Common Factors that Could Affect the Speed of Your Recovery
Each year in the United States, about three million people are non-fatally injured in motor vehicle crashes. Around 2 million drivers in car accidents experience permanent injuries following a crash. Auto accidents can cause various injuries to those involved that may affect your daily life in the days, or even weeks, following the accident. After filing a police report, you’ll want to consult your doctor just to be sure of the extent of any injuries. If you want to allow quick, healthy recovery, giving your body time to heal is necessary.
Whiplash
Whiplash injuries can be complicated because victims typically have no physical signs of trauma. Victims of car accidents will usually notice neck discomfort within 24 hours of the accident. Whiplash can typically heal on its own, but there are some steps victims should take to encourage it. Icing your neck when the pain starts can help ease the throbbing. Do it for 15 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days. When you experience whiplash following an auto accident, the best recovery is rest. Straining your neck will only make it worse and may prolong recovery. Using low-impact movements during recovery is best.
Sprained Wrist
A high-impact auto accident can definitely cause that wrist to flare up. While it can be hard to refrain from using your wrists, taking it slow is best. Avoid moving the sprained wrist too much. Wrist guards are a great way to keep the wrist compressed and straight while in recovery.
Back and Spinal Pain
Back and spinal cord injuries tend to require complex medical and legal action. Keep in mind that every person heals differently and requires different paths to recovery. Minor back pain after a car injury is common since many people experience a hard thrust when met with impact. Seeking immediate consultation with a doctor is needed before you can take the right course of action to recovery. With a back sprain, you’ll want to give your body time to reset. Ice and heat can help to reduce the pain and any swelling that may occur. Some gentle exercise or a trip to the chiropractor can help with the speed of recovery.
Spinal pain usually requires a stricter course of action. Surgery may be required or best rest to allow the body to heal. If you have sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident, you can expect an extensive recovery period.
Shoulder
Shoulder injuries following a car accident are much like whiplash, many may not feel it for hours following the accident. While a dislocated shoulder is much different and requires medical attention, a sprained shoulder can heal itself over time. However, giving yourself ample rest time will help keep the pain at a minimum and speed up the recovery. Ice and heat can help to reduce the pain and any swelling that may occur. Apply ice on your shoulder for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours or as directed. Refrain from high-impact movements that require the use of the sprained shoulder. Give it time to rest.
As you can see, while some injuries require serious attention, all have one crucial element to a quick, healthy recovery: rest. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN and get the help you need! We will refer you to the attorneys that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve and the medical attention you need. If you have been hurt in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN, and we will guide you in finding you the best medical and legal professionals.