Caring for your body after an accident injury is a complicated process, but you can make your recovery go easier by following some smart steps, learning about your injury and seeking professional help.
The ABC’s – A Through M
- A – Acute Injury – An acute injury is the result of sudden trauma, oftentimes experienced during an automobile accident. The trauma can lead to injuries in your soft tissues and bones, and any acute pain should be diagnosed by a trained injury specialist.
- B – Back Injuries – Car accidents and back injuries go hand-in-hand. Common back injuries include pinched nerves, slipped discs and spinal fractures. Your back can even get injured during particularly lone drives. Here are some tips to help alleviate back pain after a long drive.
- C – Chiropractic Care – This type of hands-on care is preferred for people who hope to avoid surgery after an accident. Through body torquing and manipulation, a skilled chiropractor will work to rid your body of inflammation and related injuries.
- D – Diagnosis – It’s imperative that you visit a skilled physician in the wake of a car accident in order to receive the right diagnosis. Sometimes pain in one region is caused by a problem in another area, but you’ll never know the best treatment strategies unless you get a correct diagnosis.
- E – Exercise – While rest is often a key component of recovery, so too is regular exercise. Movement helps regulate normal bodily functions and maintain muscle in injured areas. Exercise can help speed up the recovery process.
- F – Face Injuries – Facial injuries from accidents are also pretty common. These injuries can be caused by hitting your face on the dashboard, steering wheel or airbag. Broken noses, chipped teeth and swelling/bruising should all be addressed immediately by a doctor.
- G – Gashes – Open wounds are another cause for concern after a car accident. Small gashes can usually be tended to with bandages and pressure, but larger wounds may need stitches. If the wound is deep or won’t stop bleeding, have it addressed by a physician.
- H – Hand Injuries – Hand injuries can lead to partial or severe disability after a car accident. Your hand is such a complex structure, so look carefully for signs of injury, like regular or temporary numbness and tingling sensations.
- I – Injections – Cortisone injections can help relieve pain and inflammation after an accident. Oftentimes patients who are suffering from back, neck or shoulder pain will seek injection therapy, but they can be used for other conditions.
- J – Joint Injury – Your joints are crucial areas that connect two areas of your body. If you don’t adequately address and rehab a joint injury, painful inflammation and arthritis can set in.
- K – Kinesiology – Kinesiology is the study of human movement, and all injury physicians are versed in understanding how normal body structures should perform. They use this knowledge to help spot problemed areas after an accident.
- L – Legal – Most serious car accidents between two parties also have a legal aspect. At Injury Physicians, we’re focused on helping with physical mental aspects of your recovery, but we also work with lawyers and attorneys so you can stay focused on your health.
- M – Migraines – Migraines and painful headaches can occur after a car accident, and these symptoms can linger for months and even years. A neurological exam is recommended if you’re experiencing headaches, dizziness and confusion after an automobile accident.