Car Accident Treatment: Getting Medical Care After an Accident
Did you know that crashes on the roads kill more people under the age of 54 than anything else? If you were fortunate to survive a traumatizing car crash, you still might be dealing with difficult injuries. While you may want to move on quickly after a collision, it pays to get the proper medical attention.
Read on to learn what you need to know about car accident treatment!
Listen to Your Body
After a car accident, you may believe that you’ve been fortunate to steer clear of injuries. But the next day, you might wake up questioning that conclusion if you feel sore. Don’t try to be heroic and ignore pain, numbness, and other issues after a car accident.
Instead, seek medical attention to err on the safe side. It’s always better to seek care even if you feel like your injuries are minor. That way, you can avoid seeing a minor injury balloon into something larger.
Facial injuries and bruising can lead to scars or infections if you neglect proper treatment, for example. In a similar vein, hitting your head in an accident may lead to a mild headache. But you could have a concussion or brain injury lurking beneath the surface.
Dull headaches, minor aches, and occasional sharp pains all are worth investigating. Likewise, common ailments like nausea and numbness can be indicative of something bigger. Listen to your body and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Know the Types of Injuries
It can be helpful to understand the types of injuries that may be impacting you following a car accident. That way, you can know what treatments, which may include ongoing rehabilitation, to expect. Consult these helpful resources when you’re trying to navigate the health and legal challenges of a car accident.
For instance, you may experience whiplash if your head jolts suddenly during the crash. Whiplash is a neck injury that may not be noticeable right away. But depending on the severity of the injury, you could endure pain for months or years.
If you sustained force to your abdominal region, you could have internal bleeding. If debris punctures your stomach or your rib cage is damaged at impact, the injuries could be deeper than you think. While your ribs normally protect your organs, they might injure them if they are hit during the accident.
Broken bones are another common injury. Pelvic bone fractures, hairline fractures, and wrist fractures can be devastating. Be prepared for surgeries in the wake of a car accident.
Visit a Medical Professional
After a car accident, you should make a point of seeing a licensed medical professional. If the accident is severe, you may see an emergency room physician first or an urgent care doctor. They can offer immediate treatment to stabilize injuries regardless of the time of day.
If you see a doctor a day or two after an accident, you may have more control over the type of doctor you see. A primary care doctor is a generalist who can take stock of your injuries and refer you to a specialist. For non-life-threatening injuries, they are an excellent choice and can prescribe pain medications as needed.
Be aware that you may need to see a doctor other than your normal primary care physician. Especially if you are facing auto accident injuries, your regular doctor may be wary of getting involved in the situation. After all, they could need to testify in court.
Specialists can address injuries to the brain or specific organs. Orthopedic doctors can address musculoskeletal issues and perform surgeries as needed. Ultimately, as long as you see a qualified doctor, you can get the care you need.
Understand That Car Accident Recovery Takes Time
Different types of car accidents will require different types of treatment. In some instances, you may need to see a physical therapist or commit to long-term rehabilitation. In less severe instances, your treatment could be simple and not require ongoing visits to the doctor.
Massage and physical therapy can be effective ways to reduce inflammation, tension, and swelling. These practices can help rejuvenate tissues that were damaged and increase blood flow throughout your body.
Similarly, doctors and physical therapists may prescribe an exercise regimen. In particular, they will target certain muscles impacted by the accident.
A damaged shoulder or leg, for instance, could benefit from routine stretches and controlled movements. Over time, you can help strengthen and improve flexibility in that area.
You also can be proactive about strengthening your body, and particularly your core, after you’ve been in a car accident. Although you won’t want to endure a car accident again, it’s always best to be prepared. Workouts that strengthen your muscles and cardiovascular system will give you a better chance of a faster recovery in the future.
Finally, keep in mind that 20% of adults experience chronic pain. Even if you feel like you’re alone in your suffering after an accident, you’ll have plenty of company. The key is to trust your medical experts to help guide you toward the appropriate treatment.
Get the Necessary Car Accident Treatment
Getting car accident treatment needs to be a priority, even if you think your injuries are not serious. Medical professionals can uncover hidden internal problems that could become life-threatening if left untreated. Additionally, it pays to listen to your body and understand that recovering from an accident can take weeks, months, or even years.
Find more information on battling chronic illnesses and injuries. Check back soon for the latest articles.
