When to See a Doctor After a Car Accident
Even if you were in a slight fender bender and did not receive any medical care at the scene, you still want to see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out any hidden or delayed injuries. At AICA Orthopedics, our general rule of thumb is that if your car suffered any damage then your body likely did too. Similarly, if you were treated for minor injuries or even something more serious like a fracture or broken bone, then you will still want to receive follow-up care to assess the injury and surrounding areas for potential damage. Sometimes injuries can develop slowly after a car accident, whether other more obvious injuries were also sustained or not. These delayed injuries can seem hidden at first but they can cause significant issues if left unaddressed.
Delayed Symptoms and Injuries After a Car Accident
Experiencing chronic pain after a car accident does not have to be the normal experience. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable team of doctors at AICA Orthopedics in our Car Accident Clinic has treated a significant number of injuries resulting from car accidents and use a multi-specialty approach to treat not only the injury itself but also pain management and continued monitoring of the injured areas. Our doctors not only address immediate concerns but also use thorough examinations and state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging tests to monitor for any internal injuries. Abdominal injuries are commonly associated with delayed reactions and symptoms because of the potential damage done to internal organs and tissues.
Seat Belt Syndrome 101
While seat belts are so important to your safety and can prevent you from sustaining even more serious injuries from a car accident, they can also lead to some damage as well. In many cases, those injured in an auto accident only sustain minor injuries from a seat belt, like small cuts, bruises, or light burns from the friction of the seat belt on bare skin. However, those light injuries can also be signs of further damage below the surface and are worth getting checked out by your doctor. “Seat belt syndrome” refers to this common experience and can encompass a variety of symptoms, from headaches to dark bruising to stomach and abdominal pain. It is very important that you seek treatment from a doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, abdominal swelling, and deep bruises around the stomach area. In severe cases of “seat belt syndrome”, these can be signs of internal bleeding, which is an incredibly serious concern and should be addressed as soon as possible by a medical professional.
Treating Abdominal Pain
At AICA Orthopedics, we implement a holistic approach to injuries sustained in a car accident to address presenting symptoms and injuries, monitor injuries with cutting edge diagnostic technologies, and manage pain. Abdominal pain and injuries associated with a car accident can range from minor injuries to serious medical events that need to be addressed on multiple fronts. Our multidisciplinary doctors can address pain from a variety of perspectives to help our patients avoid severe complications as much as possible.
Our team of doctors offers consultations and a full medical examination to review how your body is handling the impact and jostling from a car accident, whether or not you believe you have sustained any injuries. We recognize the importance of identifying delayed or hidden symptoms and injuries to treat the whole patient. If you are experiencing any pain, especially abdominal pain, please contact AICA Orthopedics today so we can best assist you and help you on the road to recovery.
