Being involved in a car accident can throw your entire life off balance. You are in pain and unsure if you will make a full recovery. Your wages stop coming in, while medical care costs go up from day to day. So, when you come for treatment at our South Carolina injury clinic, one of your first questions is: how long does it take to heal from my car accident injuries?
No doctor is able to give you an exact timeline, because each person is unique. Some people recover remarkably fast after severe injuries. Others, who do not appear to be seriously injured, need a lot of time in rehabilitation and physical therapy. However, with proper medical care, you can reduce the recovery period and ensure that you reach the highest point of maximum medical improvement.
Medical Care Immediately after the Accident Is EssentialÂ
If you want to improve your chances of recovery from car accident injuries, you should call an ambulance immediately after the crash. You need a complete evaluation as soon as possible, because not all injuries are visible or show symptoms from the very beginning.
In some cases, you may need emergency surgery to stop internal bleeding or solve severe fractures. In other cases, if your injuries are not life threatening, you can skip the waiting time in the ER and come directly to our South Carolina injure clinic, in one of the locations closer to you. We will evaluate you and create a treatment plan using our multidisciplinary team’s experience in this type of injuries.
Find Out the Most Effective Ways to Speed Up Recovery from Car Accident Injuries
In our experience, patients who follow these steps make a faster recovery and experience more comfort during the healing and rehabilitation period.
Here is what you need to do if you want to get back to your regular life as soon as possible after your car crash:
1. See a Doctor for Diagnose and Treatment
As specified above, proper medical care from the very beginning is essential for a full recovery. You may believe in various alternative treatments, but for trauma you need a licensed physician to diagnose you and create a treatment plan for you.
This may involve:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Injections
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Neurology tests.
2. Follow the Recommended Treatment Plan
You may worry about the cost of prescription medication and follow-up checkups. But they are essential for your recovery. Also, with the assistance of a personal injury lawyer, you can recover these costs and other economic damages from the at-fault driver by filing an accident claim.
Our doctors will put your best interests at the center of the medical decisions. Thus, we will find the best combination of over the counter and prescription medication to manage your pain. We will take into account all the important aspects, such as:
- Allergies
- Pre-existing injuries
- Ongoing treatment for various conditions.
3. Rest and RelaxÂ
Resting is essential for recovering from any condition, including from car accident injuries. You should not attempt any physical exertions, which may make your injuries worse and cause damage at the site of surgeries.
We understand that you want to test your arms and legs and check whether you still have the full range of motions. But this will happen only after you complete the treatment. Meanwhile, you may do more harm than good by attempting any kind of effort.
4. Try Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is extremely effective for managing pain and healing from a wide range of car accident injuries, including:
- Sprains
- Dislocated joints
- Muscle strain
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries (including whiplash).
Chiropractic care is especially recommended if you suffer persistent lower back pain after your accident. A recent clinical study showed that chiropractic is a great adjuvant therapy for managing back pain in a non-invasive manner. It is the right choice if you are allergic to pain medication or take other medicines that should not be mixed with painkillers.
At the same time, chiropractic can speed up recovery from sprains and strains, and helps restore joints to their proper position.
5. Stay Hydrated
Your body is made of 65% water. And sudden trauma, including car accident injuries, causes you to dehydrate quickly. Dehydration is a serious issue, especially during the recovery phase.
Thus, drinking a lot of water will help your injuries heal faster. You should not wait until you feel thirsty – this means that you are already starting to dehydrate. Instead, remember to drink water constantly during the day.
6. Be PatientÂ
Some people have unrealistic expectations when it comes to recovery from their injuries. Thus, they get frustrated and stressed. In some cases, they seek other types of treatment, which may not be adequate for their injuries.
Consider the fact that your body must repair broken bones and ruptured muscles. This is a complex process, which the doctors at our South Carolina clinic aid in every possible way. There is no overnight miracle cure to fix your injuries. Instead, there are best practices in pain management, surgery and other treatments, which are tested and proven to help people heal.
7. Stay Optimistic
A positive mindset is just as important as medical care for your recovery. This allows your body to be less stressed and helps your immune system fight against infections. Our doctors will also help you maintain your optimism by giving you progress reports which show you the improvements you’ve made.
Thus, you can be certain that you are in good hands and you will be able to focus on each step to complete recovery with peace of mind.
We Can Help You Recover from Car Accident Injuries
Injury Medicine stands for excellence in treating your car accident injuries and helping you make a full recovery. Our doctors specialize in various branches of medicine and work together to create the best treatment plan for you.
We have seven clinics strategically located all over South Carolina, so that you can benefit from the best care close to home. If you need an emergency evaluation for your injuries, we can offer you same-day or next-day appointments, so call us: 864-866-PAIN!
