Auto Accident Injuries

An auto accident can cause both physical and psychological damages for everyone involved, resulting in severe consequences if not treated in time. The impact of vehicles during an accident, sometimes at high speed, can produce severe injuries that are not always discovered at the time of the accident. In addition to producing costly property damage and loss of time, auto accidents have the ability to increase the levels of stress for victims.

Physically speaking, injuries resulting from a car accident can compromise an individual's normal everyday functions. It can affect multiple areas of the body such as muscles, ligaments, spine, neck, shoulders, and knees.

Below is a detailed description of the three most common injuries caused by auto accidents and the symptoms associated therewith:

Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common and delicate injuries produced by auto accident since it affects the cervical spine. It results from the hyperflexion and hyperextension of muscles, ligaments and joints in the neck. The forward and backward bouncing motion, is similar to a whip, which is why it is known as "whiplash". This injury occurs most often in drivers and passengers who have been involved in front and rear collisions, where vehicles are usually impacted at considerable speed.

Symptoms:
Headache
Blurred vision
Tingling in arms and legs
Severe and progressive pain in the neck and back
Tightness in back, neck and shoulder muscles
Discomfort or inability to turn the head to both sides
Contractures
Nausea
Muscle spasms in the lower back

During an auto accident, the body works at full speed to react quickly against impact, performing abrupt stretching movements and involuntary thrusts that cause reflex muscular contractions. These injuries occur most frequently in the lumbar region, at waist level. The symptoms associated with this type of injury can be constant or irregular, and they can last a few days to weeks or even months depending on the injury and the treatment.

Symptoms:
Severe pain
Inability to move or stretch
Muscle Stiffness
Hypersensitivity to touch
Sprains and Dislocations

Another type of injury suffered by car accident victims is sprains or dislocations. They are caused when the bones of a joint separate improperly. The dislocation can be total (dislocation) or partial (subluxation) and usually occurs in the shoulders, knees, hips and spine. Depending on the impact they may also cause damage to the surrounding ligaments and nerves.

Symptoms:
Acute pain
Inflammation
Inability to move the affected joint
Deformity

Each type of these injury has a range of treatment possibilities, which may include taking medication and using cervical collars, slings, or other devices. However, during the last decades, the increase in auto accident statistics motivated experts to look for other treatments for injuries related to these accidents, finding chiropractic a highly effective alternative.

Currently there are specialized clinics dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment for car accident victims. Their services range from chiropractic treatments to providing legal advice and insurance services to their patients. These service centers facilitate the recovery process after a car accident by minimizing the consequences and helping patients go back to their normal daily life as soon as possible.

All physical and psychological consequences and symptoms associated with auto accidents have varying effects according to the individual and the situation. Therefore the recommended course of action after an auto accident is to get an evaluation from a specialist as soon as possible to ensure patients receive proper treatment, preventing further complications in the future.

Accident Clinic Miami by Doctor Halegua has helped many car accident victims since 1977. Their team of highly trained professionals and innovative technology have earned them the recognition of the best accident clinic in Miami. 

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