Car accidents can be a nuisance at their best and life-threatening at their worst. There are a variety of orthopedic injuries you can incur when you are a part of a car accident. Let’s take a look at the most common orthopedic injuries that you should look out for if you are a part of a car accident.
Concussion
A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a sudden blow to the head which causes the brain to move rapidly in the skull. This severe movement can cause chemical changes, swelling, and brain cell damage. Concussions are serious injuries and can be life-threatening when they are severe. If you are a part of a car accident and hit your head, see a medical professional immediately. If you experience headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or nausea, you may have a concussion and should seek medical attention immediately.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden movement in the neck. Whiplash is a very common car accident injury. Symptoms include stiffness, pain, limited range of motion, tenderness, and numbness in the neck. You may also feel dizzy or have blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and difficulty sleeping. Whiplash is easiest to treat when it is caught early. If you hurt your neck or feel any of these symptoms after your accident, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Fractures
Fractures happen when blunt force causes a bone to break. If you are a part of a car accident and feel moderate or severe pain anywhere in your body, you may have had a fracture and should seek medical attention immediately. Other symptoms of fractures include swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight in the affected area. The affected area may also appear deformed.
Muscle Strains
A muscle strain can happen when you are involved in a car accident. It typically happens when your body jerks with great force. The sudden motion in a car accident can cause your body to jerk. In this process, it is possible for your body’s muscles and ligaments to stretch or twist beyond their normal capacity, which can cause them to strain. Strains can happen anywhere but are most common in the lower back. Symptoms include sudden pain, soreness, stiffness, and muscle spasms.
Back Injuries
One of the most common places to develop an orthopedic injury during a car accident is the back. While your back pain may be a muscle strain, it could also be a more serious issue, such as a spine problem. The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae (bones) that can be displaced or damaged in a car accident. If your back is jerked or moved with severe blunt force during the accident, it is possible for you to develop orthopedic issues such as herniated discs, spinal fractures, and facet joint injuries. All of these issues require medical attention to correct. If you experience back pain after a car accident, get it checked out immediately.
Orthopedic Care in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
If you have an orthopedic injury following a car accident, see the experts at Total Orthopedic Care. We treat all types of orthopedic injuries caused by car accidents and would love to help you get better. Make an appointment by calling (954) 735-3535 or request an appointment now.
