment.
Car Accident Injuries
1. Whiplash
In the miraculous scenario where someone escapes from the clutches of death by a car accident, the trouble isn’t over just yet. After a nasty collision, you could most certainly suffer from some particular injuries that could lead to all kinds of bodily complications. The most frequent on the long list of complications happens to be whiplash. It occurs due to an accident where your car gets hit with blunt force from behind. The force propels your upper body forwards while the rest of your body stays back due to the seatbelt. It leaves your back in an unusual S-shaped figure that would only get worse if left untreated. The condition can leave you with high levels of pain in the neck and back.
Alas, whiplash isn’t the only complication you may face after an accident. Due to the impact of the collision, several tissues in the body can rupture. It is an internal issue that only becomes apparent after some time of the accident. This tearing can lead to immense pain in the body if left untreated. Soft tissue is one of the most sensitive parts of the body. It is why this tissue is the first in line when it comes to damage suffered during an accident. The tissue that ruptures will take time to heal, and it may never be as perfect as it was before.
2. Herniated discs
Car accidents can also be extremely damaging for your spine. Every time you get in your car, your spinal cord will be at risk of potential damage. One of the most troublesome complications you could face is herniated discs. It is these discs in the spine that support the vertebrae. It is because the discs are shock absorbers and help cushion the vertebrae from potential damage. Due to the impact of the accident, these discs can rupture. When the disc ruptures, the jelly-like substance inside leaksout into the surrounding and puts unwanted pressure on the surrounding nerves. You will start to feel a tingly sensation in your arms and legs. After some time, you will feel a sharp pain that will give a burning sensation inside your body. The condition keeps on getting worse over time, so it is advisable to seek medical help as soon as possible.
3. Fractures
Aside from herniation, your vertebrae themselves can suffer some damage. The fractures on your vertebrae can show up anywhere along the spine and can lead to long-term complications. There are numerous kinds of conditions like burst fractures, flexion fractures, and vertebral compressions. The fractures of the spine can lead to a great deal of pain. It gets worse with more movement, and the pain can get more severe. If the spinal fracture also affects the spinal cord, it can lead to a loss of voluntary function in the body.
After an accident, the advisable thing to do would be to visit the hospital. Even if you feel fine at the moment, it is never a bad idea to be cautious. Therefore, when you are involved in a car accident, you should get a checkup with medical experts. Most car injury doctors are likely to opt for an X-ray to check for fractures or hidden damage. However, a more in-depth review of the body is required sometimes. In this case, the doctor can demand a computed tomography or a magnetic resonance image. It is crucial to provide the doctor with the whole story, filled with all the details.
Once you have received the proper diagnosis, you can move on to the appropriate treatment. A whiplash doctor can help you treat back and neck pain. Since each individual is not the same, the chiropractic treatment will also vary from person to person. The chiropractic treatments commonly used are manipulation, massage therapy, moist heat or ice, muscle stimulation, and rehabilitation exercises. The primary goal of chiropractic care is to diminish the long term pain caused by the injuries. In the early stages of the treatment, the chiropractor prioritizes your neck and back pain. The next part of the treatment is the restoration of the movement and function of your body. It helps you get on with everyday life with minimal changes to your lifestyle. Chiropractors implement a combination of the strategies mentioned above. It is to develop an ideal plan for recovery from a whiplash injury that prevents future chances of back pain. The chiropractor can also identify certain factors from your medical history to determine if you are more prone to long-term pain from a whiplash complication.
However, the injuries suffered in an accident may sometimes be too great to opt for a rehabilitation program. In this case, surgery can take place. This treatment is invasive and comes with its risks. It is discouraged by doctors when non-invasive options are available. The types of surgery include discectomy, laminectomy, vertebroplasty, and spinal fusions. Other surgeries stabilize bone fractures, address internal injuries, and repair ruptured tissue.
Final Words
Considering the pain and lengthy treatments, it is safe to say that no one would want to get caught up in the middle of all this. When it comes to the roads, it is better to be safe than sorry. It may be true that accidents happen, but it is our duty as law-abiding citizens to follow the rules for everyone’s safety. Getting a checkup after an accident makes sense. However, if you want to prevent such a scenario in the first place, be sure to buckle up and keep your eyes on the road!
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