HEALTH
Taking Care of Yourself After an Auto Accident
Millions of people are injured in traffic accidents each year. Those injuries vary in severity, but even seemingly minor issues can have long-term consequences. Many accident victims fail to take proper care of themselves after an accident. That means they often suffer needlessly and inadvertently prolong the healing process. Overlooking your own medical and emotional needs after an accident can also lead to more serious damage. If you’ve been in an accident or want to be prepared for such an eventuality, keep the following tips in mind.
Don’t Forgo Emergency Medical Attention
Far too many accident victims refuse emergency care after they’ve been in an accident. When adrenaline kicks in, it can dampen the emotional and physical effects of an accident, leading people to believe they’re not injured. Within a few hours or days, though, they start to realize the extent of their injuries. Even if you think you’re not injured, be sure to let emergency medical personnel examine you at the scene of the crash. Alternatively, you can visit a hospital emergency room after leaving the scene of the accident. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Visit a Chiropractor
Furthermore, going to see a chiropractor can be a crucial step in the recovery process. Even minor accidents place massive amounts of force on the body. The results of such an impact aren’t always visible on the surface. Chiropractic treatment can help ease the effects of whiplash, lower back injuries, and other types of internal damage. Treatments can also reduce stiffness, scar tissue, and other problems. At the same time, proper chiropractic care fosters healing and reduces mental stress.
Receive Follow-Up Care
Emergency medical personnel will recommend certain types of follow-up care after an accident. That advice isn’t for their own benefit; it’s for yours. Follow-up treatments are necessary even if you don’t think you need them. Be sure to heed the advice of EMTs and doctors. Otherwise, some of your injuries may go unnoticed and end up causing long-term problems that could’ve been prevented.
Rest and Proper Nutrition Are Important
Some people are eager to return to their daily activities after an accident. After all, the bills don’t pay themselves, and mounting medical expenses could create even more of a financial burden. On top of that, getting back to normal helps keep your mind off of the accident itself. It’s important to have a certain amount of downtime following an accident, though. Your body needs time to recuperate. Along the way, be sure to eat well. Proper nutrition can improve healing and keep you feeling better.
Don’t Overlook Your Mental and Emotional Health
Physical health is often the main focal point after an accident. Your physical well-being is certainly important, but it’s not the only factor to consider. Don’t overlook your mental and emotional well-being during the healing process. Accidents can have more of an impact on your mental health than many people realize. From nightmares and insomnia to a lingering fear of traveling, the mental and emotional impacts of an accident can be debilitating.
Catering to Your Own Needs Following an Accident
More than six million car accidents happen every year in the United States, leading to a daily average of 90 deaths and many injuries. Taking care of yourself after an accident is crucial to your physical and mental health. Start with emergency care, and don’t ignore follow-up treatments. Keep your mental and emotional needs in mind, and be sure to get plenty of rest and proper nutrition. All those measures will help you heal.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
