Alleviating Your Discomfort after a Car Crash
It’s a sobering statistic—the average American is involved in a motor vehicle collision about once every 18 years and will have been in four crashes by the age of 70. Even if it’s a minor fender-bender with impact at a relatively slow speed, the consequences can be devastating. The sheer mass of two vehicles colliding can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which can cause immediate and long-lasting pain. The steps you take in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can have a significant effect on how much pain you experience and how quickly you can get it under control.
Look for a Medical Professional with Experience Addressing Pain Issues
There’s a misperception that any doctor can help you alleviate pain suffered in an accident. That’s not true—most doctors treat injuries and only view pain as a part of the equation. They may be able to help you recover from the injury, but not specifically address the pain. You don’t want the injury to heal, but the pain to remain.
There are, however, specialists who understand that managing your pain is an integral part of the healing process. Look for medical professionals who know how to minimize your pain.
Don’t Wait to See a Doctor
From a medical point of view, it’s almost always better to see a doctor immediately after your injury than to wait. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner your doctor can take measures to reduce your pain. It may be as simple as implementing strategies to avoid or minimize the inflammation that often accompanies an injury.
The Different Ways to Treat Pain
After any type of accident, you’ll have choices regarding the ways you manage your pain:
- Self-help: Ice is often an effective way to minimize pain, as it can reduce swelling. There are also over-the-counter pain medications that can be effective.
- Chiropractic care — The impact of an auto accident can lead to misalignment in your spine, which can affect the rest of your body. A spinal readjustment can significantly reduce the pain you experience after an accident.
- Physical therapy — If you’ve suffered damage to muscles, ligaments or tendons, a physical therapy regimen can help you reestablish muscle strength and motor skills.
- Massage therapy — Many car accident injuries involve soft tissue, and soft tissue injuries can be particularly painful. The trauma you suffer can cause muscles to tighten and put additional stress on other parts of your body. Massage therapy can help your muscles relax, improving blood flow and reducing muscle pain.
Contact Advantage Healthcare Systems to Make an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we take a multi-disciplinary approach to maximizing your recovery after a serious and catastrophic accident. Our diverse team includes medical doctors, chiropractors, physical and occupational therapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists and personal trainers. For a comprehensive approach that promotes your total wellness, contact us online or call our office toll-free at 1-877-487-8389.
