Every day thousands of people get injured due to various types of car crashes and accidents. These accidents lead to a variety of injuries ranging from minor bruises and scraping to very serious bodily injuries. They affect each person differently. Treatment and recovery after the accident also vary depending on the part of the body that has been affected and the seriousness of the injury.
Let us look at the different types of injuries that can affect a person, how they are treated, and the time required to recover.
For Head Injuries:
A very common injury is a concussion caused because of a blow to one’s head. A concussion, also known as a traumatic brain injury, occurs when the brain bounces around inside the skull causing chemical changes. The symptoms may not be visible right away. Sometimes they may appear after a few days or weeks. They include symptoms like dizziness, headache, neck pain, or nausea. Head injuries can occur because of the vehicle hitting a windshield, side window, steering wheel, roof, loose objects, or other people.
Treatment for a mild concussion is rest and avoiding many activities that require concentration. If there are symptoms of a more serious concussion, with bleeding under the skull, then it is a medical emergency. Bleeding under the skull is also known as subdural hematoma and requires immediate attention. Recovery may take 2 to 3 weeks if it is a mild concussion. If it is a subdural hematoma, recovery may be complicated and take more time depending on the seriousness of the injury.
For Facial Injuries:
Facial injuries are the result of the face hitting the steering wheel, airbag or any part of the care that is loose. It can lead to injury to the skin, teeth, or bones in one’s face. Treatment may require stitches or bandages. Surgery may be required in case of broken facial bones. Recovery time will depend on the seriousness of the injuries. Scraping can take a few days or weeks to heal while surgical procedures may take longer (several weeks or months) to heal.
For Neck Injuries:
One of the most common injuries in car crashes is neck injuries, like whiplash. Rear accidents or side accidents often result in rapid and sudden snapping of the neck. These injuries vary from mild to severe, depending on the impact of the crash. In severe cases, they may lead to dislocation of vertebrae or the bones in the spine. Treatment may consist of special braces to immobilize the affected area and allowing it to heal on its own. However, if the condition is serious, surgery may be required. Recovery may take anywhere between 6 to 16 weeks.
For Spinal cord Injuries:
Rapid movements of the car during a crash can cause twisting of the small discs in the spine and push them out of alignment. They can also lead to fractured back bones. Hence, spinal cord or back injuries are considered very painful and traumatic. As a result of the impact, soft tissues like the muscles and tendons can get pulled or strained. It can also cause sprained ligaments. Such an injury can lead to reduced feeling or function loss in extremities.
Treatment for back pain and spinal injuries varies depending on the severity. Minor back pain is treated with pain relievers, rest and ice or heat application. If the pain persists after a few weeks, it is advisable to consult a physician and seek a chiropractor. Chiropractic has a variety of treatment options for back pain. In case of more serious injuries to the back, spinal cord or broken bones, surgery may be needed.
Recovery can take few weeks in case of minor muscle strains to several months for severe injuries. Muscle tears and fractured bones may need surgery and therapy that may take 3 to 4 months to heal. In case of spinal injuries, the body will require at least 6 months to heal after the incident. If the physical functions are not restored during the first year of recovery, it may not restore them at all.
For Internal Injuries:
The seatbelt plays a crucial role and is meant to protect you during an accident. However, if it is not worn correctly, it can cause serious internal injuries due to the pressure of the entire body against the belt. A car accident can result in injuries to the muscles in the torso and other internal organs like the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys or bowels. Such internal injuries can lead to internal bleeding. Signs of internal bleeding include pain and swelling in the abdomen, giddiness or fainting. It also includes headache, deep purple skin, seizures or loss of consciousness. In such situations, prompt medical attention is critical. Therefore, if there is pain in the torso after a car accident, one must consult a physician immediately.
Treatment for muscle strains usually consists of RICE, which includes Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. The patient may be kept under observation by the physician for any suspected internal bleeding. In case of severe internal bleeding surgery may be needed. Recovery may vary depending on the type of injury and treatment to be given. Internal bleeding may require prompt medical attention and care.
For Lower extremity Injuries:
Some of the common injuries during a car crash include leg, knee, ligament injury (foot sprain), strains (muscle or tendon injuries) and bone fractures. The seatbelt in the car protects you from some injuries in the lower extremity. It prevents your legs from hitting the dashboard or steering column. Treatment for minor injuries consists of RICE and pain killers that can be bought across the counter. In case of broken bones, an external support or cast may be prescribed. Surgery is undertaken only in case of severe breaks. Physiotherapy is recommended for rehabilitation. Recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury, ranging from 6 to 8 weeks for a broken bone and beyond for more serious injuries. Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery.
For Psychological Injuries:
Although the general tendency in a car accident is to focus on physical injuries, it can have mental health issues as well. A traumatic accident can cause mental trauma to all those involved in it, whether it is the driver or the passengers. Accidents can lead to psychological injuries such as posttraumatic stress disorders, anxiety or depression. Treatment for such injuries is different from the treatment of physical injuries. You may have to use tools to reduce anxiety, meditation or anxiety management that are recommended by counselor or a mental healthcare professional. Recovery from psychological trauma or injuries does not have a set time. It depends on the severity of the injuries, the person’s general health condition and age. Typically young and healthy persons may recover faster than older patients.
Car crash injuries heal faster if you follow the physician’s advice, stick to the prescribed physiotherapy, maintain a balanced diet and get the required amount of sleep. In order to remain safe while traveling, it is important to remember the following tips. Always wear your seatbelt, drive within the speed limit and avoid distractions while driving. It is also important to know the location of the nearest emergency room or trauma center, both near your home and workplace. You can locate these online and save time in searching for them when the need arises.
If you have been involved in a car accident and are looking for medical assistance, call us right now for an appointment at # 416-438-3230 or Text 416-628-8554 or visit Simply Align Rehab – Cedarbrae Medical Centre: 3630 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1G 1P6
https://simplyalignrehab.com/
We offer a wide range of treatments for pain relief that include Physiotherapy, Massage, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Psychotherapy and Foot care services. Our services include tools and techniques for our patients to function optimally and live pain and worry free. Our Physiotherapy is very unique and different from many other clinics. We use advance healing and pain relief technology in form of physical therapy modalities to address almost all musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions. We have treated hundreds of patients with various musculoskeletal pain and injuries and we are proud to introduce Simply Align Technique (Trademark Pending). This technique is rendered after an assessment is done by one of our qualified healthcare providers.
