Being injured in a car accident is one of the most horrifying things that can happen to you. However, car accidents do happen and they can come with severe injuries.
One of the most common injuries that you can get from a car accident is back pain. If you are currently suffering from back pain there are a few things you can do to cope with it, so that it doesn't make your life unbearable.
Here are some best practices for dealing with back pain after a car accident.
Get Some Rest
One of the most important things you need to do when you are experiencing back pain is to get some rest. Remaining in bed for a few days can give your muscles a chance to repair themselves.
While it is encouraged that you stay in bed immediately after you have had a back injury, it is generally not recommended that you stay in bed for a very long time. Moving around can actually help your muscles recover. This means that after you have rested for a few days it's time to start moving around again even if it is painful in the beginning.
Use Heat
When you're having back pain, heat can be especially useful. This is because heat will increase the blood flow to your back. When blood flow is increased more nutrients are sent to your muscles which helps them to heal.
Ice can also be used to minimize any swelling that may occur. When you rotate the use of heat and ice you will usually get the best results.
Sit In Moderation
When you're experiencing back pain from your injury. It's important that you try not to sit for long periods of time. This can be hard especially if you have a job where you have to sit in front of a computer for several hours per day. One thing you could do is to get a standing desk to avoid sitting for long periods of time.
Try to avoid long car and train rides as well, as these can make your back pain worse. One of the reasons why walking around works so well is because it allows the blood to circulate in your body a lot better. This is the reason why it is not recommended that you sit or rest for too long when you have back pains.
Use Prescription and Over the Counter Pain Relievers
When you are dealing with pain you can get a lot of relief from using over the counter pain relievers. Your doctor will most likely also give you prescription pain medication as well, this should help. However, if you feel any residual pain from time to time and you don't want to take something as strong as what your doctor may prescribe, you can go ahead and take over-the-counter pain medication.
Remember too, that if you are suing for your injuries, you need to ensure that your doctor is keeping strict records. Ask questions about what they are recording to be on the safe side. This is because it will be necessary to show your medical records when you make a liability claim for compensation. Your personal injury attorney will also need the records to help prove your case.
A Back Brace
A back brace can be very helpful to you when you are suffering from back pain after a car accident. A back brace can make it easier for you to move around and get the necessary blood flow to your back muscles when you are experiencing pain.
Back braces are very good at providing compression. This is the secret to why they help with increasing blood flow and will help your back to heal a lot faster.
Start Healing
Suffering from back pain after a car accident can be extremely difficult. It is one of the hardest things you will ever have to go through. If you find that the pain is excruciating you now know some of the things you can do to help relieve it.
By taking the time to follow some of the tips that have been given here in addition to your doctor's advice your back will slowly start to heal after injury in a car accident. You should remember that healing takes time and even if things are not going as well as you would like, as long as you are making steady progress then you are moving in the right direction.