10 common motor vehicle accident injuries
Source: Main Street Health
Unfortunately, a car accident can happen anytime and anywhere, changing someone’s life forever. Before you ever find yourself or a loved one involved in a car accident at some point, it is important to know what are the most common injuries that can occur in a car accident and how they can be treated. This way, it is easier to know the best place to get help and recover faster, but remember that every case is unique and only a health care professional can give the specific diagnosis.
Neck injuries
Car accidents victims commonly experience cases of whiplash, that causes damage to the neck muscles and ligaments. Victims diagnosed with whiplash often show symptoms of pain and muscle stiffness in the neck, lower back, hand, arm, or shoulder. They can also experience blurred vision, ringing in the ears and dizziness, just to mention a few. Medical treatment is recommended as soon as possible after a car accident because without the correct treatment, it can lead to the development of arthritis.
Back injuries
After a car accident, victims usually complain about lower back injuries that can lead to more serious cases of fractured vertebrae, for example. This kind of injury can be really painful and may appear right after the accident or even after a few days and the symptoms include arm and leg pain, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling. It is important to seek medical help right after the car accident in order to minimize nerve damage. In some cases, back injuries can be treated with pain medications that can be bought without prescription but most severe cases need stronger pain medication and even physiotherapy. If the non-surgical treatment is not enough to eliminate the pain, the last option may be a lumbar decompression surgery.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Car accident victims can suffer from spinal cord injuries and that can be very serious leading to paralysis and loss of feeling or reflexes. Cases of paralysis from a spinal cord can be reduced or reversed with proper medical treatment as long as it is done early.
Chest Injuries
Chest injuries are more likely to happen to the driver. In the car accident, the driver’s position makes it easier for him or her to suffer a chest injury like broken ribs and collapsed lungs for hitting the steering wheel or dashboard. In come cases, the victim can even suffer internal bleeding, cardiac arrest and damage to internal organs and abdomen. Even though the victim can experience severe bruising from wearing a seat belt during the car accident, it is just a small price to pay. If worn correctly, it can reduce the chance of death by 47% and more serious injuries by 52% and it is important to remember that wearing a seat belt is necessary at all times.
Shoulder Injuries
Because the shoulder can move in many directions, it makes it less stable than other joints being easier to suffer injuries in a car accident. Shoulder injuries’ symptoms include visible shoulder deformity, limited mobility of the joint, lots of pain and many others. Remember to never try to put a dislocated shoulder into place by yourself because that can cause even more damage. The right way to deal with this is to immediately proceed to the nearest emergency room and have proper medical treatment.
Internal Injuries
Do not think that injuries that can happen from a car accident are only visible from the outside. Internal injuries are dangerous because they can go unnoticed and lead to a more severe injury. Because they are harder to notice, pay attention to symptoms like pale skin, dizziness, overall cold feeling, abdominal pain and fatigue. After the car accident, even if it was a minor one, it is crucial to have proper medical treatment to have your internal organs checked. Otherwise, it can be lethal.
Brain, Head and Face Injuries
Car accidents caused by high-speed collisions can cause brain, head and face injuries that can possibly lead to comas and long-term cognitive issues. Even if there is no external sign of bruises on the head, the brain can be internally damaged and if not treated correctly, it can cause serious brain damage. Other conditions, like a dislocated jaw can be fixed back into the position but surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Broken Bones
Broken bones (arms, legs, knees, ankles and hips) are also common car accident injuries. They must be treated as soon as the car accident victim could go to the nearest hospital in order to get proper treatment. In some cases, physiotherapy may be required to repair broken bones.
Strains, Sprains, Bruising, Scrapes and Cuts
Do not mistake this kind of injury for something not worth treating. Even though it is the most common of car accident injuries, it can still cause lots of pain and discomfort to the victim weeks after the car accident happened. Treatment can include stitches and pain relievers with physiotherapy to restore body function.
Psychological Traumas
Car accident victims can also suffer from psychological traumas, especially if there is severe injury or death involved. Emotional distress can cause psychological traumas like anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and more, interfering with the victim’s life considerably. This kind of case can be treated with proper counseling and medication.
