Bottom Line:
Whether you are just driving to work or taking a big family vacation, an unexpected car accident can cause painful injuries that impact you for months and years to come. The weight of your vehicle, combined with the speed, can create a tremendous amount of force. And, in an auto accident, that force gets transferred directly to your body! Even low-speed collisions can generate enough force to cause serious injuries.
Why it Matters:
Seat belts save millions of lives each year and should be used every time you enter a vehicle. But, they also can contribute to a few of the most common spinal injuries. A sudden stop or change in direction during an accident can place a tremendous force on your chest. With your arms and legs unsecured, they can strike the interior of your car, causing injuries. Here are a few of the most common injuries after a car accident.
• Head Injuries: Striking your head against the steering wheel, dashboard, or window can result in a severe head injury such as a concussion (which is considered a mild traumatic brain injury).
• Spinal Injuries: The forces that occur during a car accident can cause spinal injuries like instability, whiplash, or herniated discs.
• Arm or Leg Injuries: Injuries to your shoulders (if you’re holding the wheel) or your knees (if they hit the door or dashboard) are very common after a car accident.
Next Steps:
If you’re in a car accident, no matter if it’s major or minor, it is important to have an evaluation in our practice. A complete evaluation can determine the extent of your injuries and begin your journey towards recovery. Our practice’s evaluation process and assessment tools can help us fully document your injuries. Then with a combination of treatment approaches, we can help you find relief as quickly and safely as possible.
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