Over 6 million people sustain car accident injuries each year throughout the United States, according to the National Safety Council. Although the consequences of accident-related injuries vary based on the kind of collision, it is possible to experience physical trauma in low-speed accidents. There are also rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, and sideswipe accidents, just to name a few. The type of collision that occurred during the accident can dictate a lot about the type of pain you experience after.
Car accident victims can sustain multiple injuries as a result of the collision. The injuries may immediately be apparent, such as a cut or a broken bone that is obviously out of place. However, some of the injuries may not be noticed for days, and even sometimes weeks, after the accident took place. Some do not even notice because their symptoms are not apparent or are covered by the adrenaline rushing through their body following the accident. Back and neck injuries are common among accident patients and may require extensive treatment if ignored or left alone.
If you are involved in any type of car accident, contact AICA Orthopedics to schedule a complete examination as soon as you can. Early detection and treatment of back or neck damage is the only way to prevent permanent damage. The sooner treatment begins, the higher your chances of a full recovery become. Call our car accident clinic today at (404) 855-2141 for immediate relief.
Common Back and Neck Injuries
Symptoms connected to car accident back and neck injuries are caused by orthopedic damage like bone fractures. There are times when a fracture is obvious, as well as times when the pain from this type of injury is not felt for days or even a week after it occurs. The following conditions are some of the more common accident injuries that are often treated by our Atlanta orthopedic doctors.
Whiplash
The impact and force of a car accident can cause the tendons and ligaments that surround your neck to stretch beyond their limits. Whiplash injury is the most common neck condition sustained by accident victims and is typical for those involved in rear-end collisions. There is the potential for bone fractures with this type of injury, but the injured can experience pain without bony fractures. Stretched tendons and ligaments can be quite painful on their own, and limit your quality of life.
Disc Injuries and Fractured Bones
The spine can easily shift out of place during an accident, causing slipped or herniated discs. This can lead to nerve pain, pinched nerves, and neurological issues, especially if not treated as quickly as possible. Facial and collarbone fractures are also common among accident victims. This can lead to difficulty moving one’s face, arms, and even upper body. However, bony fractures are not limited to your upper body. Anywhere you experience a bone fracture can limit your ability to move and decrease your quality of life.
Acute Back Pain
Trauma to the vertebrae or spinal joints can lead to musculoskeletal injuries like acute back pain. This pain can range from mildly annoying to so excruciating that normal activities are beyond the scope of what you are able to do each day. Some people are unable to move while in a normal, standing posture due to their back pain. The sooner that back pain gets addressed and treated, the greater potential recovery you have.
Common Symptoms of Back and Neck Injuries
Each car accident patient experiences different symptoms since each collision is unique. Some people only experience minor pain to start and it grows over time. Other people have intense pain from the moment the accident occurred and it does not go away. However, most patients that sustain a back or neck injury notice:
- Sharp pain that fluctuates with activity, typically increasing the more the person moves
- Inability to focus because the pain is all they can think about
- Frequent headaches, often being debilitating enough to stop you from performing normal daily tasks
- Inflammation all around the neck, back, hips, and/or shoulders
- Bruising, which may be noticed immediately or may take some time to show up
- Limited mobility in some parts of the body, or sometimes in the entire body
- Tingling or numbness that may extend down the extremities or limit one’s ability to move
Reach Out to Atlanta Orthopedic Treatment for Back and Neck Injuries
It is important to have yourself evaluated by an orthopedic doctor to ensure a safe recovery and protect you from potential chronic conditions that can develop over time. A comprehensive treatment plan that is prepared by a multidisciplinary team of medical experts can produce the best possible outcome for those who experience back or neck injuries in a car accident.
AICA Orthopedics offers a variety of treatment solutions that help car accident victims recover from their conditions and return to their routines. Each patient who comes in to see us gets a treatment plan customized to their specific needs so that they can reach their own unique recovery goals. Contact our clinic today to learn more about our approach to treating back and neck injuries – call (404) 855-2141.
