How to Treat Back Pain After a Car Accident

Consider Taking Over The Counter Painkillers

The quickest way to take care of back pain after a car accident is to take painkillers to temporarily relieve your pain. Painkillers are a great temporary option as they help you function and perform your daily activities while you wait for a permanent solution to your pain (you should always consult with your physician prior to taking any medication).

The best painkillers for back pain are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These types reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation to injured areas leading to faster healing.

You shouldn’t take painkillers forever as there is a chance you may get addicted to them. They may lose their effectiveness over time causing you to take larger doses that may be detrimental to your overall health. The comfort created by painkillers may also prevent you from seeking medical help which may cause further damage to your spine.

Use Heat Packs Or Ice Packs

Heat packs and ice packs are great ways to relieve pain without any risky side effects. Heat packs increase blood circulation and therefore oxygen to the areas in which they are applied. This promotes faster healing as well as pain relief.

Ice packs reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain when applied to an injured area. Both options come in convenient packaging for quick use.

While heat and ice are great ways to manage pain, they should also not be used as a permanent solution. See an auto accident doctor as soon as possible to get permanent treatment for your back pain.

Massage Therapy

Getting a massage from a licensed masseuse that specializes in relieving back pain could be a great option for you. Sometimes back pain is made worse by stress and tension. Massage therapy can cause you to strain your back muscles.

Massaging the affected muscles can help release tension and help you relax leading to considerable pain relief.

Avoid Sitting For Long Periods

Back pain is made worse by a lack of blood circulation resulting from sitting down for a long time. This is why doctors usually recommend a period of rest following minor back injuries to allow your muscles to health and restore.

If you work a desk job, make sure you get up at least every 20-30 minutes and walk around. Avoid long periods of travel but if you must go on a long road trip or flight, get up every so often to stretch your back. Increased blood circulation to your back will facilitate faster healing.

Consult A Chiropractor

Chiropractors are alternative healthcare professionals that treat neuromuscular disorders such as back pain. They do this through manual adjustment or manipulation of the spine. Patients are also taught how to prevent further injuries and manage their pain through exercise, ergonomics and other non-invasive therapies.

Consulting a chiropractor could be a great option for you if you want to avoid surgery and reliance on pharmaceuticals to treat your back pain. Chiropractic treatment is also perceived to be the most effective way to treat back pain as it deals with the source of the problem rather than the symptoms.

Chiropractic care is a treatment option covered by most PIP and no-fault insurance plans. In addition, if you had a work-related car accident your workers’ compensation insurance will cover your treatments.

Visit Specialist Doctors

If you have suffered severe injuries from an auto accident the only option available may be to get treatment from a doctor that specializes in back injuries, auto accidents.  and other areas that may be affected.

Here are some specialists that you’ll want to schedule an appointment with:

Neurologist- A neurologist takes a look at disorders that may affect nerves, brain, and spinal cord. If you have any damage to these areas, a neurologist would be able to catch the signs before it becomes a larger issue.

Orthopedist- In case your bones have suffered any harmful infliction from an accident, an orthopedist will be able to address this. Their practice is dedicated to non-surgical or medical management during injuries.

Pain Management-  After an accident, you may be experiencing mild to severe back pain. Pain management doctors will administer the appropriate treatment and care to help alleviate tension.

Physical Therapy

Most health professionals will recommend a form of physical therapy to treat back pain after a car accident. While physical therapy may be painful and uncomfortable it is important to attend all sessions and do your best to complete the exercises given. Properly participating in your therapy sessions will help you heal faster as well as ensure you recover all the functions your body could perform before the accident. Physical therapy visits are covered by both the no-fault and workers’ compensation insurance.

Balanced Diet And Proper Sleep

Back pain and injuries will heal faster if you rest your back, eat a balanced diet and get proper sleep every night. A balanced diet will provide the cells in your body with the nutrients they require to heal and regenerate.

A proper night sleep also helps in cell regeneration and for this, you require a comfortable mattress. A suitable mattress will allow your back to rest and relieve back pain while sleeping. In case your mattress is causing you pain, shop for a new one and seek professional advice before making a purchase.

Treating Back Pain After a Car Accident 

It is important to have a medical check-up after an accident, no matter how minor. Some auto accident injuries can be hidden for days or even weeks. The sooner you receive treatment for your back injuries, the better as your injuries will heal faster, and you will experience pain for a shorter time.

Be patient with your treatments as some injuries can take months to heal. Remember to keep records of all the medical treatments you undergo for your back pain after a car accident. These records could be used for claim compensation and reimbursement for your medical bills from the insurance company.

If you’re struggling with finding the right doctor after a car injury, reach out for expert assistance by calling 1-800-897-8440. We will help you find an experienced auto accident doctor near you. Don’t delay, call now, and get on your way to recovery.