After an auto accident, you might be tempted to skip a medical evaluation if you’re not in pain, especially if you’ve got a lot of paperwork to deal with. However, it’s important to get yourself to a doctor as soon as possible. Some of the injuries you may have sustained won’t present with pain right away, but can still cause serious complications.
A medical evaluation will catch conditions like whiplash and potential head injuries right away, allowing for prompt treatment and better outcomes. At Berkower Pain and Spine Rehabilitation, we provide responsive care to patients in the Pembroke Pines, Florida, area who are dealing with the aftermath of auto accidents. We have the expertise you rely on to identify symptoms, even hidden ones, of physical trauma. If you’ve been in an auto accident, Dr. David Berkower is here to help make sure you get the treatment you need.
Whiplash
During an auto accident, all of the momentum you’ve been using to get down the road converts to torque, whipping your body in a different direction in a sudden jerk. One of the most common medical complications you’re likely to deal with after a car crash or other auto accident is whiplash, as your body struggles to absorb the intense twisting forces you experience during the crash.
Emergency care on the scene or at an emergency room after a car accident might not catch a whiplash injury, since you might not have any symptoms right away. If neck pain or other symptoms like stiffness and movement issues show up after your accident, get treatment right away. With treatment, whiplash can be cured. Without medical attention, alignment issues in your neck and spine could continue to worsen, leaving you in chronic pain and increasingly limiting your range of motion.
To diagnose whiplash, we check your range of motion and reflexes, and ask you questions about any pain or tenderness. Imaging tests including X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed to conclusively establish your whiplash diagnosis. To treat this issue, we can prescribe pain medication, at-home care, foam collars, or physical therapy. The goal is to restore your full range of motion and keep your pain under control during your recovery.
Head injuries
Head injuries can range from a bump or bruise to a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI). In auto accidents, lots of opportunities for head injuries present themselves, as your head may hit hard surfaces or experience violent shaking that bounces or twists your brain inside your skull. Head injuries are a common medical issue suffered by people who have been in a crash.
A head injury like a concussion might not be obvious right away, but could still potentially lead to serious complications including brain damage or even death. Getting checked for head injuries by a medical professional after a car crash could save your life. Prompt treatment also reduces the risk of any eventual complications from head injuries, so go to the doctor right away after potential head damage during an auto accident, even if you don’t have any symptoms. We’ll scan your brain for any swelling, check for bleeding, and provide the right treatment you need to keep you on your feet.
For auto accident injury support, including treatment for head injuries, whiplash, broken ribs, or soft tissue damage, contact Berkower Pain and Spine Rehabilitation today. Our care team can evaluate your condition and make the right suggestions for your unique health needs and background. To make an appointment, call our office, or use the online booking tool.