Car accidents are unfortunate events that can lead to a range of physical injuries, in addition to the emotional and financial burden motor vehicle accidents place on victims. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common conditions after a car accident and how Crash Pain & Injury Clinic might be able to help you on your road to recovery.
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common conditions after a car accident, especially when a vehicle is rear-ended. A whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, leading to hyperextension and hyperflexion of the neck.
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Memory issues or difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
Treatment for whiplash typically includes pain management, physical therapy, and exercises to restore neck mobility and strength. In some cases, our physicians may recommend medications or other interventions.
Most whiplash injuries are minor, and recovery can take days or a few weeks. More severe whiplash can take months to heal and can sometimes cause long-term pain or complications. Being evaluated by one of our interventional pain management physicians is the best source of information for your specific case.
Shoulder Injury
Shoulder injuries are very common in motor vehicle accidents because of the strain from the seatbelt. While wearing a seatbelt is vital for saving lives in car accidents, it can be the cause of shoulder problems after an accident.
Common shoulder injuries and symptoms are:
- Rotator cuff tear, partial or full thickness
- Dislocated shoulder
- Whiplash pain impacting the shoulder
- Soft tissue damage and bruising, including sprains and strains
The shoulder is a complex joint. Even if your shoulder pain is not initially severe, it can be challenging to grasp the severity of a shoulder injury on pain alone.
Treatment for shoulder injuries from a car accident can be as simple as rest, ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. These treatments help manage pain, swelling, and inflammation. In some cases, physical therapy and/or surgical intervention are necessary for the healing of shoulder injuries.
Back Pain
Depending on the nature of your car accident, you may also experience back pain. The sudden jolt of the accident can cause this back pain.
Common back injuries are:
- Back sprains and strains
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Facet joint injuries
- Spondylolisthesis
- Vertebrae fractures
Treatments for back pain vary widely depending on the issue but is very important to avoid conditions that may become chronic. Medications, injections, physical therapy and/or surgical intervention are available treatments for the healing of back pain.