Car accidents are traumatic experiences, often leaving lasting physical and emotional damage. Unfortunately, they occur frequently. Even minor crashes can lead to severe injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injury that may not show symptoms immediately.
Roswell, GA, car accident victims can rely on Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics for expert care. We specialize in evaluating and treating common injuries resulting from car accidents, such as fractures and concussions. Our individualized approach ensures you get the best, most appropriate treatment for your specific situation. For tailored treatment to meet your needs, call us at 678-929-4494.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Individuals involved in car accidents often sustain orthopedic and neurological injuries, each requiring unique treatment approaches. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, we see and treat various injuries, including:
Orthopedic Injuries
Orthopedic injuries affect the musculoskeletal system, encompassing bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. These injuries are common due to the sudden and forceful impacts typical of car collisions.
Contributing factors to these injuries include:
- High-impact forces
- Vehicle deformation
- Secondary collisions and ejections
- Seatbelt and airbag forces
Common Orthopedic Injuries
Fractures: Breaks in bones resulting from the collision impact. Symptoms can include:
- Pain and tenderness at the injury site
- Swelling and bruising
- Visible deformity or misalignment
- Difficulty moving the affected area
Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Symptoms can include:
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling and inflammation
- Restricted range of motion
- Muscle spasms
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Trauma-induced damage to the spinal cord. Symptoms vary by injury severity and location but can include:
- Loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Breathing difficulties in severe cases
Other orthopedic injuries we frequently encounter include knee and back injuries.
Neurological Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Caused by sudden head impact or violent jolts. Symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Confusion and disorientation
- Memory issues and difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or vomiting
Concussion: A mild TBI that can occur without direct head impact. Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
Peripheral Nerve Injuries: These affect nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include:
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Loss of reflexes
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
Car accident injuries can significantly impact a person’s mobility, function, and overall well-being. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are crucial to manage these injuries and promote better recovery outcomes.
Treatments for Car Accident Injuries
Auto accidents cause significant physical and emotional strain, even when injuries seem minor. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, our team of orthopedic physicians, surgeons, and physical therapists are dedicated to providing top-notch care. Our experts have the skills and experience to guide you through your recovery.
Personalized Treatment Plans
We recognize that no two patients are the same, which is why we work closely with you to create individualized treatment plans. Our comprehensive range of interventions includes:
Medication Management
Medication management entails using medications to treat injuries. Following a car accident, medications may be prescribed to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.
For example, if you suffer an ankle fracture, your orthopedist might recommend medications to manage swelling and alleviate pain. Similarly, if you experience a concussion, medications may be prescribed to control symptoms. However, it’s important to consider potential risks, including dependency.
Surgery
Various orthopedic procedures, including minimally invasive surgery, may be required following an automobile accident. Procedures like arthroscopic surgery offer advantages like faster recovery and reduced pain compared to traditional surgeries.
Examples of Orthopedic Surgeries:
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Limited Debridement Rotator Cuff
- Repair of SLAP Lesion
- Knee Meniscectomy
- Carpal Tunnel Release
- Partial Synovectomy Repair
- Knee Meniscectomy including Shaving and ACL Repair
Neurological surgeries may also be necessary to address brain or spinal cord injuries. These surgeries may include:
- Decompressive craniectomy to relieve pressure on the brain
- Spinal fusion to stabilize and fuse vertebrae
- Herniated disc surgery like discectomy or laminectomy
- Neurostimulation devices for managing chronic pain
Interventional Pain Management
Interventional pain management encompasses minimally invasive procedures to alleviate pain from car accident injuries. Our goal is to support your recovery by restoring function and enabling a return to daily activities.
Following a thorough examination and review of MRI/X-ray findings, our experienced pain management specialists might perform the following procedures to mitigate pain:
- Epidural Steroid Injection
- Radiofrequency Neurotomy
- Facet and Medial Branch Block
- Large Joint Steroid Injection
- Trigger Point Injections
When Should You Seek Car Accident Treatment?
Understanding the extent of your injuries is key to beginning treatment and recovery. After a car accident, prioritize seeking medical care immediately to ensure injuries are correctly diagnosed, treated, and documented.
How Long Do You Have to See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
There is no specific deadline for seeing a doctor after an accident. Some insurance companies allow roughly one week for treatment to cover claims. However, seeking treatment immediately, ideally within 24 hours, is best for your health and to avoid insurance complications.
Neglecting immediate medical care can create opportunities for the at-fault party to dispute your injury claims. Reasons they might argue include:
- The injury occurred elsewhere after the accident but before seeking treatment.
- The injury or pain existed before the accident.
- The injury is fabricated to support a claim or lawsuit.
To avoid these complications and support your recovery, seek immediate medical care. Addressing potential injuries promptly, even if symptoms aren’t immediately apparent, shows a proactive approach to protecting your health. Early medical evaluation enables professionals to identify delayed injuries, a common occurrence in such incidents.
Seeking medical care promptly also establishes a documented record of consultations and treatments. This documentation is invaluable in demonstrating the necessity for subsequent medical interventions.
Trust Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics with Your Car Accident Injuries
At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, we prioritize both your physical well-being and emotional comfort during recovery. Our compassionate care offers support throughout your healing process.
Our goal is to partner with you from diagnosis through treatment, ensuring you receive appropriate care every step of the way. By choosing Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics in Roswell, you’re opting for personalized attention and exceptional treatment options. A car accident can be distressing, but our experienced doctors are here to help you recover and regain your life.
Types of Car Accident Injuries We Treat
No two car accidents are alike, and each can cause a wide array of injuries. Here are some of the common car accident injuries we treat at Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics:
- Fractures: Broken bones and fractures are common in high-impact collisions. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.
- Whiplash: A neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth motion of the head. Symptoms include neck pain, headaches, and dizziness.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: These range from minor sprains to severe conditions such as herniated discs or paralysis. Symptoms can include back pain, numbness, and motor function loss.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons causes pain, swelling, and restricted motion.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Caused by head jolts or impacts. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, causing headaches, memory loss, and concentration issues.
Comprehensive Treatment Options
Pain Management
Pain management is essential for effective car accident recovery. Our specialists offer various treatments to alleviate pain and support healing. Pain management options include:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce swelling and relieve pain in the spinal region.
- Radiofrequency Neurotomy: Uses heat to disrupt pain signals from nerve endings.
- Facet and Medial Branch Blocks: Injections to target specific pain-causing areas.
- Trigger Point Injections: Relieve muscle pain by injecting medication directly into trigger points.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is crucial for restoring strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion following car accident injuries. Our licensed physical therapists create personalized exercise programs to aid your recovery.
Orthopedic Surgery
When necessary, orthopedic surgery addresses severe injuries, such as fractures and joint damage. Our skilled surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes, including minimally invasive and arthroscopic procedures.
Neurological Care
Car accidents can result in neurological injuries requiring specialized treatment. Our experienced team offers surgical and non-surgical options for conditions like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
Psychological Support
Car accidents often lead to emotional and psychological distress. Our integrated approach includes providing support for mental health, helping you cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event.
When to Seek Immediate Treatment
It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after a car accident:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches, dizziness, or confusion
- Neck or back pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Visible injuries, such as cuts or broken bones
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent or worsening pain
Ensuring Optimal Recovery
Our integrated approach ensures you receive the best care possible. By addressing all aspects of your injury and recovery, we aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.
Comprehensive Evaluation
We start with a thorough evaluation to understand the full extent of your injuries. This includes physical exams, medical history reviews, and necessary imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Based on your evaluation, we develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific injuries and needs. Our approach prioritizes your recovery, offering various treatments and therapies designed to address your unique situation.
Ongoing Care and Support
Recovery from car accident injuries can be a long journey. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, we provide continuous care and support, adjusting treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.
Contact Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics in Roswell Today!
Being involved in a car accident is a serious event, but recovery is possible with the right care. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, we offer personalized attention and exceptional treatment options to help you heal and regain your life.
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, schedule an evaluation with our experienced team. Early intervention is key to a successful recovery. Call us at 678-929-4494 to book your appointment today and start your journey toward better health.
