The experience of getting into a car accident can be stressful and even scary! The shock of such a traumatic event can last with you for days or even weeks whether or not you were even injured. This kind of stressful experience often kickstarts the adrenaline in your body by giving you a boost of energy for self-preservation. However, adrenaline can also prevent you from recognizing symptoms of pain right away. Stress and shock after a traumatic event can also mask symptoms of an injury too. That’s why you should always get checked out by your College Park car accident doctor after a car accident, no matter whether or not you have started experiencing any pain yet.
When it comes to handling the aftermath of a car accident, the stress and pressure of handling paperwork, talking to insurance providers, and taking your vehicle to the mechanic can really throw a wrench into your normal routine and plans. If you also suffer an injury, then you also have doctor’s appointments to schedule and symptoms like pain and discomfort keeping you from your normal routine as well. While some things are out of your hands after a car accident, taking time and care for yourself is not! In fact, the best thing you can do for your physical and mental well-being after a car accident is to take care of yourself as best as you can.
4 Ways to Take Care of Yourself After a Car Accident
Practicing Self-Care After a Car Accident
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, it is important to get yourself somewhere safe and allow paramedics to assess you if they are called to the scene. If it is more of a minor car accident, you may still want to visit a car accident doctor right away. Once you get home from such a stressful experience, you might experience a strong flood of emotions and excessive tiredness. This is your body’s way of processing what has happened and it is helpful to allow yourself the time and space to rest. In fact, our bodies do a great deal of healing while we are asleep, so you might notice you are more tired than usual in the days and weeks afterward. Make time for intentional rest throughout your day and be sure to get a good night’s sleep.
Putting Your Health and Well-Being First
When an event like this affects your normal routine, it can sometimes keep you from practicing your regular healthy habits. If you have an injury that prevents you from participating in regular exercises, then you might find yourself spending more time on the couch than you normally would. Making time to rest is just as important as getting up and moving about in a safe way that won’t aggravate your injury. Additionally, you want to make sure you aren’t neglecting your healthy eating habits in favor of fast food as you manage the added stress. Staying hydrated and eating healthy will keep nutrients flowing and promote healing.
Seeing a Car Accident Doctor Promptly
It is important to visit a car accident doctor as soon as possible after a car accident because you may not realize the severity of any injuries if they are internal. While scrapes and bruises are easy to spot, other injuries are not. In fact, some car accident injuries are referred to as hidden injuries because it can take time for the symptoms to fully appear. These delayed signs and symptoms can prevent people from going to the doctor and getting the care that can help avoid chronic pain and other complications in the future. A car accident doctor will be able to assess you for any common car accident hidden injuries and diagnose your injury properly.
Following Your Treatment Plan
When you meet with a College Park car accident doctor at AICA Orthopedics, they will develop an individualized treatment plan that is specific to your injury and needs. Our teams of car accident doctors are highly skilled in treating all kinds of car accident injuries and use experience and high-tech diagnostic imaging tools to support your diagnosis and progress through treatment. Schedule an appointment with a College Park car accident doctor today and our teams of doctors can help support you through this stressful time.