Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of fatalities around the world. Deaths due to road accidents are increasing at an alarmingly high rate annually due to the increasing number of automobiles on roads and the resulting traffic.
One of the busiest countries in the world in terms of road traffic is The United States. With over 227.5 million licensed drivers and nearly 280 million vehicles in operation, the streets are always jam-packed. Statistics suggest that in 2020, almost 12 million car crashes were reported in the US, of which 38,700 resulted in fatalities.
An auto accident is a stressful event that impacts both the body and the mind. A complete physical and mental recovery of victims takes time, patience, and care. Therefore, knowing what to do after an automobile accident is essential for a quick recovery. To make the process seem less daunting, we have listed down a few steps to give you an idea of what you should do after an auto accident takes place:
Seek Medical Care Even If You feel Fine:
Swift and prompt response is the key to dealing with automobile accidents. It is recommended that even in case of a minor accident, patients get a full medical assessment. That’s because often, there is no initial pain or visibly apparent damage. Symptoms of concussions and spinal injuries can take hours and even days to develop. These issues must be diagnosed and treated immediately.
Leaving them unattended can cause even minor injuries to progress into severe, chronic conditions with a high risk of developing long-lasting and permanent damage. For example, a delayed response can lead to chronic pain in the case of whiplash or herniated disks. At the same time, untreated concussions and internal bleeding can cause irreversible brain damage, which may be life-threatening.
Choose A Reputable Doctor:
A simple health care provider cannot cater to auto injuries. Doctors specializing in treating auto-accident injuries require years of training, experience, and qualifications. Hence, for an accurate diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, seek an auto accident specialist care. A treatment plan needs to be devised, depending on the severity, type of injury, and pre-existing health conditions. Each auto accident injury is unique in its way.
Injuries sustained by one victim of car accidents could be entirely different from another victim. Wounds may vary from minor cuts and bruises to severe complications. Hence, every patient requires a custom tailor-made treatment plan that is best suited to treat their injuries.
Your recovery plan may contain one or a combination of the following treatments:
- Physical therapy – A physical exercise routine that is gentle on the body. It restores muscle movement, relieves pain and increases mobility and flexibility of the affected muscles.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound – These high frequency sound waves aren’t just used for diagnostic purposes. They stimulate blood flow towards the treated area, encouraging muscle repair and growth.
- Phonophoresis: Use of ultrasound to deliver medications efficiently and effectively.
- Massage Therapy – Hands on therapeutic massage to loosen the stiffened soft tissue. It improves blood circulation and relaxes the muscle. Encourages muscle repair.
- Traction – Required to treat spinal damage. It straightens the bones and the spine to release pressure.
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation – Use of electrical impulses similar to that produced by the brain to give rise to muscle contractions. Reduces the risk of muscle atrophy and prevents spasms.
- Myofascial Release – Soft tissue therapy directed towards the fascia, a soft, elastic, connective tissue wrapped around muscles of the body. It increases blood and lymphatic flow and stimulates muscle stretch reflex.
- Splints and braces – Assist in treating fractures, sprains and strains. By reducing force on the damaged and weakened bones.
At CertMedicals, we have professionals with years of experience and training in managing injuries sustained through car accidents. Our doctors work hard to ensure a custom plan is created for each patient according to the severity and extent of their injury. Our goal is to provide efficient treatment so that our patients can be back up on their feet in no time.
Observe Discipline and Rest:
The journey to recovery and healing is a long one that requires patience and dedication. One needs to observe strict commitment to the prescribed treatment plan to see visible progress. Being regular with your medications and physical therapy is the first step to a quick recovery. Take time off work, limit strenuous activities, and give your body the time and space to heal. Be consistent with the therapy exercises as recommended by your physiotherapist. However, knowing your limit is equally vital as pushing yourself too hard and trying to power through will worsen the injury leading to permanent damage.
Moreover, adequate sleep and rest are also required to encourage tissue and muscle repair and growth. While a person sleeps, the level of stress hormones in the body drops down. Not only does this reduce inflammation, but it increases alertness, energy levels and stabilizes mood.
Be Active and Eat Well:
To regain flexibility, mobility, enhance balance and endurance, patients are encouraged to stretch and exercise regularly. Making movement a part of your recovery routine helps reduce stiffness and pain in muscles and joints. Gentle exercises like yoga strengthen and repair the injured area while keeping you active and energetic.
After an auto accident, the body is under immense stress to cope with the damage. A well-balanced diet encourages repair and provides your body with the fuel it needs to function correctly. Eating good helps strengthen the newly developed muscles and tissues.
Prevention is always better than cure. To keep the risk of an accident to a minimum, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, wear a seatbelt and never use your mobile phone while driving. However, sometimes injuries are unavoidable. Being educated about what to do and taking prompt action has several positive effects in the long run. At Certmedicals our team of doctors is at your service 24/7 to provide any assistance you may need.