Automobile accidents put people in the way of serious harm. In the United States, traffic deaths reached a 16-year high in 2021, with a 10.5% increase from 2020. Even when accidents are not fatal, they can cause severe injuries to drivers and passengers.
Car accident survivors have varying needs, meaning they should seek the help they need to recover completely. This can turn out to be a long process. However, consulting the right people and taking the proper steps to recover safely and effectively can help you overcome your injuries. Here’s how you can do just that.
Injuries impact people differently. Your recovery won’t look the same as everyone else’s. That being said, this is why seeking professional guidance in crafting your recovery plan is essential. You can get started by approaching your chiropractic doctor first. After an initial assessment, they can refer you to a specialist who can treat your more specific needs. Taking these steps can help you receive medical attention that targets the areas of concern you need to rehabilitate the most.
Your recovery process will most likely require spending lots of time at home for rest and recuperation. Maryville University explains that when your mobility is limited — and you have injuries that need to be tended to — chiropractors can help you get through the recovery process better. Since they're trained to administer hands-on care and monitor your day-to-day condition while also showing empathy and compassion, they can execute recovery plans prescribed by your doctor with a very high quality of care. They can reassure you of your progress toward recovery — and guide you to follow the recommendations for at-home care more seriously.
Following your accident, your injuries will require rehabilitation. Our article ‘How Will a Chiropractor Help You After a Car Accident’ explains that chiropractors are leaders in medicine for the conservative care of soft tissue injuries. They can treat whiplash injuries and help you avoid long-term issues that lead to degeneration in your neck and back. Meanwhile, injuries incurred in other parts of your body can be treated by physiotherapists who employ personalized treatments specific to your needs. In the process, these physiotherapists will guide you through various physical exercises that will help you regain your mobility.
Auto accidents can be emotionally jarring. Even though the event has passed, it can leave you with trauma that may be difficult to process. A study from the University of Osijek found that after a road accident, survivors commonly experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and — in worse cases — post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Receiving psychological support by seeking counseling can help prevent you from developing long-lasting psychological disorders as you recover from your accident. Your therapist will guide you through the exercise of processing your emotions and trauma so you can cope with your symptoms better.
Recovery can be strenuous on your body and mind. Observing a healthier lifestyle can help you minimize the impact the process might have on you. With your medical team’s permission, incorporating light exercises like daily walks or stretches can help you increase blood flow and reduce stiffness. Observing a healthy and balanced diet can also give you the nutrients your body needs to stay energized and heal more effectively. Lastly, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. The Sleep Foundation states that good sleep hygiene goes hand-in-hand with better mental health, so getting enough shut-eye should round off the lifestyle changes you can make for a more holistic approach to recovery.
Recovering from a car accident can be a long process. Try not to be frustrated, and remember that not everyone’s recovery looks the same. With the guidance of a medical team and your sustained efforts, you can ensure that you are healing at your own pace.
