Car Accident Injury

There are many different injuries within the face, neck, back, legs and arms that can occur during a car accident.  Every patient’s injury will be different depending on the severity of the accident.  If you have just been in a major or minor car accident and experience pain, it’s essential you visit your doctor immediately to diagnose any underlying issues. 

Common Injury’s

It’s common that a patient may have internal bleeding or fractured bones from car accidents.  It’s also common that a patient be unconscious and unaware of how bad they really are.  If you have a head injury, it’s vital that you always have this checked immediately as head traumas are one of the most serious injuries experienced by a patient.  Head injuries can lead to death, disability, brain damage or even visual impairment or speech impairment. 

Whiplash

The most common side effect of a car accident is whip lash. Most patients will feel the effects of whip lash a day or two after the accident has actually occurred.   Whiplash patients are often patients who have been hit from the back or the front of the car.  These types of accidents cause the most force to the neck and spine, which in turn causes the whiplash to the neck. 

Neck Strain

The other common injury that occurs from a car accident is a neck sprain or a neck strain.  These are also typically seen in patients who have been in an accident where they were hit from the back or the front of the car.  A neck sprain and strain is not as serious and can be treated easily by your chiropractor, specialist or doctor.  In most cases, patients will be asked to ice the neck or use a heat pack to alleviate the pain and swelling associated with the neck strain or sprain.  In more serious cases patients may be given a neck brace to support the neck and help to heal the neck back to its normal curvature and position.  If you still aren’t sure if you should be seen or make an appointment, you may want to talk to your doctor or a nurse to offer a better idea as to what you should do after your car accident.