Commonly Treated Injuries From a Car Accident
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries depending on the severity and overall situation. Some common injuries that happen from car accident impact are:
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries
TBIs occur when the brain is jolted from immediate impact to the head. An example could be hitting your head against the steering wheel from a large external force. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is usually considered mild. TBIs can range from mild to severe, depending on how bad of a hit was taken.
Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, blurred vision, and sensory to light. Sometimes these brain injuries are harder to notice if something is wrong. If you experience any of these symptoms in the slightest, it is best to get it checked immediately so that you can receive proper treatment before the condition gets worse.
2. Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that happens during a car accident, proving to occur in most car wrecks, even if in the most mild ones. Whiplash happens when an impactful collision causes the neck to jerk forward and back, moving it in unusual ways. This causes the muscles in the neck to stretch more than they are used to.
Symptoms can consist of neck, back or arm pain, tingling in the arms, headache, loss of range of motion, difficulty focusing, and dizziness. The severity of the symptoms correlates to the severity of the situation. These symptoms usually subside on their own, but getting help from a physical therapist can help alleviate pain and recover more quickly.
3. Bruised or Broken Ribs
A hit to the chest can cause bruised or broken ribs. If it was a lower impact hit, that will usually result in mild bruising. However, if it was a high impact hit, the chances of breaking a rib are very likely.
These can usually heal in a couple of weeks on their own, but rib injuries are also harder to diagnose from the naked eye. For this reason, it is best to get them checked early on to make sure there is nothing worse.
4. Joint Dislocation
The intensity of a car wreck has the capacity to dislocate joints, or pull two bones away from each other and displace them. This usually occurs in the shoulder. The onset of symptoms of a dislocated joint usually happen immediately after so it is easier to notice than some other injuries.
Some of these symptoms you could experience immediately at the joint site are tingling, swelling, visible deformity, intense pain, and inability to move.
5. Sprains or Strains
Experiencing a sprain or strain is very common following a car accident and they are usually not as problematic as other injuries. A sprain occurs when a ligament is torn or stretched. A strain is when a muscle is torn or stretched.
Symptoms include popping, swelling, tenderness, muscle spasms, and a loss in range of motion. With proper care, these injuries can fully heal.
6. Neck Pain and Whiplash After a Car Accident
Whiplash occurs when the head and neck move suddenly during a collision, placing stress on the muscles and other soft tissues. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, reduced range of motion, and discomfort that travels into the shoulders or arms. Physical therapy may help restore mobility, improve strength, and address movement limitations as you recover.
7. Back Pain and Spinal Injuries
The force of a collision can place stress on the muscles, joints, and other structures in the back. Some people experience lower back pain, while others develop upper back discomfort, muscle spasms, or stiffness. A physical therapist can assess your movement and help develop a rehabilitation plan to address pain, strength, and mobility.
8. Shoulder and Knee Injuries
A seat belt, steering wheel, dashboard, or sudden impact can contribute to shoulder and knee injuries during a collision. These injuries may cause swelling, pain, weakness, or difficulty moving the affected joint. Rehabilitation can focus on restoring range of motion and rebuilding strength as appropriate.
9. Concussions and Dizziness
A collision can cause a concussion or other head injury, even when there is no obvious blow to the head. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, balance problems, sensitivity to light, and difficulty concentrating. Anyone with a possible concussion or head injury should receive medical evaluation. Physical therapy may be part of recovery when recommended by the treating medical provider.
