- Car Accidents
Even if you are not severely hurt in a car crash, you may suffer minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises, along with aches, pains, and soreness. You may wonder how long you will be dealing with pain after an auto accident, if you might have a more serious underlying problem, and when you should seek medical treatment.
Along with your recovery plan, there are steps you can take to relieve muscle pain and encourage healing. A skilled Athens auto accident doctor can assess your injuries and determine the best treatment.
Dealing With Pain After an Auto Accident: First Steps
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), 331,796 accidents took place in the state during 2020, of which 1,588 were fatal. For people experiencing soreness and pain after an auto accident, there are a few steps they can take that may alleviate their symptoms before seeking medical help.
1. Stay Hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated if you’re experiencing pain after an auto accident is one of the most important things you can do for your muscles. You should implement this advice in your daily life to ensure that your muscles get what they need to heal.
The muscles can become tense and cramped when they are dehydrated, leading to tightening and fatigue. In cases where you are already in pain, these issues can make matters worse. The extra fluid keeps your muscles from tightening and becoming more painful since they are already under stress due to your injury.
2. Massage Therapy
When your muscles are recovering, massage therapy can alleviate pain after an auto accident and lead to faster recovery. Many types of massage can be used, such as general massage, stone therapy, or deep tissue massage.
The muscles of your body are deeply embedded, so a deep tissue massage may help reach those muscles and allow them to relax if in pain after an auto accident. It is important to let your massage therapist know the exact details of your accident, in order to prevent them from performing a massage that deteriorates the injury.
3. Physical Therapy
You can benefit from physical therapy if you are in pain after an auto accident. Physiotherapy can help muscles that have been strained or injured. A therapist will create a routine tailored to your goals and injuries that is optimum to your specific situation.
The physical therapy program you choose will probably include stretches, a light exercise program you can increase over time, and dietary advice. Physical therapy allows you to heal to the fullest, which makes the effort worth it. You may be sore for a long time after a car accident, but it helps you recover properly and fully.
4. Yoga and Stretching
In the case of injuries such as car accidents, stretching can help loosen up the rigidity that has built up in the muscles. The practice of yoga or any stretching exercise that includes deep breathing and a range of motion is beneficial since they allow your body to get more oxygen so it can perform better while relaxing. Relaxation and recovery can be enhanced by the mixture of these factors.
5. Rest
The same holds for your muscles when they are injured, just as when healing from the flu or cold. Despite the importance of light exercise, your muscles also need time to rest and recover from the damage they suffered during your accident.
You should also take some time off to allow your muscles to heal after a car accident. Rest is not a one-size-fits-all proposition, so try to listen to your body whenever it feels overworked, or when your muscles feel swollen.
Signs You Need Medical Treatment
Pay attention to your body’s signs while you are in the healing phase. When you experience sharp or worsening pain after an auto accident, find a doctor as soon as possible and seek medical treatment.
Before beginning any treatment plan or therapy, you should consult your doctor to make sure you are not going to cause further damage. You will be able to reduce your recovery time after an auto accident if you follow all of these tips and the recommendations of your doctor.
Why You Should Always Get Medical Treatment From an Athens Auto Accident Doctor
If you are experiencing pain after a car accident, even if you do not suspect any serious harm, you should always see an Athens auto accident doctor. In several important ways, this provides legal protection in addition to safeguarding your physical health.
A Doctor Can Spot Injuries
Regardless of how well you feel following a car accident, make an appointment with your doctor for medical treatment to check for injuries.
A car accident is often associated with delayed injury onset, meaning you may not feel anything for a few days or weeks. This is especially true for whiplash, which can take days or weeks to show its effects. The sooner you notice an injury, the less likely you are to suffer long-term consequences.
Endorphins May Hide Injuries
Aside from some injuries not showing up right after an accident, your body can go into “fight or flight” mode, which can prevent you from seeing injuries right away. You can catch these problems if your doctor gives you an in-depth exam and potentially takes X-rays. If broken bones or other injuries are left alone even for a single day, they may lose their ability to heal correctly or may worsen with time.
Protect Yourself (Legally)
If you are dealing with pain after an auto accident, you should also visit the doctor as soon as possible for legal reasons. You will receive clear documentation about any injuries you sustained in the accident by visiting a doctor.
In the case of a delay in seeking medical attention, the other party’s lawyers may claim that the injuries were caused by something else after the fact. The other party may also argue that the injuries were not serious if you did not visit the doctor right away.
Choosing the Right Injury Care Center After a Car Accident
If you have been in a crash or are suffering from soreness and pain after an auto accident, you should consult an injury care center in Athens. A primary care physician is unlikely to be familiar with the legal battles that often arise after a car accident. It is therefore important to find a doctor who is trained in dealing with injuries resulting from car crashes.
