Unfortunately, automobile accidents are common in the United States, and often people are injured as a result. The good news is, though, there are medical professionals who specialize in treating the kinds of injuries caused by car accidents.
Take a look below at some of the most common car crash injuries we treat at the Florida Spine and Joint Institute.
Five common car crash injuries
- Whiplash — This is a neck injury that occurs when your head suddenly jerks forward and backward in a collision. The jerking motion causes the muscles and soft tissue in your neck to stretch and tear. It may also cause some damage to the vertebrae in your spine.
Usually, whiplash is not life-threatening, but it is painful and makes it difficult for you to accomplish many daily tasks. Without treatment, your whiplash symptoms can grow worse over time. - Herniated discs — A collision can exert a force on your spine that causes one of the discs between your vertebrae to burst. This is known as a herniated disc. When this happens, the fluid from the disc puts pressure on the spinal cord, which inflames the nerves and is very painful. It can also limit your range of motion and cause numbness and weakness in your shoulders, arms, or legs.
- Strains and sprains — Strains and sprains are stretches and tears of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These can occur in different areas in your body depending on the severity of the accident and whether or not you were directly impacted in the collision.
Some strains and sprains are minor and are able to be treated with a little rest at home. However, usually, you will need medical treatment if you’ve stretched or torn some of your soft tissue. - Concussions — A direct impact to your head or if your head jerks around in an accident can cause a concussion. This occurs when your brain collides against the inside of your skull in one of these situations.
Concussions are usually not life-threatening, but they are difficult to manage on your own. Multiple concussions throughout your lifetime can lead to long-term damage, so if you have a history of concussions and have been in an auto accident, you should have yourself checked out just in case. - Fractures — Direct impacts from an auto accident can cause a fracture in one or more of your bones. Sometimes, these fractures are minor and don’t require much treatment. Other times, you may need orthopedic surgery to repair a broken bone.
Visit the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute to treat your automobile accident injury
Whether minor or severe, your car crash injury can slow down your life and take away your ability to do what you love. Our team at the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute strives to provide excellent care so you can recover well and return to your life. Contact our team today to learn more about treating automobile accident injuries or to schedule an initial appointment.
