You felt blessed to have survived that car accident several months ago. The original sharp pains in your neck have diminished, but now you are dealing with nagging pain almost every day. No amount of pain relievers is helping. Delve into our guide on what to do about pain management post car accident.
Chronic Pain Post Car Accident
Pain due to inflammation or damage to the nervous system can become chronic. That means it lasts several months or longer. No matter what you try, it keeps coming back. Chronic pain can also be from certain conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Lupus, or migraines.
With a car accident chronic pain can begin weeks or even months after the crash. It might be the same acute pain in your lower back you had right after the accident, or it could be somewhere else. Regardless, it has now become chronic and is wearing you down.
In one study, 45% of people still reported pain two years after their accident.
What Are Common Injuries After a Car Accident?
Typical injuries sustained in a car crash include the following:
- Fractured bones are common injuries.
- Whiplash is when a person’s head is jerked forward and then snaps backward.
- Back and spinal cord injuries can be a result of a car accident.
- Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a serious result of a car crash and can range from minor to severe.
Neck, spinal cord, and back injuries are three of the most common injuries to require pain management.
It is essential to get immediate medical attention after a car accident.
At-Home Pain Management Treatments
When you are in pain, you want relief as soon as possible. At home treatments like ice, heat, over-the-counter NSAIDS, and rest are the best ways to start.
Ice will reduce inflammation and swelling. Apply for 20 minutes several times a day. Heat works by relaxing your muscles and encouraging healing.
Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen will reduce inflammation and pain.
Gentle exercise like tai chi or yoga can help reduce muscle pain and stretch muscles.
Get plenty of rest to encourage healing.
Professional Pain Management Treatments in Madison, AL
If at-home treatments are not sufficient or your pain is not improving, it’s time to see AMdison Medical Associates for personalized pain management treatment plan.
Treatment plans for those with chronic pain after a car accident may include:
- Physical therapy to relax muscles, improve range of motion, and improve flexibility.
- Epidural Steroid Injections for back pain may help with lower and middle back issues.
- Prescribed meds may be recommended for pain relief in some cases.
- Braces may be advised to wear if needed.
- Massage therapy is a non-invasive therapy to improve circulation, reduce pain and muscle tension. Regular massage therapy works best in conjunction with physical therapy.
- Acupuncture treatments can relieve pain, encourage relaxation, reduce inflammation and muscle spasms. It can provide temporary relief from back, knee, and neck pain.
- Chiropractic therapy may be employed to restore normal spinal alignment and prevent future injuries.
Don’t continue to live in chronic pain after a car accident when there is professional help.
Contact Madison Medical Associates at (256) 325-1160 for pain management treatments after a car crash.