Five Health Tips For Recovering Faster After An Auto Accident
Accidents can happen at any time to anyone. But this ordeal is harrowing to experience, often leaving you in a vulnerable and fragile position.
The injuries you sustain range from bruises and cuts to fractures and bleeding, with some requiring you to get rushed into the ER. There are many reasons why something so tragic as a collision occurs.
Sometimes the fault isn’t even yours. In the US, every 1 in 3 crashes occurs because of drunk driving.
In contrast, many accidents also happen because of speeding. In any case, the lasting damage from an auto accident is not easy to recover from, but help is available.
The healthcare sector, including medical care providers and practitioners of holistic medicine, are here to take care of you. So without stressing out about the outcome, trust yourself over to these professionals.
Here’s tips for recovering faster after an auto accident
1. Get Yourself Adjusted
The sunny city of Yuba in California is no stranger to accidents. In 2015 alone, it witnessed over 266 casualties, with 386 injuries and at least one death. These numbers are devastating and only highlight how easy it is to lose control over a vehicle and crash into someone.
However, one finds solace knowing that the city has experts who can treat auto accident wounds. Certain contusions you pick up from your collision may include inflammation, a gap in your discs, and scar tissue.
While a doctor can prescribe medication, if you don’t want to risk getting addicted to painkillers, turn to a chiropractor who treats injuries and can fix you up in no time.
Chiropractic is a form of holistic care that is non-invasive and works with your musculoskeletal structure. The practitioner will study the pressure and follow the injuries to perform a few adjustments to get your bones back into position and improve circulation.
Your blood contains all the nutrients your body needs to heal. So the improved blood flow will encourage your immune system to spread out and start repair work.
A doctor is best for open gashes and wounds, but if you have trouble walking, have a knotted muscle, and experience frozen shoulders, you need a chiropractor.
2. Opt for Head To Toe Examination
A new accident can aggressively scare you with the adrenaline pumping through your system. There is a reason why when you get into a collision, you’re unable to feel your wounds right away and mistakenly assume that you’re doing fine.
Adrenaline is a powerful hormone important in getting you out of harm’s way, which is why you may not be aware even if you have a fracture.
It is only when the effects of the hormone gradually wear off that you’re hit with the magnitude of your injuries and feel the stinging of your open wounds.
So no matter how you feel, get to a doctor and let them fuss over you. A head-to-toe assessment is a comprehensive exam that allows a doctor to look at you superficially and check if all your nerves are intact.
The cranial nerves on your face control vision and movements, such as moving your eyebrows. As the healthcare giver works there from top to bottom, you should expect them to treat your wounds and administer stitches if needed.
In case of a severe collision, you may need to stay for an overnight evaluation to ensure you’re not concussed. If you feel symptoms after you get discharged, inform your doctor.
These can include getting dizzy, nosebleeds, and losing consciousness. If your speech starts slurring or you lose vision, it can indicate a hemorrhage.
3. Get Your Wounds Professionally Cleaned
Never try DIY on your injuries. There is no denying that healthcare is expensive, and sometimes the insurance may not cover all your treatments, but you can’t risk an infection to save a few dollars.
The ER doctor needs to check the condition of your wounds before working on them. You cannot simply wash and slap a bandage to curtail the bleeding.
You may also need a shot of antibiotics and morphine to tone down the pain. There are also cases of hairline fractures and bruised bones which can easily break if the impacted area is not stabilized.
Once the injury settles, a doctor will allow you to go home and instruct on cleaning and caring.
4. Rest Plenty
After an accident, you must lie down and get some rest. Your body needs to slow down and focus on healing. This is best achieved when you’re in a resting position.
Your slowed-down heart rate and deep breathing will give your body sufficient oxygen to keep your organs moving and encourage tissues to heal faster. Resting also helps you dim down migraines, fatigue, and muscle soreness.
You may feel much better after taking a nap and slow your body to relax. If you’re moving, try not to stand on your feet for too long and sit. This prevents unwanted pressure on your limbs that can cause another round of swelling and pain.
5. Have A Healthy Diet
Going on bed rest doesn’t mean you can indulge in a poor diet and entertain fast food. Your body needs energy which only a well-balanced diet can provide.
Consult your doctor before you start eating in case the painkillers you take are making you nauseous or sick. Traditional healthy diets are mostly grilled protein, with veggies and fruits on the side. For your recovery, take as many vitamins and minerals as you can.
These stimulate your tissue to regenerate and compensate for your blood loss. You will also feel much lighter, which is essential for digestion. Don’t switch back to your old diet unless your doctor says so.
Always avoid empty calories and take those rich in nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Accidents are unfortunate tragedies that can happen out of nowhere. So feeling scared and upset when you undergo this tragedy is entirely natural.
Collisions can leave you overwhelmed and injured, so you must get treated immediately to ensure you have manageable injuries. Your first stop should be checking in with a chiropractor who can give you the necessary adjustments.
Don’t forget to get a session with your doctor and inspect your wounds for possible infections. When you’re home, try staying in bed and getting enough rest, this will catalyze the process of healing.
Finally, eat a nutritious diet that gives you vital energy to help you get back on your feet in no time.
