How Long Should You Be Sore After a Car Accident?
After being in a car accident, soreness and pain will be normal, but at what point is it an indication of something more serious being wrong?
Keep reading to find out how typical long soreness from car accident injuries last, and learn about treatment options that help with pain relief.
Car Accident Injuries and Soreness
When you are in a car accident, being sore for several hours or days afterward is normal. If you have lingering pains, you may be curious how long soreness can last. Typically, if the pain lasts more than a few days, it can be a sign of something other than your typical injuries.
Soreness can last for weeks or months after a car accident for serious injuries. Although, usually soreness and pain from a car accident do not typically last over 6 weeks from a small accident or fender bender. If you are feeling discomfort or residual pain after being in a car accident, that’s often a sign of something more serious than simple brushing.
Some people may experience pain for weeks after a car accident, even without serious or lasting injuries. Soreness, bruising, and stiffness can take a while to heal.
Also, there are some injuries that just take longer to heal and have long-term complications. That is why it’s important to get proper treatment and go through physical therapy or rehabilitation for certain injuries.
The Levin Firm says, “These injuries can often result in chronic or recurring pain that persists years after the accident. So, how does this affect a personal injury case? Pain is recognized as a non-economic cost and is often categorized under pain and suffering. What this means is that the law allows you to pursue compensation for the physical pain of an injury. The amount of compensation will vary from case to case.”
Unsure If It’s a Serious Injury?
Below are some of the signs to look for more serious injuries that need medical attention:
- Neck pain radiating outward, painful to turn or move the neck
- Frequent blurred vision and dizziness
- Tingling or numbness anywhere that does not go away
- Back pains, issues with turning, twisting or crouching down
The following are a few of the most common car accident injuries. If you experience lingering soreness or constant pains in any of these areas, it can be an indication of a more serious injury that needs physical therapy or chiropractic rehabilitation.
Back Injuries
After a car accident, back injuries are extremely common. The quick jerking motions experienced in a collision can cause various types of back injuries, making it hard to twist or move because of soreness and pain. A back injury is a common result of being in a car accident.
Neck Injuries and Whiplash
Another very common injury is whiplash and neck injuries caused by car accidents. The rapid jerking results in spinal vertebrae within the neck to get injured, causing soreness and pain when twisting or moving the neck. Chiropractic care can help relieve the soreness from whiplash.
Head Injuries
When a car accident occurs, everyone involved, including passengers, is at risk of a head injury. A head injury can be simple, like a bruise or cut, or a concussion, or it could be a major traumatic brain injury such as swelling or bleeding.
Internal Injuries
A seat belt will protect you in a car accident, but wearing it incorrectly can result in internal injuries. Some of the damages caused in a car accident may include bruising and broken ribs, and the risks increase when the seatbelt is worn incorrectly.
Spinal Cord Injuries
When a car accident happens, the fast change in direction or sudden stop can push or twist spinal discs and vertebrae out of natural alignment. In some cases, it can be fractured or cause other spinal injuries. If you suspect a back injury, careful movement, a back brace, and x-rays should be the main focus.
Insurance & Details Overwhelming?
Medical care, after being involved in a car accident, is important. If you are still waiting on the car insurance of another party or your own medical insurance, it can be hard to cover costs. These things often create more stress from an already stressful situation.
Having the proper car insurance and medical coverage helps pay medical costs due to being injured in a car accident. It will cover you and others in the car no matter who’s found at fault.
Get Injuries Treated and Recover
After an auto accident, you should schedule an appointment for a thorough examination, which will likely include diagnostic testing and x-rays. Medical consultations assist your physical therapist or chiropractor figure if your soreness and pain are caused by the car accident injury or a symptom of another injury or complication.
Many doctors will simply prescribe medications or suggest surgery for chronic or lingering pain; there are alternative options that could offer natural pain relief and avoiding addictive opioids or invasive surgeries.
Rehabilitation After Car Accident
Physical Therapy
If you have a lasting injury from being in a car accident, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help regain use of the injured area. Depending on the injury, you may receive full functionality back or partial. However, physical therapy provides the best chance of obtaining optimal functionality back.
In some cases, you may need to combine both physical therapy and chiropractic care. These treatments complement the other. Chiropractic care helps align the body to be more effective, while physical therapy strengthens the muscles.
Massage Therapy
Professional massage therapy can assist in reducing anxiety and overall stress. Many chiropractic care treatments suggest combining massage therapy with your treatment. Massage therapy is helpful for back and neck pain sustained from a car accident. It also helps with plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and various musculoskeletal conditions.
Rehabilitating Exercises
If you have been injured in a car accident with lasting soreness or pain, you may need physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, or a combination of these. Additionally, traditional methods are suggested, as well. Remember to follow the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.
If something hurts, it needs rest. Avoid using that area of the body; apply ice to the area and keep it elevated to reduce the risk of further damage. A customized rehabilitation exercise routine may help provide optimal functionality and movement, slowly allowing you to the injured area again without strain.
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