5 Common Car Accident Treatments & Injuries

Car crashes are a major cause of injuries in the United States, with nearly 12 out of every 1,000 people visiting the emergency room each year for crash-related injuries. Beyond the physical harm, victims often face stress, trauma, pain, social isolation, and life-altering changes like loss and disability. These challenges frequently interact, creating a cycle where physical injuries intensify mental distress, slowing the recovery process.

Providing immediate attention to the physical injuries and the psychological impact of the motor vehicle accident can prevent complications, reduce the risk of long-term mental health issues, and support a faster, more complete recovery from an auto accident.

5 Most Frequent Car Accident Treatments

Below are the most frequent treatments for common car accident injuries:

1. Pain Management

The sudden and forceful impact of a car crash can overstretch your muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to acute soft tissue injuries like back pain and sprains. This may lead to symptoms like body soreness, pain, and bruising.

Following such injuries, the body initiates a natural healing process that includes inflammation. This natural response often causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the injured area.

Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and diclofenac are frequently prescribed to manage pain, recent evidence suggests they may have limited benefits in the early stages of healing. In fact, using NSAIDs too soon could potentially slow the recovery process.

Instead, an effective initial treatment for soft tissue injuries is the RICE protocol:

• Rest: Allow your body to rest. Avoid using the injured site (e.g., bearing weight on the injured leg). Get enough sleep and avoid strenuous activities.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 20 minutes, several times daily, to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage to manage swelling and support the injured area.
• Elevation: While resting, elevate the injured area above your heart to reduce swelling.

​​After the first few days of injury, gradually reintroduce movement and light exercise to your routine to promote recovery. Having a physical therapist guide this process ensures it’s done safely and effectively.

Physical therapy (PT) focuses on managing soft tissue injuries by addressing acute pain and inflammation, promoting blood flow, and reducing stiffness. Treatment options may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat or cold therapy.

Alternative therapies that can help address acute and chronic pain from soft tissue injuries include:

• Steroid Injections: Anti-inflammatory injections to reduce localized pain and swelling.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Heat therapy to target nerves and disrupt pain signals.
• Nerve Blocks: Injections near nerves to reduce pain, including medial branch blocks and facet joint injections.
• Acupuncture: Thin needles stimulate the body to relieve pain naturally.
• Biofeedback: Monitors bodily functions to help patients manage pain through relaxation techniques.
• Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments to alleviate pain and improve alignment.
• Massage Therapy: Soft tissue manipulation to reduce tension and enhance circulation.

2. Rest and Immobilization

Slowing down and resting is essential for recovery after a car crash, especially if you’ve sustained injuries. Along with soft tissue damage, car crashes often result in bone fractures.

Bone fractures after a car accident are typically caused by the immense impact of the collision, which can throw the body against the dashboard, steering wheel, or other parts of the car. Fractures may also occur due to airbag deployment, being ejected from the vehicle, or instinctively bracing for impact with your hands.

Broken bones heal by themselves, but treatment focuses on ensuring proper alignment to facilitate proper healing. Immobilization, a process of holding a bone in place with the help of a splint, cast, or brace, is the primary medical treatment for fractures.

Proper immobilization is crucial to prevent further damage, reduce pain, and allow the bone to heal correctly. Moving a bone during immobilization can cause pain, damage surrounding tissues, and disrupt alignment, leading to improper healing. Strictly adhering to rest protocols and avoiding unnecessary movement is critical for a successful recovery.

The type of immobilization you’ll need depends on the fracture’s location, type, and severity. Simple fractures in the arms or legs are often treated with casts or splints to hold the bone in place. More severe fractures may require surgery to insert metal rods, pins, or screws, which stabilize the bone while it heals.

3. Surgical Interventions

While some auto accident injuries can be managed with conservative treatments, others result in severe trauma that necessitates surgical intervention.  Common surgeries after car accidents include procedures for soft tissue repair, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), complex fractures, and back and spinal cord injuries.

Not all injuries requiring surgery are immediately urgent. For example, a surgeon may address a torn ligament later and prioritize critical, potentially life-threatening injuries, such as TBIs, internal bleeding, or organ damage.

The type of surgery depends on the location, extent, and type of injury. Here are some examples:

• Head or brain injuries: A surgeon may perform major brain surgeries like craniotomy or craniectomy to access the brain and do any of the following: remove debris or drain accumulated fluids, repair skull fractures, stop a brain bleed, or remove clotted blood that can put pressure in the brain and compress structures.
• Spinal or back injuries: Surgery may be necessary to remove bone fragments or foreign objects from the spine, fuse broken bones, fuse spinal bones, or remove parts of them to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
• Internal bleeding: For severe internal bleeding, a surgeon may need to locate and stop the bleeding and remove excess blood. Symptoms of internal bleeding include general weakness, confusion, shallow breathing, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure.

Comprehensive post-operative care is crucial for a successful recovery. It aims to address your physical and emotional needs and includes pain management, proper healing, and early detection and prevention of complications.

4. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy plays a key role in recovery after car accident injuries, addressing a range of car crash-related conditions, from soft tissue injuries like ACL tears to musculoskeletal issues such as whiplash and shoulder injuries, as well as neurological impairments like TBIs.

Key areas where PT can help in auto accident rehabilitation:

• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Improving range of motion
• Addressing strength and flexibility issues
• Enhancing mobility
• Restoring function to affected areas
• Facilitating a return to daily activities

For instance, physical therapists can develop personalized exercise programs for individuals with neck injuries like whiplash to reduce pain and restore neck mobility. They also help manage chronic pain through targeted exercises and correct postural imbalances contributing to discomfort.

In slipped discs, a PT treatment plan focuses on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and strengthening spinal support muscles. A structured program may include gentle stretches, core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and pain management techniques to prevent chronic pain, stiffness, and future injuries.

5. Psychological Support and Counseling

Car accidents can take a significant emotional toll, significantly increasing the risk of psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Studies show that individuals who have not fully recovered physically or who suffer severe injuries are more vulnerable to psychological challenges. Additionally, while persistent pain can exist without mental health issues, mental health struggles often increase the risk of chronic pain.

These findings underscore the importance of early, targeted psychiatric and psychological interventions for car accident victims. Such support equips victims with the skills and strategies to manage the stressors related to the accident, including chronic pain, physical injuries, and financial or familial strain, ultimately promoting both mental and physical recovery.

Psychotherapy and counseling can help victims navigate the trauma. They can help victims understand their responses and triggers, make sense of what happened, and learn healthy coping mechanisms.

Tips for Preventing Car Accident Injuries

Follow Traffic and Road Safety Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following traffic and road safety tips to help reduce the risk of car accidents:

• Always wear a seat belt.
• Use car seats or booster seats when traveling with children.
• Avoid driving at night, especially in unfamiliar places.
• Always wear a helmet if you have to ride a motorcycle.
• Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws before driving.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol.
• Only ride marked taxis and wear a seatbelt if one is available.
• Avoid traveling in overcrowded, overweight, or top-heavy buses or vans.
• Don’t use your cellphone while driving.

Practice Safe Driving Habits

Always maintain a safe following distance to allow time to react to sudden stops. Follow speed limits and adjust your speed based on weather, traffic, and road conditions. Use turn signals to communicate your intentions, and always remain alert to your surroundings.

Do Regular Vehicle Safety Checks

Your car’s critical components affect its performance and safety. Ensure everything functions properly before driving. Inspect your brakes, lights, mirrors, tires, seatbelts, and steering mechanism to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Regular maintenance and pre-drive checks can prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention After a Car Accident

Car accidents can cause obvious injuries like cuts and bruises, but they can also lead to hidden injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. After a crash, your body releases adrenaline and endorphins—natural chemicals that mask pain and other symptoms. This means you might feel fine initially, only to experience symptoms days or even weeks later.

However, hidden injuries can be dangerous. For example, internal injuries like organ damage or internal bleeding might not show immediate signs but can become life-threatening without prompt treatment. Injuries like subdural hematoma may not show apparent symptoms like worsening headache or confusion until days or even weeks to months later.

Early medical care can catch hidden issues early so they don’t worsen. Getting an accurate diagnosis early on ensures you receive targeted treatments that speed up recovery and prevent long-term problems.

Even if you feel fine after an accident, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Having an expert review your medical history and monitor your progress can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. In Florida, a medical review is also needed for your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance.

PIP insurance provides coverage for your medical care regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, it’s crucial to act quickly, as Florida law imposes a 14-day deadline to seek treatment after an accident to qualify for your PIP benefits. Delaying your care beyond this period can result in losing access to the coverage you’re entitled to, potentially leading to higher out-of-pocket costs.

Coping with Trauma from a Car Crash

A recent study found that while victims demonstrate resilience after a car crash, one in three develop moderate to severe mental health problems.

Following a car accident, it’s normal to feel shaken up and distressed. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and stay connected with others—neglecting these basics can slow your recovery.

If the distress starts interfering with your daily life, don’t hesitate to seek help from a medical professional. A healthcare provider can help you work through the experience and provide effective coping strategies to manage distressing symptoms and regain control over your life.

Early intervention can prevent victims from developing PTSD or prevent acute stress responses from progressing into chronic PTSD.

Recovery is different for everyone—it can take months or even years, depending on the severity of the accident, personal resilience, and the support you have. Even if you feel physically fine and didn’t sustain serious injuries, it’s important to give yourself time to rest and process. Reflecting and processing your emotions can help prevent long-term psychological impacts.

Resources for Further Information on Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents are traumatic events that often result in a range of physical injuries and mental health challenges. Whether it’s addressing immediate injuries or supporting mental recovery, receiving early, accurate, and thorough medical care is essential for a complete and holistic recovery process.

Schedule an appointment with Alexander Orthopaedics for comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

Common Car Accident Treatments ​​FAQ

How common are traumatic brain injuries after a car crash?

Vehicle-related injuries are the third most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) like concussions and hematoma. Around 17% of deaths caused by TBI are due to car crashes. A collision’s sudden, forceful impact can cause the brain to move within the skull, resulting in injuries. Severe brain swelling, tearing or stretching of nerve fibers, and brain bleeding can lead to coma or death.

How long does whiplash last?

While some individuals recover quickly and fully, others may experience symptoms that persist for months or years. Generally, most recover within three months of the injury. Medications for pain relief, gentle neck exercises, heat and cold therapy, and gradually resuming daily activities can help relieve neck pain and stiffness while supporting recovery.

What should you check after being involved in a car accident?

After a car accident, you should immediately check yourself and any passengers for visible injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or areas of pain and discomfort. Be vigilant for signs of internal bleeding, which can include dizziness, severe bruising, shallow breathing, and low blood pressure.

Even if there are no immediate symptoms, it’s best to seek medical attention for an auto. Many injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), do not show up immediately.

If you need auto-injury treatment, our doctors at Alexander Orthopaedics have the expertise and experience to diagnose and treat your symptoms with care.