When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s very common to sustain injuries at some level, ranging from minor cuts to fatal injuries. Most of these fall into one of two categories- impact injuries that result from hitting against a surface or penetrating injuries that occur when something pierces the body. In both cases, you will need to be evaluated by a car accident doctor in Lithia Springs who can determine the extent of these injuries. While the most commonly reported injuries are listed below, your medical team can help identify a wide array of issues that require treatment.
Arm and Leg Injuries
The unnatural movement caused by impact can often lead to extremities moving involuntarily, leaving them vulnerable to becoming stuck between car parts, fractured, or suffering from severe tissue damage.
Arms or legs may be visibly damaged after the accident, exhibiting deformity, bones protruding through the skin, or a constant snapping or popping sound. You will likely notice this as soon as you begin to survey the aftermath.
Any pain in the arms or legs is an indication that some damage has occurred, as well as other common symptoms like bruising, swelling, or numbness and tingling. A range of motion that seems to be decreased since the accident is also a good sign that something has suffered trauma.
Back Injuries
There is a wide range in the severity of back injuries caused by car crashes, as the human spine is not designed to endure heavy impact and is therefore vulnerable. For most people, back pain or injuries will be minor and can be treated directly by a professional. In some cases, the spinal cord is injured and there may be more chronic consequences over time.
In addition to pain, stiffness, and tenderness, spinal injuries may cause other seemingly unrelated symptoms as well. The spine has a large role in your nervous system, so when impacted, it may lead to numbness or tingling in other body parts, digestive issues, problems with posture, or even paralysis.
Because it is commonly injured, a car accident doctor in Lithia Springs will be able to evaluate the extent of your back injury and treat it appropriately to prevent chronic problems.
Head Injuries
The most common fatal injury from a car accident is a head injury, particularly one that impacts the brain. The head may suffer from surface injuries like bruises, cuts, and scrapes as a result of projectiles, or the head striking a car part such as the steering wheel. Even if the head does not make contact with something, the brain can be jarred by the sudden movement and hit the skull, causing damage in the organ itself. In some cases, this impact can cause closed head injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or even permanent brain damage.
Headaches, nausea, and dizziness are all identifiable symptoms that the brain may have been affected by the crash. Loss of consciousness is also a very sure sign something has happened to the brain. Over time, you may also notice confusion, memory problems, trouble with focus, difficulty speaking, or blurred vision. Any of these should be immediately evaluated to prevent further damage from occurring.
Concussions, the most common brain injury, are typically mild and can be recovered from with proper care. If not addressed, however, a concussion can become a more serious issue with life-long consequences.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are considered soft tissues and are particularly susceptible to damage in a car accident. The unnatural movements can cause these tissues to stretch, tear, or become otherwise damaged. This is what leads to sprains and strains, possible nerve or tissue damage, and whiplash.
Pain in the area, along with limited range of motion, is often the first indication of soft tissue damage. The area may also swell, bruise, or make “popping” sounds. Addressing these items early can stop them from worsening or spreading to surrounding soft tissue.
In addition to common tears and sprains, soft tissue can also suffer from lacerations, avulsions, abrasions, and contusions.
While it’s common to brush off small aches or mild symptoms after an accident, some of these common injuries can lead to much more severe conditions if they are not properly treated. When you visit AICA, our car accident doctors in Lithia Springs will evaluate your injuries and provide customized treatment plans that prevent worsening of your symptoms. Our chiropractors are dedicated to giving you the most efficient and cutting edge treatment to optimize your recovery process. The team is available day and night, so as soon as you begin to notice symptoms, reach out and our team will begin your treatment today.