Originally posted on https://www.injuredcalltoday.com/how-to-check-for-any-hidden-injuries-after-a-car-accident/

 

It’s All Over… or Is It?

After being involved in a car accident, many people can walk away and feel as though they are completely fine. There are several hidden injuries however, that one can obtain after being in a collision. Some of the most common hidden injuries sustained after a car accident are:

Whiplash Injury

Cervical Strain, also known as Whiplash can occur whether you hit an object in the car such as the steering wheel, or not. The person’s neck is quickly forced back and then immediately forward. This can happen within a matter of seconds and often the injury goes undetected due to the driver not being aware it even occurred. If gone untreated, these types of whiplash injuriescan bring on herniated discs. This can cause a myriad of issues within the body including in the arms and legs. A person can experience pain, inflammation, and muscle weakness. To lessen this pain, often surgeries are required.

Traumatic Brain Injury (includes Concussion)

If a person hits their head during an accident (such as on the steering wheel or dashboard) this can result in a concussion or other head injuries. The symptoms associated are dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness, to name just a few. These usually can be managed and worked through with a lot of rest and hydration.

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries are a common injury sustained after being involved in a car wreck. The knee during an accident can make a forcible impact onto the car’s dashboard which then can result in the tearing of ligaments in the knee, as well as other knee injuries. A visit to the doctor who will perform X-rays and MRI’s will help determine the best course of treatment.

Shoulder Injuries

Due to the shoulder holding the greatest range in motion compared to other joints within our bodies, it is understandable how shoulder injuries can be commonly seen among car accident patients.

During impact, a driver’s shoulder can be pushed out of its socket, which can result in immense pain. Shoulder injuries, much like knee injuries can get worse over time in terms of the pain level.

Shoulder injuries can go undetected until a person involves themselves in certain activities that are strenuous such as strength training exercises. If shoulder pains are left untreated, this can then result in a person losing sleep, and having a direct effect on their day-to-day living. If prolonged enough, the injuries can result in needing surgeries.

Psychological Impacts

After being involved in a car accident and dealing with minor to major injuries, this can cause a host of negative emotions for the person involved. A person can be traumatized with stress, insomnia, even major depressive episodes. These emotions are like those with people who deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In some worst cases, a person could be afraid, for instance, to drive in their car again in fear that an accident will occur a second time.

Road To Recovery After a Car Accident

There are several outlets and solutions one can take advantage of during their road to recovering from a car accident.

Accident & injury clinics are at the patient’s disposal for helping with recovering from injuries or traumatic emotions associated with the event. There is a large network of people to help patients with their recovery. These include:

Doctors from Different Medical Specialties (Multi-Specialty)

Doctors from different medical disciplines will work as a multi-specialty team to help assist with the patient’s diagnosis. These medical specialties include orthopedists, chiropractors, neurologists, pain management doctors, physiatrists, and more. They will utilize testing such as MRI’s, X-rays, and the like in order to determine the state of the injury.

Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals will then develop an effective recovery plan. After the tests are completed, a medical provider will determine if the patient needs any surgeries performed as well as if any medications could be of use.

Psychologists

Psychologists can help you work through your mental well-being. They will help you work through any trauma that may be associated with your injury. These include stress, anxiety, the feeling of loss, etc. They will help you implement ways to turn around those negative thought patterns and look for solutions and discovery of higher self-worth.

Physical Therapists

Physical Therapists are there to help manage the pain and muscle movements using various exercises. These can include both cardio exercises such as the use of a treadmill, swimming, biking, as well as strength training to build muscle mass and further joint health. These include the lifting of weights, floor exercises, etc.

Nutritionists

Nutritionists will help to make sure the body is taking in the correct amount of nutrients for the body, and mind to work at its best. Even the slightest changes in nutrition can influence the entire body and mind. Multi-Specialty clinics are a great source for all patients to take advantage of for their path to recovery.

Family and Friends

Family and friends can help. Last, but certainly not least, after someone is involved in sustaining injuries after a car accident, they can turn to their family and friends. A simple friendly phone call or a quick visit can make a huge impact on a patient’s mental state. This can help take the focus off any physical pain they are experiencing.

Get Help with Your Injuries Today

Hidden injuries after a car accident can still be detected and dealt with. Please visit our site for more information.