Getting in a car accident is one of the most stressful, scary, and difficult things a person can encounter in their lives. No one wants these events to occur, and there’s no way to completely plan for a car accident no matter how prepared you are.

Getting in a car accident is one of the most stressful, scary, and difficult things a person can encounter in their lives. No one wants these events to occur, and there’s no way to completely plan for a car accident no matter how prepared you are. Car accidents affect more than 4.5 million people each year, with treatment costing more than $463 billion in 2019 alone, according to the National Safety Council.

Knowing what to do when you get in a car accident is one of the best ways to minimize your medical costs and give yourself the best chance of long-term wellness. Whether you have just been in a car accident or you are trying to overcome a long-term car accident injury, there are treatment steps anyone can take.

The compassionate, highly trained, and dedicated staff at Spine Center Atlanta brings decades of combined experience helping people overcome neck and back injuries, and we know how to work with car accident attorneys. We’re sharing this guide to help you feel empowered and informed about your options for car accident injury relief. If you have any questions or you are ready to begin your treatment journey, please feel free to reach out.

Step One: Have Your Car Accident Injury Examined by a Qualified Medical Professional

Identifying your injury and the sources of your pain is essential to getting better. Car accident injuries in particular can have a delayed onset of symptoms, and injuries can also get worse over time. This is why if you are in a car accident, do not wait to get checked out by a doctor.

You should expect a full review of your medical and injury history, a physical examination, movement and posture tests, as well as diagnostic imagery such as an MRI or X-ray. By pinpointing injuries as early as possible in the treatment process, you and your doctor can work together to develop an effective treatment plan. This is also a critical step in establishing a medical record of your car accident and any related injuries, especially if you are working with a car accident attorney.

Step Two: Understand Your Nonsurgical Options

Especially in non-emergency cases, the first line of treatment for a car accident option will often be conservative therapies. Many of these treatments will be fairly basic measures that you can perform at home. Other treatments take place in a clinic or physical therapy center.

The best treatment plan depends on each patient and the nature and location of the injury. Some of the most common nonsurgical treatments for car accident injuries include:

• Physical therapy
• Over-the-counter medication, such as naproxen, ibuprofen, or acetamenophen
• Using hot and/or cold compression therapy
• Pain management injections, such as a corticosteroid
• Massage therapy
• Alternative treatments, such as acupuncture

You should be patient as you work with your treatment team to develop the best plan for your personal needs.

Step Three: Focus on Your Health Wellness

One area of injury treatment that does not get enough attention is how overall health and wellness affect the healing and recovery process. A healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, good posture, staying hydrated, managing weight, avoiding tobacco products, and minimizing alcohol consumption can go a long way toward developing a strong, healthy body.

Any car accident treatment you receive can benefit from consulting with wellness experts, including nutritionists, physical therapists, and weight management counselors. From relieving pressure on the spine to increased flow of healing nutrients through your body, your health matters when overcoming a car accident.

Step Four: When to Consider Surgery

Spine surgery for a car accident injury such as a herniated disc or whiplash is generally seen as a last resort. But if weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment and a healthy lifestyle have not brought the relief you need for your family, your job, and your favorite activities, surgery maybe your best option.

If you are considering surgery, always work with an experienced spine surgeon who understands car accident injuries and how to effectively diagnose and treat the sources of neck and back pain. Board certification is a key sign of a spine surgeon who is dedicated to the highest levels of patient care, ongoing education, advanced techniques, and the latest surgical technology.

Step Five: Have a Positive Recovery Mindset

Whether you undergo surgery for your car accident injury or you find relief through conservative therapies, it’s important to understand the importance of committing to long-term recovery and relief. For surgical patients, always follow your postsurgical instructions, attend all follow-up appointments, and complete your physical therapy and rehabilitation program. This ensures the best possible healing process and lowers your risk of reinjury or other complications.

Even if you do not undergo surgery, you should have an ongoing plan for your injury recovery and rehabilitation. Practice a spine healthy lifestyle, stay active, stretch regularly, focus on good posture, and don’t put too much stress on your spine. Most people who achieve lasting relief will tell you that car accident injury treatment is a journey, not a destination.

Turn to Spine Center Atlanta for Car Accident Injury Relief

If you have been in a car accident and are looking for effective injury diagnosis and treatment, turn to the personal injury experts at Spine Center Atlanta. Board-certified surgeon, founder, and medical director, Dr. James L. Chappuis has built state-of-the-art facilities to help patients throughout Georgia and the United States achieve the pain relief they deserve. Our goal is to help you develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.

That is why we offer comprehensive conservative and surgical treatments under one roof. From diagnosis to treatment to recovery and rehabilitation, our compassionate team will help you through your entire journey.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment.