There are no shortcuts in the healing process. After you’ve suffered an injury in a car crash, full recovery takes time and care. Some injuries take weeks or even months to heal completely, depending on the severity of the injury, pre-existing health conditions and how compliant you are with treatment.
While we can’t give you definitive answers on how long your recovery process will be, Middletown Chiropractic Rehab and Wellness can give you definitive actions to take that will put you on the right track. Keep reading to learn more.
1. SEEK MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
Not all car accident injuries are visible immediately. Pain and symptoms from concussions, whiplash and spine damage may take hours, days or even weeks to appear. The longer you wait to seek medical care, the higher risk you have of injuries worsening and requiring a more extensive recovery period. Left untreated, accident injuries like whiplash and herniated spinal discs may lead to chronic pain in the future. And untreated concussions or internal bleeding can be life-threatening or cause permanent brain damage.
Even if you aren’t in pain after a car accident, see a doctor for a checkup. He or she can run imaging tests to check for internal bleeding, swelling, fractures and soft tissue damage.
2. FIND THE RIGHT AUTO INJURY DOCTOR
Your primary care physician (PCP) is not the best doctor to see after a car accident. PCPs are trained to treat internal injuries many of them do not have the necessary training and qualifications to identify, diagnose and treat common accident injuries like whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injuries and fractures.
Instead, seek care from a specialist who has experience treating the types of injuries you may sustain. Middletown Chiropractic Rehab and Wellness specializes in providing care in car accident cases and are a great source of referrals. We would work closely with your lawyer, and other physicians in diagnosing, treating and rehabilitating your musculoskeletal problems and get you back on your feet as soon as possible.
3. FOLLOW YOUR PRESCRIBED TREATMENT PLAN
The treatment process may be long and slow. The most effective way you can ensure a complete recovery, in as short a timespan as possible, is to follow the prescribed treatment plan created by your doctor. This includes:
Sticking to your weekly office visits – therapies help you heal quicker.
Taking time off work and limiting normal activities to allow your body time to heal.
Performing recommended exercises at home.
Setting and attending follow-up appointments with our office .
4. GET ADEQUATE REST
Sleep and rest are crucial components of the recovery process. When you sleep, your body increases blood flow to your muscles, and tissue and muscle repair and growth occur.
Know your limits and don’t push yourself too hard or too soon. If you try to “power through” serious car accident injuries, you run the risk of injuring yourself further.
5. MANAGE YOUR PAIN
You may be in a lot of pain for several days, weeks or even months after your accident. Pain can cause you to feel angry, hopeless, frustrated and less motivated to participate in physical therapy and take other steps to help your recovery. It’s important that you find ways to manage your pain — suffering through it in silence will only hinder your progress.
6. EAT A HEALTHY DIET AND STAY HYDRATED
Eating a nutritious diet can help keep your recovery on track. During the healing process, your body needs whole, fresh foods with plenty of vitamins and protein to help repair damage. Your body needs good fuel to function properly, and you’ll feel stronger and more energetic when you eat well. And don’t forget to hydrate.
7. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH A GOOD SUPPORT SYSTEM
Surround yourself with friends and family who can help you while you heal. A good support system can lift your mood and make sure you’re motivated to follow your treatment plan. Depending on your injuries, friends and family members can also assist you in daily activities and transport you to and from appointments.
CONTACT MIDDLETOWN CHIROPRACTIC REHAB AND WELLNESS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
If you’ve been in a car accident and need treatment for your injuries, contact us. Our board-certified physicians have experience treating common car crash injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage and spine damage. Call us today at (302) 316-5858.
