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You might sustain serious injuries after a car crash that can impact you for weeks and even years to come. In fact, studies have shown that 20-50 million people are injured every year in an automobile accident. Some injuries may resolve within days without any medical intervention, but the more serious types require the best treatment measures to avert the risk of some permanent damage or physical disability.
That being said, the injuries resulting from a car crash are varied based on the individual circumstances of each collision. However, some types of injuries are more common after an auto accident.
Check the most common injuries after a car crash below and learn what you need to do after getting involved in an accident.
1. Head Injuries
Head injuries are one of the most common forms of injuries after an auto accident. It can be severe or mild depending on you and your head placement. Some can be mild, but most times you should never take these injuries lightly because they can be life-threatening.
If you’re involved in a minor crash, you may have an impact with the steering wheel and this may cause a little more than a bruise or bump. But if it is a severe collision, you may suffer concussions or brain tissue damage.
Hence, you need to get a full medical evaluation anytime you suspect a head injury. Take note that head injuries may be hard to diagnose at first (may just feel like a mild headache), but it is advisable to visit an injury doctor to rule out any potential problems.
2. Whiplash
This is a common injury after a car crash and it occurs when your neck whips back and forth in an accident causing spraining and straining of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
This happens when the driver is rear-ended and the common symptoms include:
- Neck stiffness
- Headache
- Pain
You may not feel the pain from whiplash until the following day or two days after. But most times, you tend to feel better in a few weeks. Serious cases, however, can cause pains that last for several months or years.
3. Back Injuries
Back injuries are also part of the most common injuries after a car crash. They can appear as spinal cord injuries and may result in body paralysis in very extreme but rare cases. However, mild cases can cause issues like back pain, spinal pain or even a bulged disc or herniated disk.
Back injuries are not always obvious like head injuries. Hence, you need to go for a consult a Chiropractor to get a thorough screening after your accident.
4. Broken bones
When the physical force applied to the bone in a car crash carries more strength than the bone itself, it can cause a broken bone. A simple bone fracture involves bones breaking without open wounds, but in the compound fractures, it penetrates through the skin.
It is easy to know you have a broken bone- you won’t be able to move the body part (or you might feel severe pains while moving). You will definitely want to consult with your local emergency room or urgent care facility for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
5. Psychological injuries
Apart from the visible injuries, you may also suffer some psychological injuries after a car crash. Some people develop a phobia of driving. Others may feel depressed, especially if the accident caused serious injuries or death.
If you’re in this category, and you struggle with heightened feelings of depression or anxiety, you may seek psychotherapeutic intervention to help you heal completely and get back to your normal life without any fears.
Other common injuries after a car crash include:
- Chest injuries
- Arm and leg injuries
- Scrapes and cuts
- Burns
Getting a Chiropractic Care
You need to keep in mind that some injuries may be delayed and may not be visible until after many days, weeks, or even months. So if you are involved in a car crash, it is advisable to seek immediate medical intervention for even the slightest discomfort you feel. You can consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office at Elizabeth City, NC for a proper check-up and effective treatment measure to any automobile injuries.
