Call Now4 Injuries to Look Out for Following an Automobile Accident
Car accidents can be incredibly traumatic to the body, causing a whole host of injuries that aren’t just painful, but also debilitating. Injuries from car accidents can leave you on the sidelines for months or even years, especially if they aren’t treated properly. Here are four injuries to look out for following an automobile accident, and what you should do to treat them.
Neck Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with automobile accidents. As your vehicle collides with another one—or another object—it can cause your head and neck to rapidly whip back and forth, harming the muscles and tendons in the neck. Whiplash and other neck injuries often have hidden symptoms, and the pain often isn’t noticeable until well after the accident. If you notice pain or stiffness in the neck, headaches, tingling, or numbness after an accident, seek help from a physical therapist to get relief from your symptoms.
Headaches
Many people suffer from frequent headaches following a car accident. Most often, these are tension headaches that are brought about by the stress associated with the trauma of an accident, but they can also be caused by head injuries like concussions. Visit a doctor right away if you believe you have a concussion. If your headache symptoms aren’t associated with a concussion, chiropractic care or physical therapy can help.
Back Pain
Back pain following an accident is often attributed to whiplash, but there can be other causes, too. In some cases, damage to vertebrae and intervertebral discs can be the source of back pain, as the shock from a car crash can damage both structures at once. Car accidents can break your vertebrae, create herniated discs, or even cause a spinal cord injury. If you’re suffering from back pain; you’re noticing numbness in your fingers and toes; or you’re unable to move, reach out to a doctor immediately.
Nausea or Abdominal Pain
Nausea often accompanies brain injuries brought about by car accidents, including concussions as mentioned above. But if you’re noticing nausea accompanied by stomach pain, it could indicate internal organ damage. This is a symptom that shouldn’t be taken lightly, as car accidents can damage critical organs. If you’re experiencing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating following an accident, or you notice bruising on the abdomen, seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
Soft Tissue Damage
Car accidents can damage soft tissue, tearing or stretching muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If you’re noticing swelling, stiffness, and tenderness associated with sprains, strains, or tendinitis, the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method can help. If pain or tenderness persists, physical therapy can alleviate these symptoms.
Get Moving Again After an Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident, there’s no need to suffer from pain or limited mobility. The team at Impact Medical Group of Sarasota is here to help. Whether you’re dealing with back and neck pain, arm and leg pain, or you’re suffering from headaches, we’ll create a customized treatment plan that gets you on the road to recovery. Call us today at (941) 222-1157 to schedule your consultation.
