Nobody wants to be in a car accident- they can be expensive, time-consuming, and most importantly, dangerous. After a crash, some injuries will be apparent and result in immediate attention, but some are more subtle and may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Even if you don’t have any obvious injuries, it is important to see a car accident doctor in Tucker as soon as possible. Below are some of the most common injuries sustained during an accident and the signs to look out for.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common name given to injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around your neck that happen in a car accident. When your car is in a collision, your neck moves at a speed it normally wouldn’t, causing stress and tears to the area surrounding your neck. Sometimes, the pain associated with whiplash will begin directly following the accident, but for many people, it does not become apparent until later.
Neck pain, stiffness, or pain accompanying motion are the primary symptoms of whiplash, as well as new limitations in range of motion. Some people suffer from headaches, tenderness in the neck, and a tingling sensation in the arms can all also be signs of the injury, which a car accident doctor in Tucker can help with.
Concussion
The same jerking that can cause whiplash may also cause head injuries, leading to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. This can occur when the head hits a hard surface such as a windshield, but even without impact, the sudden motion may allow the brain to hit the skull and cause damage that way. Any injury to the brain should be taken seriously, so even mild signs of a concussion mean you should seek care immediately.
Immediately after impact, a loss of consciousness, headache, or dizziness may indicate a concussion. Other common symptoms may begin to surface, such as a feeling of pressure on the head or throbbing.
After some time passes, those with a concussion may begin to notice they feel confused or foggy, struggle with focusing, or are losing memory. As soon as you observe these changes, seek care from a car accident doctor in Tucker immediately to prevent worsening.
Dislocated Joints
When the body is jolted during an accident, joints can be knocked out of their sockets, causing dislocation. Shoulders and elbows are very likely to be dislocated in an accident as the upper body is moved harshly. When a seatbelt is secured properly, it will become resistant upon impact, a protective mechanism to prevent movement. However, the pressure may cause shoulders to be knocked out of place. Parts of the spine, hips, jaw, knees, fingers, wrists, and ankles are all also at risk of dislocation in an accident.
In most cases, you will notice a dislocated joint immediately due to the pain. However, sometimes the adrenaline after a car accident overpowers pain and you may not notice a dislocation to later. If the area around a joint is bruised or red and you notice a limited range of motion or weakened strength, that joint may be dislocated and need further care. You may also be able to see some deformity in the joint. A car accident doctor in Tucker will be able to quickly diagnose and treat a dislocation to help you get on the road to healing.
Seatbelt Syndrome
Seatbelts are undoubtedly lifesaving tools, but they do sometimes come with side effects. A proper seatbelt will react to a collision by becoming stiff to hold your body in place, which can prevent dangerous movement. However, this may also place pressure on your abdomen and can cause seatbelt injuries that aren’t visible. In serious scenarios, this can lead to internal bleeding that becomes life-threatening.
You may notice bruising, swelling, or discoloration in the abdomen that indicates the seatbelt applied pressure to this area. This may or may not be superficial. More internal damage will often lead to feeling weakness or dizziness, changes in digestive patterns, blood in stool or vomit, or severe abdominal pain. Any of these symptoms will need immediate medical attention to rule out severe cases of seatbelt syndrome.
At AICA Orthopedics, our team of car accident doctors in Tucker is trained to provide comprehensive diagnosis and care for those who have suffered injuries in a car accident. We encourage you to seek the advice of our expert chiropractors to examine any symptoms, no matter how mild, and rule out serious complications that may occur in the future. Whiplash, concussions, dislocated joints, and seatbelt syndrome can all have long-term consequences that require holistic care. Call AICA Orthopedics in Tucker today to assess your injuries and determine the most effective steps to take towards recovery.