What Should I do after a Car Crash?
A car crash or motor vehicle injury can lead to immense injury to the person driving it or traveling in it. The impact of the accident may result in a bruise on your body, chest, neck or abdomen or pain in the neck, face or back depending on where you are injured. You could experience pain in the knee, hip or thigh if your body hits against the dashboard or the steering wheel. What is important to know is that muscle pain can get worse one or two days after the accident.
Immediate Response:
Call the local emergency number if you are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath. If you have any pain that worsens or any new pain in the abdomen area or nausea and vomiting, see your doctor. Whether it is a headache, weakness, tingling, or numbness in the legs or arms, you need to see a doctor. You may also find it difficult to move or experience pain at least 2 or 3 days after the accident it is important to see the doctor.
Medication:
Generally, doctors prescribe medication for reducing the pain or relieving pain. We must remember to take the prescribed medicines and not wait until the pain becomes severe. It is important to read the label and follow directions. Medicines like ibuprofen (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain, inflammation and fever. Although these medicines are available across the counter without a prescription, they can have severe side effects. For example, they can cause bleeding or kidney problems in some patients. Hence it is important to consult a doctor before taking them. You should also avoid giving such medicines to young children below 6 without the doctor’s advice.
Take the prescribed medication as instructed by the healthcare professional. Always inform your physician about your allergies. If you experience any side effects or you feel no relief, inform the physician right away. Keep a list of all the medications and vitamins that you take regularly when you visit the doctor. It is a good idea to keep the list with you, should an emergency arise. When you visit the healthcare professional, remember to write down all your queries so that you do not forget to ask the right questions.
Self-care:
The use of heat and ice helps reduce pain and swelling. Keep an ice pack or crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and use it on the injured area of the body for 15 to 20 minutes every hour. Ice is useful in preventing tissue damage. After 2 days you can use a heating pad on the injured area and gently stretch. Your physician will guide you regarding the exercises that you can do. Gently exercises will help you in stretching your muscles after a car crash.
Tips for Safety:
You can reduce the possibility of an accident by following a few steps. Always wear your seatbelt as it helps reduce serious injuries. Make sure that one strap is placed across your chest and the other across your lap. Ensure that your child is securely seated in a child safety seat that is appropriate for his or her age, weight, and height and is fitted with a harness and clip. The child seat must be kept in the middle of the car’s back seat and must not move more than an inch after being secured. Check the safety instructions while fixing the seat and follow them for your safety and for the safety of your loved ones. Your physician can also provide advice on child safety seats.
Child Safety:
Driving within the speed limits can help reduce the risk of a car crash. Avoid talking or texting while driving or driving when you are tired because you will not be able to respond promptly in case of need. Distractions usually slow down your response in an emergency and increase the risk of a car crash. You must avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If required, call for a cab or ask a friend to drive you home. Similarly, driving after taking medicines that make you feel sleepy can be dangerous. Always be a good role model for your teenage children and help them become safe drivers. Talk to them about wearing a seatbelt, following speed limits and how to reduce the risk of a car crash.
After Care Physiotherapy
You need not undergo painful and stress-inducing treatments at a hospital or a doctor’s clinic. Today physiotherapy treatment can help in managing, relieving and overcoming pain and physical injuries due to a car crash. These healthcare professionals are actually trained to assess, diagnose, and provide the most appropriate therapy plan for recuperating.
Contact our office in Scarborough today and help yourself to a speedy recovery. We offer therapeutic treatments that are totally safe and will help reduce the symptoms of a car accident. We are also equipped with the latest tools and techniques that can provide you faster relief and speedy recovery. Our techniques are more effective than traditional methods of physiotherapy and massage.
For free consultation call us at 416-438-3230 or Text 416-628-8554, Simply Align Rehab – Cedarbrae Medical Center: 3630 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1G 1P6.
