In the United States, there are thousands of auto accidents happening every single day. We all hope to avoid being in an accident, but the reality is that these accidents do happen. When they do, car accidents can often lead to a myriad of injuries, some of which can cause long-term medical complications if not addressed promptly. In this blog, we’ll explain some of the more common car accident injuries, as well as tips for mitigating long-term disability after an accident has occurred. 

Understanding Car Accident Injuries

Understanding common injuries typically received during a car accident is crucial when addressing and assessing your situation post-accident. Some may be very obvious, while others may not show signs or symptoms until days after the accident occurs. The more understanding you have, the better equipped you will be to make important decisions in times of emergency.

 

Chronic Pain:

 

One of the most prevalent long-term issues after a car accident is chronic pain, affecting areas such as the neck, back, or joints. This ranges from issues like pinched nerves and sciatica, to  This ongoing pain can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life if left untreated. 

 

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs):

 

Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can result in long-term cognitive impairments including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes. Signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not show up immediately. Some signs of concussion and brain injury include:

 

• Headache
• Blurry Vision
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Ringing in the ears
• Amnesia surrounding the event
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Feelings of confusion
• Dazed appearance
• Delayed response to questions
• Slurred speech

 

Spinal Cord Injuries:

 

Your spine is the foundation of your body, supporting you through movement, flexibility, and strength. Even minor injuries to the spinal cord can severely affect an individual’s daily functioning and independence. Symptoms of spinal cord injury include loss of sensation, mild to severe pain during regular movements, decreased mobility, or even paralysis. 

 

Fractures:

 

Bone fractures are prevalent in car accidents, varying from hairline fractures to the bone, to compound fractures where the bone breaks through the skin. Fractures can affect any bone in the human body and the severity depends on the impact and the area of the body affected during the accident.

 

Soft Tissue Damage:

 

Soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can sustain damage due to the force of impact during an accident. Strains, sprains, and tears in these tissues can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Soft tissue injuries might not be visible externally, but they can lead to significant discomfort and hinder daily activities.

 

Internal Injuries:

 

Car accidents can also cause internal injuries that are not immediately apparent. Damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys might not exhibit symptoms initially, but can lead to severe complications if left untreated.

 

What Should I Do After I Am Involved In A Car Accident?

 

In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a car accident, it is important to know what to do next, in order to help prevent long-term disability. 

Assessing the Impact and Immediate Self-Assessment

 

As we have noted, car accidents can cause various injuries, from whiplash and concussions, to fractures and soft tissue damage. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in significant physical trauma. It’s essential to understand the potential severity of these injuries, as some may not manifest symptoms right awayImmediately after an accident, it’s essential to assess the severity of the crash, and evaluate oneself for any signs of injury. Is your neck or back in pain? Do you feel any discomfort during normal movements? Take note of any memory lapses or feeling disoriented, as these could also be indicative of a concussion. Moving your limbs gently and checking for any unusual sensations or inability to move certain body parts can indicate potential injuries. 

 

Importance of Immediate Medical Attention:

 

If your accident does not require an emergency visit to the hospital, then it is recommended that you seek immediate medical care as soon as possible after the accident, even if injuries seem minor. You may feel fine directly after the accident, but when the adrenaline wears off, the aches and pains of injuries sustained can reappear and point to longer-term conditions. Prompt assessment by a specialized team can help detect those underlying injuries and help mitigate the long-term disabilities.

 

Contacting Stridewell for Immediate Evaluation:

 

Following a car accident, it’s imperative to contact Stridewell as soon as possible to schedule a comprehensive evaluation, even if no immediate symptoms are apparent. 

 

 

Treatment Options for Long-Term Injuries

General Evaluation:

At the bare minimum, a general medical evaluation should be performed on anyone involved in a car accident. At Stridewell, our specialized team is specifically trained to address car accident patients and identify those often difficult to see signs of future complications.

Concussion Assessment:

 

Concussion assessments will often start by setting a baseline measurement on things like strength, balance, vision, and reflexes. Once a baseline is established, your medical team can help you track improvement and recommend appropriate rehabilitation options.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation:

 

Comprehensive rehabilitation may be recommended for long-term injuries due to the multifaceted nature of recovery. Programs typically focus not only on physical rehabilitation, but also on addressing psychological aspects, providing emotional support, and promoting a positive mindset that is essential for recovery.

 

Surgical Interventions:

 

In cases where conservative treatments are insufficient, some surgical procedures may be recommended, including spinal surgeries, joint reconstructions, or nerve surgeries. These interventions aim to alleviate symptoms and improve function for patients with severe or progressive injuries.

 

Ongoing Monitoring and Support:

 

Continuous monitoring and support to individuals with long-term injuries is vitally important to the long-term recovery from car accident injuries. Following treatment, Stridewell’s team remains actively engaged with patients, regularly assessing progress, modifying treatment plans, and ensuring that the necessary support is provided at every stage of the recovery journey.

 

Stridewell’s Commitment to Comprehensive Care

 

While car accidents can result in various severe injuries, with early intervention and expert care , these long-term effects can be minimized, and patients can work towards regaining functionality and improving their quality of life. 

 

Following a car accident, finding the ideal treatment can be frustrating and time consuming. Stridewell’s expert team is able to provide same-day diagnosis and a specialized treatment plan for patients suffering from auto-accident pain If you’ve experienced a car accident and are concerned about potential long-term injuries, call us at 928-800-8283 or click here to request and appointment.  

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