Knowing the Signs of a Back Injury After a Car Accident

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

When you have recently been in a car accident, you may be sore and unsure of what to do next. You may think that your injuries are just a result of bruising and that there is nothing to worry about. You may be completely wrong though. Whether you have visible injuries or think it is just bruising, you should always have your injuries checked out after an accident to be sure.

Many of the injuries that occur during an accident take time to appear. This absence of visible injury is not to say that they are not there, but because they are not viewable, they often go unnoticed until symptoms start showing. Having yourself checked by a doctor after an accident could help you find these hidden injuries after an accident and prevent further damage later.

Do You Have Pain in Your Back?

Did you have back pain after your accident? Do you have back pain now? If you did not have back pain right after your accident and now you find that you do, you may write it off as sleeping wrong or some other issue. This pain could, in fact, be a result of your car accident. Auto accidents are traumatic events that cause significant amounts of stress. Your body’s natural defense is a burst of adrenalin. This increased adrenalin often makes your body feel energized and powerful, as the adrenaline wears off though the real results of your accident become evident.

Now you are feeling the pain. If the pain you experience is unbearable or is accompanied by swelling, you will want to contact a doctor immediately. Even if you do not notice anything but pain and bruising you should contact your doctor, to have it checked. Any of these signs could signify you have a more severe injury than you initially believed. Some of these hidden injuries could include a spinal injury or bruising, torn or ruptured discs, tears and strains in the ligaments or muscles, and nerve damage.

All of these conditions will require medical treatment for proper healing. Treatment type and length will depend on many factors. Your doctors will consider factors like age, the severity, and location of the injury, your average activity level, and pre-existing medical conditions. Some treatments that may be required are surgery, chiropractic care, and physical therapy.

Short Term Effects Caused By Back Injuries

Back injuries caused by an auto accident have many short-term effects. These results will include pain, loss of work, and the need for frequent medical visits. You may also experience temporary loss of movement, depending on how severe your back injury and if it has affected your spine.

These short-term injuries will typically work themselves out in a few weeks or maybe even two or three months. You may find you can return to work, you could regain mobility, and your doctor’s visits will become more spread out. During this time, you want to make sure you follow all of your medical provider’s instructions. You will need a lot of rest to let your body heal from these injuries to avoid injuring yourself further. Avoid strenuous activities and do light stretches to help keep your muscles from weakening.

Long Term Effects Caused by Back Injuries

While healing quickly is the ultimate goal after any accident or back injury, it is vital to remember that back injuries can have some long-term effects you need to consider. Depending on the severity of your injury some long-term results of back injury can include loss of employment, complete loss of mobility, recurring pain, and even a lifetime need for medical visits. Immediate medical attention can shorten and at times alleviate some of these issues, but again it will depend on the injury you have suffered.

Some of the long-term treatments that may help lessen these effects could include chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, physiotherapy, and a regular exercise routine. You will want to find a doctor in your area that can help you with the right treatments and provide you with proper routines for your pain relief and recovery.

Because of the numerous issues that back injuries can cause and the treatment needed for a healthy recovery, it is crucial that you seek professional advice and medical help as soon as possible after an accident.