Less-Common Auto Accident Injuries You Should Know About
While whiplash and muscle pain are among the most well-known car accident injuries, the impact and trauma caused by severe impacts at high speeds can cause some lesser-known injuries, too. In many cases, the damage may not appear until days, weeks, or even months after the incident. Here are some of the less-common auto accident injuries you need to know about.
Pinched Nerves
The trauma of a car accident can lead to pinched nerves anywhere in your body, but they most commonly occur in the spine. You’ll often feel the pain of a pinched nerve right away when excessive pressure is applied to it. Luckily, pinched nerves can be treated with the right therapy. A spinal adjustment that relaxes nerve endings, along with passive and active physical therapy treatments, can reduce the pain, numbness, and tingling caused by pinched nerves.
Herniated Discs
Like whiplash, herniated discs can severely affect your back. If you’re noticing severe back pain, loss of muscle control, or loss of feeling in your back following a car accident, visit your doctor immediately. While symptoms often appear right away, it’s not uncommon for them to show up several weeks after the incident. This serious issue can lead to permanent disability if not treated.
Knee Injuries
While a knee injury like a shattered kneecap is immediately noticeable, other injuries like cartilage damage may not be. One of the most common is a posterior cruciate ligament injury, or “dashboard knee.” Common symptoms include pain and swelling. Depending on the severity of the injury, rest, ice, and compression can effectively treat it. Tears that aren’t healing can often be treated with surgery.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by even minor collisions. This injury is often caused when the head or skull impacts an object during a car accident. If you’re noticing changes to your vision, memory, mobility, and concentration, reach out to your doctor immediately, as a TBI can cause severe complications.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
While hard-tissue injuries, like broken bones, are immediately noticeable, soft-tissue ones usually aren’t. From muscle strains and sprains to tendon injuries, soft-tissue injuries can affect the arms, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and more. If you’re experiencing acute or chronic pain—or you’re having trouble moving—reach out to your doctor and start a recommended treatment program right away.
Recover After a Car Accident with Impact Medical Group – Lutz
Car accident injuries can be sneaky, and symptoms may not present themselves until well after the incident. Whether you feel injured or not, always seek medical attention immediately following an accident. Impact Medical Group of Lutz is here to support you on your road to recovery. We offer a wide range of car accident recovery treatments to restore your mobility, reduce your pain, and much more. Call us today at (813) 536-0373 to schedule your free consultation!