Millions of car accidents occur every year within the United States, and many of them involve car accident injuries. The most common type of vehicle collision is a rear-end collision. These types of accidents can cause injuries to drivers and passengers that aren’t immediately noticed, such as whiplash.
Injuries Caused by Accidents
Injuries that occur in a motor vehicle accident can vary from individual to individual. However, some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries– These injuries may occur when the head is hit, or it hits another object.
- Neck Injuries and Back Injuries– Neck injuries can be milder, such as whiplash. They can also include serious injuries like disc injury or cervical dislocation. Lower back injuries can include fractured vertebrae, strains, and herniated discs.
- Facial Injuries– Injuries to the face, such as fractures, bruises, and lacerations are often caused by the airbag, steering wheel, car seats, shattered glass, or dashboard.
- Broken Bones– Depending on where the impact occurs, broken bones like a broken leg, broken ribs, or broken arm may occur.
- Internal Injuries– The impact of a car accident may cause internal injuries to the spleen, bowels, heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys.
- Psychological Injuries – Some people may experience psychological injuries such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder after a serious accident
How We Can Help
For many of the most common car accident injuries, physical therapy can be very instrumental in the recovery process. Some injuries can cause symptoms like stiffness, chronic headaches, pain, and reduced range of motion. Physical therapy can address these issues. Along with supporting the recovery process, physical therapy can also prevent long-term damage. It can help reduce pain, help patients avoid surgical intervention, and restore function.