Auto Injuries

What types of painful conditions can occur as a result of an auto accident?

While it is evident that auto accidents can cause many different types of injury, it is natural for pain due to these injuries to subside as they heal. However, it is also common to experience persistent pain in your neck, back, hips, knees, and other parts of your body following an auto accident. You may notice this pain immediately, or it may take longer to set in. Due to the persistent nature of this pain, it can be quite debilitating in the long run. However, treatment options are available.

What are the symptoms of pain from an auto accident?

Due to the wide variety of potential injuries that are possible with an auto accident, there is a wide range of potential symptoms. One of the more common causes of pain following a crash is a muscle strain, which can include stiffness, pain in the affected muscle, pain radiating to other parts of the body, and reduced mobility. It is imperative to seek medical care if you experience persistent pain following a motor vehicle accident.

What is whiplash?

One of the most commonly discussed painful conditions following an accident is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when your head moves forward or backward very quickly, straining the muscles and tendons in your neck. This strain can create neck pain and stiffness, pain that radiates out to your shoulders and back, pain or numbness in your arms and hands, headaches, or difficulty concentrating.

What treatments are available?

If you suffer from specific injuries following an auto accident, letting those injuries heal, will reduce the pain. However, for those suffering from ongoing pain, treatments are available. These focus on reducing or eliminating chronic pain so that you can get back to the activities that you enjoy. Treatments may include:

• Rest
• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Surgery
• Massage
• interventional pain-relieving procedures

Many other treatment options are available. The first step is to seek professional medical care to learn about your options.

How can physical therapy help me recover from an auto injury?

At Samwell Institute for Pain Management, you'll receive a comprehensive treatment plan designed with your needs in mind. Treatments often include special exercises, massage, occupational therapy, and more. These work together to help you achieve the best results and promote healing. 

Prior to treatment, a physical therapist performs assessments to check your muscle and joint function after your injury. Then they guide you through exercises and treatments to strengthen weak muscles and loosen stiff joints. Over time, physical therapy can help your body function better.

Your physical therapist can help you learn new ways to adapt if your injury limits your mobility or makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks. You may need to use a walker, cane, or other assistive devices to help you get around. Your physical therapist can show you how to use these devices most effectively.

If you've been in an auto accident, call or go online today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Shah and learn what you can do to manage your pain effectively.