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How Long Should I Stay Out of Work After a Back Injury from a Car Accident?

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Many people want to put their car accident behind them and resume normal routines as soon as possible, and while this is sometimes possible, your health needs to come first. If you have suffered an injury or are experiencing back pain after a car accident, returning to things like work immediately may not be the best idea. This can be stressful as you consider if you can afford to take time off and when the right time to go back is. You and your doctor can work together to make a decision that is right for you based on your injury and treatment plan.

Injuries May Not Appear Immediately

In addition to any injuries caused by the actual impact in a car wreck, our body can also have a hormonal reaction to the situation. Adrenaline is quickly released into the system, which can make you feel like you are not hurt and can carry on as normal for hours or even days after the incident occurs. One of the dangers in this period of time is that you can overexert yourself and make injuries worse before you even know you have them!

The best thing is to wait until this has worn off completely so that you can truly understand any injuries you might have sustained. Typically, about three days is enough time for this process to take place and to begin feeling delayed symptoms. The first days after a car accident can be stressful on their own, so taking this time to rest and handle any immediate needs can also reduce stress going forward.

Does Time Off Impact Insurance Claims?

Many people worry that taking time off work, or choosing to return, will impact their insurance case and legal proceedings. In some ways, this is true. When a settlement is issued, lost wages are an area considered for compensation in addition to other expenses. Though you are likely to be reimbursed in this scenario, that may not happen until after the case is settled.

However, time off work is not a requirement for a successful insurance claim. If you have been properly assessed by a doctor and determined that your work will not worsen symptoms, you may be able to return to work after suffering an injury and still receive a fair settlement. If your doctor does not think it’s wise for you to return to work and you choose to anyway, that may also be recorded and any further injuries can be excluded from the claims.

When to Consider Taking Time Off

In addition to the initial window after your accident, there are some cases that may necessitate more time off than others, depending on your injury and field of work.

Many of these concerns come from those who work in manual labor that requires them to be strong and healthy, and these jobs are often most impacted by injuries. But you may also consider taking time off if you work a desk job. One reason is the risk of concussion associated with a car accident- if your head was hit or jerked quickly enough for your brain to be jostled, you could suffer from this mild traumatic brain injury. Even without knowing you have a concussion, the prolonged use of screens at an office can worsen these issues.

If you are experiencing back pain after your car accident, sometimes the position we sit in at desk chairs can exacerbate the issue and worsen the condition. If the injury becomes more severe, you may be liable for the continued damage brought on by an early return to work.

Ultimately, you and your doctor will need to work together to decide the right option for you. This involves weighing your diagnosis, your financial situation, and your insurance claim, but your health will be the doctor’s top priority.

Decision Making with Experts

In order to do the right thing, you’ll want a team of the best specialists behind you. At AICA Orthopedics, we offer a central location with access to chiropractors, orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and more, who can work together to create a treatment plan that is right for you. Whether you are suffering back pain from a car accident, are not showing symptoms yet, or have exacerbated an old injury by returning to work, AICA Orthopedics offers comprehensive care in a convenient location. As car accident specialists, we are also able to assist with proper documentation of medical records and insurance claims so that you have the best information possible. Call us today to schedule your first consult!

Reviews

6,365 Reviews from our Amazing patients

I’ve had a wonderful experience at AICA. The customer service is fantastic. The doctors and office staff were very caring and understanding of my situation. I’d highly recommend them to anyone!
Jordan C.
Jonesboro, GA
Thank you so much for the assistance! My back has never felt better, if you're ever in an accident and need healing this is the place to go!
Ryan M.
Jonesboro, GA
Love the atmosphere. Very relaxing. Everyone there gets 5 stars as far as I'm concerned. Excellent facility. Would definitely recommend.
Cassandra A.
Jonesboro, GA
Yesterday was my last day at AICA College Park since my accident in December, there is so much to say about the people who work here and the level of customer service, care, attention, friendliness, and overall amazing atmosphere that they provide. Location is perfect in College Park, right off the highway and in a small plaza with plenty of parking. The entire staff, from the front desk girls, to the physical therapy girls, to the chiros, and the medical team are AMAZING! I feel like I just lost my friends not being able to visit them twice a week every week. I will definitely miss coming here. All the smiles and warm welcomes received. The physical therapy - asking about my day, if everything is okay and helping my back and neck get better. I had the pleasure of having Dr. Hector as my chiropractor, he is awesome, was very helpful in the healing process and also a native Spanish speaker which is a plus for those of us who do speak Spanish. Before coming to AICA, I tried another injury clinic in ATL and walked out after 5 mins - so impersonal and cold. I am so glad that I found AICA in College Park. Trust me, if you are injured and need some healing and TLC you NEED to come to this clinic! Highly recommend to everyone. Thank you again to the guys and girls at AICA - xo Ms. Colon
Francheska Colon
College Park, GA
WOW, THIS IS AN AMAZING PLACE OF BUSINESS FROM THE RECEPTION DESK TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE AND TREATMENT ROOM. I RECEIVED THE BEST CARE AND INFORMATION CONCERNING MY INJURIES. EXCELLENT SERVICE. I WILL BE BACK. I RECOMMEND THIS BUSINESS.
Sherille Gayle
College Park, GA
The ladies at Aica are very helpful and nice, I really enjoyed my visits to the office personally I’m going to refer friends in the near future.
Marco Starr
College Park, GA
Great service and treatment.
Chicolla Berry
College Park, GA
Very professional group and excellent teamwork
Earnestine Moss
Lawrenceville, GA