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5 Signs You Have Musculoskeletal Injuries After a Car Accident

Musculoskeletal injuries are caused by sudden impact or trauma to the bones, muscles, and joints. Injuries to the musculoskeletal system are common after a car accident, and they often go unnoticed in the immediate aftermath of a crash due to shock or adrenaline. Soon, they can become extremely painful and debilitating. It’s important to be aware of the signs of musculoskeletal injuries, so you can seek prompt medical attention and treatment. Read on to learn all about the common signs of musculoskeletal injuries after an accident.

1. Pain and Swelling

Pain and swelling are the most common signs of musculoskeletal injuries after an accident. If you’re experiencing pain, tenderness, or swelling in any part of your body, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms could indicate a serious injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, or a soft tissue injury like a sprain or strain.

2. Limited Range of Motion

Another sign of musculoskeletal injuries is a limited range of motion. If you’re having trouble moving a joint or limb, or if you feel stiff or achy, it could be a sign of a deeper injury. This is especially important to note if it isn’t going away as the days go on.

3. Bruising and Discoloration

Visible bruising or discoloration on the skin can also indicate musculoskeletal injuries. This can happen in various ways after an accident, whether it be directly onto a body part or in a seat belt or shoulder harness. This could also indicate a serious injury such as a bone fracture or a deep tissue injury. If you notice any visible marks on your skin while experiencing other symptoms, seek medical attention.

4. Numbness or Tingling

If you’re experiencing numbness or tingling in a specific body part post-accident, it could indicate that the nerves have been damaged. This could also lead to weakness in the affected area, which makes it hard to complete everyday tasks. It’s important to address any nerve-related issues as soon as possible because they could get worse if left unaddressed.

5. Headaches and Dizziness

Finally, if you’re experiencing headaches or dizziness after an accident, it could be a sign of a concussion or other head injury. Head trauma is common in car accidents, and it’s important to get medical attention right away to rule out any serious injuries.

The Earlier You Treat a Musculoskeletal Injury, the Better

Musculoskeletal injuries are common after an accident and can often go unnoticed—that’s why it’s important to schedule a full medical evaluation after a crash, even if you feel no symptoms. The earlier you treat a musculoskeletal injury, the better your outcome. Call the caring team at Impact Medical Group of Brandon today at (813) 522-8885 to schedule your free medical exam.

How to Tell If Your Car Accident Pain Is a Pinched Nerve Versus a Pulled Muscle

Car accidents can be traumatic, both physically and mentally. The pain resulting from a car accident can vary from minor discomfort to debilitating pain. While pain is often caused by either a pinched nerve or a pulled muscle, it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. Knowing the difference can be vital in seeking the correct medical help and treatment. Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference between a pinched nerve and a pulled muscle so you can seek the treatment you need.

Understanding a Pinched Nerve

When there is pressure on a nerve, it can become pinched, resulting in pain and discomfort. One of the symptoms resulting from a pinched nerve is shooting pain, which usually originates from the affected nerve. Another common indicator of a pinched nerve is numbness or a tingling sensation. If the pain is sudden, sharp, and feels electric, then it is most likely the result of a pinched nerve.

Understanding a Pulled Muscle

A pulled muscle occurs due to a strain, often caused by overstretching or tearing. The muscle fibers become damaged, resulting in pain and discomfort. The immediate sensation of a pulled muscle is often a sharp, stabbing pain that eventually develops into a dull ache in the affected area. You may also feel an increase in soreness or tenderness in the area surrounding the affected muscle.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Pinched Nerve and a Pulled Muscle

A significant difference between a pinched nerve and a pulled muscle is the way the pain travels and the associated symptoms. Pain resulting from a pinched nerve typically shoots up and down the affected nerve, which is usually accompanied by a tingling sensation. In contrast, pain resulting from a pulled muscle is more localized and usually becomes sore to the touch or during movement. If the pain in your body lasts longer than a few days, it is a good idea to see a medical professional who can diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options

Once the diagnosis is made, treatment options will depend on the nature and extent of the injury. Muscle strains or pulls often resolve themselves in a week or two and don’t require any special treatment. However, if the pain is severe and chronic, medical intervention, physical therapy, or rehabilitation might be necessary. On the other hand, pinched nerves can be more serious and require medical attention. Treatment options like physical therapy or medication might be suggested, but surgery may also be recommended in more severe cases.

Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life Today

If you are still having trouble determining the cause of your pain after reading this post, it’s time to schedule a free medical evaluation with Impact Medical Group of St. Petersburg. Our certified professionals specialize in treating car accident injuries and can evaluate the source of your pain. We’ll diagnose your injury and provide appropriate treatment to achieve long-lasting pain relief so that you can get back to living a normal life. Remember never to leave pain untreated, and consult professionals to avoid further complications. Call us today at (941) 222-1157 to schedule your free medical evaluation.

4 Ways Cash Practice Chiropractic Care Benefits Everyone

Did you know that cash-based practices are beneficial to both the patient and the chiropractor? Being able to pay upfront for sessions is incredibly appealing to the busy individual or anyone looking for a low-cost option, but chiropractors also love using this business structure for their own reasons. Impact Medical is here to break down the different ways that cash practice chiropractic care benefits everyone!

1. Healthy Bodies Make For Happy Chiropractors

With a more convenient way to pay (and at a lower cost), more people are feeling encouraged to visit their local cash-pay chiropractor more often thus causing more people to nurture healthier bodies. The reason why a good chiropractor gets into the field is to help people, and they can’t do that when those people don’t seek treatment. By offering an easier and more accessible way for the average person to come in for a visit, chiropractors can accomplish their goal of making life better for their patients with bodies that they feel more comfortable in.

2. Encouraging One-On-One Relationships

Normally, traditional chiropractor visits with a single patient occur roughly once or twice a month at most because of how long it takes to set up an appointment and how long it takes for insurance claims to complete their process. Good chiropractors want to get to know you, and that’s not really possible with such sparse visits. Cash practices make it easier for patients to stop by their chiropractic office much more often which makes it possible for chiropractors to have better relationships with their patients.

3. Getting More Done In The Day

Cash practices involve shorter visits because each session is targeted to the patient’s exact needs. This way, patients can spend roughly half an hour of their day on treatment rather than multiple hours. This also means that the amount of time that a chiropractor spends on each patient allows them to accept many more visits on any given day. The difference can be as much as 15 patients per day compared to 4. Having the ability to increase their workload is another reason why chiropractors are starting to favor cash practices.

4. Avoiding The Hassles Of Insurance

No one likes dealing with the intricacies of getting anything done with insurance companies, and the feeling is mutual with chiropractors. Just as patients need to wait to get a letter in the mail and possibly reach out in an attempt to speak with an insurance representative, chiropractors also need to halt their productivity to communicate with various insurance companies to either share information or inquire about claims on behalf of the patient. By simply paying for cash upfront, patients and chiropractors alike can circumvent the hassles that come with insurance-based practices.

Get Cash Practice Chiropractic Care At Impact Medical!

When you visit your local Impact Medical office for cash-based chiropractic care, you’ll have the power to receive the care you need more often and at a lower price. Our chiropractors will be thrilled to see you every time you stop by! Contact an Impact Medical location near you for more information on how you can start.

What’s the 3-4 Second Rule When Driving? Here’s How It Can Keep You Safe

Driving is an essential part of almost everyone’s daily life, whether it’s for the daily commute or running errands. Throughout the years, it’s become more and more apparent how dangerous driving can be. Most drivers know the basics of safe driving: always wear a seatbelt, check mirrors regularly, and keep within the speed limit. Still, there is one important rule you might not be aware of: the 3-4 second rule. Keep reading to discover how the 3-4-second rule can keep you and others on the road safe.

What Is the 3-4 Second Rule?

In simplest terms, the 3-4 second rule is a guideline for how much space you should leave between your car and the vehicle in front of you while driving. The rule recommends that you maintain a minimum 3-4 second gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you, especially when driving at high speeds. This gives you enough time to react in case the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly or slows down unexpectedly.

Why Is the 3-4 Second Rule Important?

It’s all too easy to get distracted while driving, whether it’s by your phone, the radio, or just your own thoughts. By leaving a sufficient gap between your car and the vehicle in front of you, you can help ensure that you have enough time to react if something unexpected happens. This can help prevent accidents and keep you and other drivers on the road safe.

How Can You Use the 3-4 Second Rule As You Drive?

There are a few different ways to put the 3-4 second rule in practice during your daily drives. First, simply count the seconds between when the car in front of you passes a stationary object (like a lamppost) and when you pass the same object. If the gap is less than 3-4 seconds, then you’re following too closely and should slow down or create more space. Another method is to use the “two-second” rule: when the car in front of you passes a certain point, like a sign, you should wait until you pass that same point before counting to two. If you reach two before you pass the sign, then you’re following too closely.

Of course, it’s important to remember that there are other factors that can affect the distance you should leave between your car and the one in front of you. For example, if the roads are wet or slippery, you may need to increase the gap to give yourself more time to stop. Additionally, if you’re driving a larger vehicle or towing a trailer, you may need more space to maneuver safely. Always be mindful of these factors and adjust your driving accordingly.

Schedule Your Medical Evaluation After a Car Accident

No matter how safely you drive, accidents happen. While the 3-4 second rule can help reduce the risk of accidents, there’s no guarantee that you’ll always be able to avoid collisions on the road. If you’re involved in a car accident, seek medical attention right away—even if you feel no symptoms. It could make all the difference in your recovery. At Impact Medical Group of St. Petersburg, we help you get the care you need after a car accident. With our help, you can get back on your feet and back to your life as soon as possible. Call us today at (727) 722-8103 to schedule your free medical evaluation.