There are many different types of car accidents injuries. However, it is possible to divide them into two broad categories: impact injuries and penetrating injuries.
The impact injuries usually happen, for instance, when a knee hits a dashboard or the person’s head hits a window. In a nutshell, it is when part of someone’s body hits a part of the car interior.
Penetrating injuries, on the other hand, are described as scrapes and cuts. They can be caused by shattering glass from the window, for instance, or even by loose objects inside the vehicle.
Now that you have those concepts in mind, you can allocate the following types of injuries into either of these two categories.
What are the Main Types of Injuries?
We will now discuss the main types of injuries people suffer in car accidents and their possible treatments!
Bruising
These are the most common injury type. Bruising can happen even in minor car accidents. It can occur after a collision and even be caused by the seat belt.
But usually, bruising is not severe and does not require medical attention. However, if after a few weeks you still feel pain or the bruises don’t get better, you should obtain a professional opinion from a medical practitioner.
Neck and Back Injuries
Maybe you had a collision, but at the time, you got out only with some minor bruising. But weeks later, you still feel pain in your back or neck area.
This means you need to seek a health professional. The impact your body experiences during an accident can cause severe damage.
Even if it is not immediately perceived, it can cause you pain and later limit your mobility. You will only know exactly what kind of treatment you need after proper examination.
The treatment usually requires physical therapy recommended by your general practitioner or in more severe cases might require surgery by an orthopaedic surgeon. These are essential steps to take if you suspect an injury. The early timing and proper treatment are crucial to achieve a full recovery.
Whiplash
After a collision, you can have strained your muscles and ligaments in your neck and upper back. The feeling of discomfort or even pain in your back or neck caused by the whiplash usually takes several weeks to recover completely. The outcome is rarely a permanent injury.
Concussions
Any head injury must be treated as soon as it happens. Early ttreatment is crucial. Concussions can happen during a collision when your head hits parts of the car.
You might experience some memory loss or feel like you are not thinking as quickly as you usually do. The treatment will help you alleviate the pain, which is common in this case and also to restore your brain health.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injury is one of the most dangerous kinds of injuries. It can change how your brain functions and processes information and emotions.
Some treatments can last months while others your whole life. But like concussions, this is the kind of injury that must be treated immediately.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are very common but usually not very dangerous when properly treated. This type of injury may occur when the seat belt stops the person’s body at high speed. You can also hurt your arm by pinning it between your body and the car.
The way you hurt yourself may vary, but the outcome is the same.
Let’s say you have a fracture. So how do you treat it?
Usually, you go to the hospital, get some initial care, and the doctor will probably order an X-ray or any other exam to locate the fracture.
After that, you will receive proper treatment and probably have to rest for one or two months, meaning not using that injured part of your body. After the treatment is completed you may proceed with your normal routine without any trouble.
Internal Bleeding
The force of a car accident can damage your organs and cause internal bleeding. These are serious injuries that are unfortunately very common in accidents that involve high-speed vehicles. If not properly treated, it may put your life in danger.
Why is it Important to Seek Help Immediately?
As we mentioned before, there are a lot of internal injuries that are pretty common. That is why even if the person feels fine after the accident, they must seek medical attention.
So even without any bruises, cuts, or visible broken bones, you still should look for an evaluation.
The adrenaline may have the effect of numbing the pain from whiplash, for example. And you may not notice that a headache can mean a head injury.
The same goes for internal bleeding, which can also have subtle symptoms. So, go to the nearest hospital and make sure to mention how the motor vehicle accident happened and what you feel exactly. If you make a compensation claim you should look to consult with car accident lawyers as they are experienced in the claims process.
The Treatment for Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
There are several types of treatments used to treat patients who have been victims of car accidents. Here we will mention some of the main ones and how they apply to the problems mentioned in the previous section.
Back Pain Treatments
Many back treatments focus on the various back sections, like the lower part, the upper back, and the middle. One of the most common forms of treatment is injections.
There are numerous types of injections available for the various back injuries. The goal is to help to alleviate pain and inflammation without the need for invasive surgery.
Whiplash Treatments
The type of treatment may vary according to the injury. Some of the most common types are:
- Ligament injury.
- Neurovascular injury.
- Vertebral fracture.
- Muscle strain injury.
- Intervertebral joint injury.
- Intervertebral disc injury.
Some of the treatments may be Active Release Technique® (ART), facet joint injection, cervical steroid injection, spinal decompression and Kyphoplasty.
Chiropractic Care
Some people may require spinal adjustments because to help them regain optimal spinal alignment. The chiropractors use a method called spinal adjustment or manipulation that involves the use of force to control and realign vertebrae and prevent them from putting painful pressure on spinal nerves.
This treatment can help the patient to feel less pain even in with a short period of treatment. However, the outcomes can vary according to the injury.
Physical Therapy
The use of physical therapy is very common for injuries caused by car accidents, it can include a combination of different practices.
The therapist works to develop a specific series of exercises for each individual. The main goal is to regain flexibility and muscle strength.
Some exercises are done by the patients themselves, and others require the help of the health professional.
