Car accidents can affect the persons involved in unexpected ways, and most injuries need time for recovery. That can often lead to high treatment costs, missed hours of work and other expenses.
Lower back injuries are some of the common injuries one may have as a result of a car collision, either as a car occupant, an occupant of a different type of vehicle or a pedestrian. If a car accident has left you with lower back injuries, here is what to expect from your recovery process.
Your Injuries Might Show Signs Later
Don’t expect all your injuries to manifest themselves immediately after the event. Sometimes, you might just not notice that you’re hurt, with all the adrenaline in your system and your mind occupied with getting yourself out of danger. Not noticing a back injury can make you move more than you should or delay the necessary treatment, practically inviting complications in. This is why it’s crucial to get medical treatment right away.
Follow the Doctor’s Orders Closely
First of all, your treatment should be established by your doctor after a proper examination. Follow your doctor’s orders and go to the specialists they recommend, as it can make the difference between an accurate diagnosis and a neglected injury that gets worse. Even if you have to pay these doctors from your own pocket, only gathering such evidence can get you a settlement that will cover them later.
Treating Your Pain at Home
Only after getting proper treatment from the doctor you can also consider alleviating your symptoms with home remedies. Be sure to get your doctor’s approval for any method of treatment you’ll try. At-home treatment for lower back pain includes:
- Over-the-counter medication
- Massage
- Ice or heat
- Medical exercises for stretching
Lower Back Injuries Might Need Surgical Treatment
Some lower back injuries might get better only after surgery, so keep this option in mind if you have suffered such trauma during your car accident. Surgical options come with extra associated risks, hospital admissions, possible complications and a longer recovery period, and they can cost a lot of money. Gathering all medical records for your insurance claim is crucial for covering these expenses.
Back Injuries Can Take a Long Time to Heal Completely
If surgical treatment is not needed and the back injury does not have complications, the recovery period could be about a month. This can prolong the duration of your settlement and the costs of living during recovery, so it’s best to hire an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer who can handle the legal part successfully and pursue a just settlement amount that ensures you will have no financial struggles because of your accident.
If you or a loved one have suffered from lower back pain after a car accident, the best way to secure a full recovery and to deal with your expenses is to speak with an experienced lawyer who can handle your settlement and let you focus on your medical recovery instead.
Things That Could Make a Car Accident-Induced Back Injury Worse
It’s not uncommon for injuries resulting from a car accident to take time to heal. After all, the human body is a complex machine, and it takes some time for all the pieces to come back together after a trauma. However, when these injuries occur in sensitive parts of the body such as the back and seem to be taking an unusually long time to heal, there may be other factors at play. Here are some things that could make a car accident-induced back injury worse:
Improperly Resting and Recovering
One of the most important things you can do after sustaining a back injury is to get plenty of rest. This means taking it easy, avoiding strenuous activity, and sleeping as much as possible. However, it’s common for people to push themselves too hard after an injury, thinking that they need to get back to their normal routine as soon as possible. This can delay the healing process and cause further damage.
Not Wearing the Proper Supportive Gear
If your doctor has prescribed a brace or other supportive gear, it’s important to wear it as directed. This gear is designed to protect your back and help it heal properly. Not wearing it can put you at risk for re-injury or further damage.
Returning to Normal Activity Too Quickly
It’s tempting to return to your normal activities as soon as your pain starts to subside. However, it’s important to ease back into activity gradually. If you try to do too much too soon, you could end up exacerbating your condition. Listen to your body and take things slowly at first. You can always increase the intensity of your activity level as you start feeling better.
Engaging in Activities That Put Strain on Your Back
Like returning to normal activity too quickly, engaging in activities that strain your back, such as heavy lifting, gardening, or even housework, can cause additional pain and irritation. In some cases, it may even extend the healing process. This is because the spine is not yet fully healed and needs time to rest and recover.
When engaging in these activities, take breaks often and use good form. If you start to experience more pain or discomfort, stop what you are doing and consult with your doctor.
Lack of Exercise
While nursing a back injury, it may seem wrong to consider adding exercise to your routine. However, a lack of exercise may end up worsening your back injury. This is because when you don’t use your muscles, they can weaken and atrophy. Your ligaments can become elongated, and your joints may stiffen. This decreases your flexibility and makes you more susceptible to re-injury or further injury.
So, although it may be painful at first, gentle exercise is essential for helping you heal and preventing your condition from worsening. Of course, consult with your doctor to find an exercise plan that is safe for you to follow.
As you can see, there are some things that you may or may not be doing that could make your back injury from a car accident worse. If you have been in a car accident and are dealing with back pain, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and adhere to all the doctor’s instructions.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!