In 2019, approximately 1.92 million car accidents on U.S. roads resulted in injuries to 2.74 million people. You don't have to be in a serious accident to suffer debilitating injuries that alter your life and cause you severe pain.If you don't get the care you need, you can also suffer long-term effects that lead to complications, chronic conditions and pain. Orthopedic injuries are among the most common outcomes when people are physically harmed in a car collision.If you've been in a car accident, you need to recover as soon as possible. The accident likely caused an injury to your musculoskeletal system, which means you'll need orthopedic care. Learn some facts about orthopedic care after a car accident so you know what to expect when you visit the doctor.

What Are Orthopedic Injuries?

Orthopedics is a medical field that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and surrounding soft tissues. Car accidents often damage this structure. At Injury Assistance Network, our orthopedic surgeons and traumatologists frequently diagnose musculoskeletal injuries resulting from accidents.

Orthopedic Care Starts With the Proper Diagnosis

It's impossible to get the treatment you need if you don't have the proper diagnosis. An orthopedic multi-speciality practice has diagnostic tools, such as MRIs and X-rays. These tools are used to diagnose the type and severity of your car accident injury.If you go to a general or primary care doctor instead of an orthopedic surgeon, the doctor will rely on you to explain your symptoms. Symptoms are often vague and may not even appear immediately after the accident. This makes it difficult for a general practitioner to diagnose car accident injuries properly.Failing to diagnose your injury properly could delay your recovery and even make your condition worse. That's why it's so important to start your recovery with proper orthopedic treatment after an accident.

Treating Soft Tissue Damage

Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, are common in car accidents. Soft tissues absorb a lot of trauma, and damage can reduce your quality of life. In fact, soft tissue damage can hurt as much as broken bones. Fortunately, orthopedic doctors are trained to treat soft tissue damage. With the right treatment plan, you'll get back to your normal life as soon as possible.This is true even if your symptoms appear late. When you have an accident, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins can mask painful symptoms. Then, as days or weeks go by, you realize your body is in pain and you need relief. Your orthopedist can provide you with the orthopedic treatment needed after your accident.

Orthopedic Treatment Continues Until Symptoms Disappear

Accidents put a lot of stress on the body and cause serious injuries. These injuries often don't go away with a simple pill. Orthopedic care is critical to treating personal injuries. Instead of focusing on temporary relief, your doctor will create a long-term treatment plan. The plan won't just mask symptoms. It actually heals you. Your orthopedic doctor will follow up with you regularly until you have fully recovered from your injury. Your doctor will monitor your progress at each visit and modify your treatment plan if necessary.

Many Treatment Options

Treatments are tailored to each patient's needs. Your doctor has many options available to him or her, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, cold laser therapy, and more. Your doctor will review your test results and symptoms and develop the right orthopedic treatment plan for you after your accident.

Common Orthopedic Injuries from Car Accidents

Some of the most common orthopedic injuries after car accidents can be:

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash occurs when a person experiences a strong and rapid backward and forward movement of the neck. It is most common during a car accident. Most people experience a neck injury if they suffer whiplash.

Herniated or Ruptured Disc Injuries

The spine is made up of several vertebrae, and during a car accident, these can cause the discs to shift, tear, or even rupture.

Spine Fractures and Spondylolisthesis

The pressure of the back-and-forth jolts during an accident can cause a compression fracture in the spine. An individual may also experience spondylolisthesis, a condition where the vertebra fractures and shifts pressure on the spine.

Spinal Cord Injuries

This is when damage occurs to the spinal cord that can cause loss of function (mobility or sensation).

Facet Joint Injuries

The facet joints in the spine act as hinges between the vertebrae. They are often injured in car accidents.

Spinal Stenosis

For people with spinal conditions, an accident can cause an asymptomatic case of spinal stenosis. A person may experience pain, numbness, or other complications from the deterioration of the spine.

Seek Medical Help After an Accident

Car accidents cause painful symptoms and serious injuries. Your body takes a beating during an accident, and it may not heal on its own. Instead of waiting to see what happens, start your treatment plan today.Orthopedic injuries can be debilitating, and if left untreated, they can lead to complications and chronic illness. If you've been in a car accident that has caused you injuries, Injury Assistance Network is here to help. Our medical professionals diagnose your injuries and determine a treatment plan tailored to your conditions and your life.Contact us today to schedule an evaluation or learn more about our services.