About 4.4 million people are severely injured after a car crash; enough that they require medical attention. If you were in a car accident recently, you need to get checked out right away. In many cases, you won’t realize how bad your injuries are until the adrenaline wears off.
Here are seven common car accident injuries you need to get checked out right away.
By getting treatment for these car crash injuries, you can avoid bigger problems down the road. Protect yourself by reviewing this guide today.
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Headaches
A little headache might not seem so bad. Headaches are usually caused by dehydration, malnutrition, and oxygen deprivation.
However, ignoring a minor headache could lead to a bigger issue. During a crash, your body experiences a sudden jolt of movement. That jolt could cause your spine to move out of alignment.
When your spine is unaligned, blood can’t properly flow through your body. This leaves your brain without the oxygen it needs. Aligning your spine should improve your blood flow, which should relieve your headache.
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Neck and Shoulder Pain
The quick jolt of force you experience during a crash could damage your neck and spine, too. Unfortunately, adrenaline can mask the pain in the days after your accident. Using a back brace might provide some necessary support and alleviate pain, ensuring stability while your body begins the healing process.
Let your doctor know if you’re experiencing weakness in the arms or legs. Other symptoms that are common with a neck or shoulder injury include:
- Reduced range of motion
- Muscle stiffness
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Headaches
- Paralysis
These issues could indicate a soft tissue injury.
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Back Problems
Back problems are no joke. One of the most common types of car accident injuries, back problems are the six most costly condition in the US. About 65 million Americans deal with regular back pain.
Back pain can impact your range of motion, mood, and quality of life. You might also develop a disability. If you experience back pain, visit a doctor or chiropractor.
They can improve your functionality, reduce the intensity of your pain, and ease your dependence on pain meds.
In the meantime, make sure to keep up with local accident news.
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Whiplash
The quick jolt you experience during a crash can cause whiplash. When left untreated, whiplash can lead to anxiety, insomnia, or post-traumatic stress syndrome.
If you experience neck, shoulder, and back pain, let your doctor know.
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Broken Bones
The impact of a crash could cause you to break a bone. Broken ribs, shoulder, arm, and leg bones are common. Make sure to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
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Abdominal Pain
When left untreated, abdominal pain can become life-threatening. Common symptoms include bruising, lightheadedness, and fainting. Don’t ignore these symptoms.
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Internal Bleeding
Some car crash injuries can cause internal injuries. If you’re experiencing abdominal pain, visit a doctor immediately. It could indicate internal bleeding, which can become dangerous when left untreated.
Get Checked Out: Seven Common Car Accident Injuries to Worry About
Do these car accident injuries sound all too familiar? Make sure to get checked out as soon as possible. Visiting a doctor could save your life.
Check out the Health section of the blog for more helpful guides.