Unfortunately, over 3 million people sustain car accident injuries every year. Dealing with the physical and psychological trauma can be overwhelming and painful. Performing simple tasks can be difficult, and any physical strain can cause more serious damages.
Accident victims are advised to listen to their bodies and rest. The recovery process takes time. However, what happens when you need to get back to work to ensure you fend for your family?
In this article, we will share ways to safely quicken the healing process to ensure you get back to business as usual.
Tips to ensure a faster recovery process
- Follow the doctor’s recommendation
One of the best ways to ensure fast recovery is to follow the doctor’s recommendation. For instance, some injuries might need stitching and bandaging. For more serious injuries where broken bones are involved, surgery might be the only option. A whiplash, depending on the severity, might need over the counter painkillers or a cervical collar.
Additionally, a doctor might recommend visiting hyperbaric chambers for wound healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a procedure where a wound is exposed to the high pressure of oxygen for 30 – 120 hours to facilitate the healing process.
Patients should strictly adhere to a doctor’s recommendation. Take your medication as prescribed and do not miss hospital visits. In case your doctor asks you to go for further medical attention, be on time.
- Listen to your body
Sometimes, people escape unscathed after a road accident, which is excellent. No matter how small injuries after an accident might seem, it is advisable to be on the lookout and listen to your body. After an accident, the body produces adrenaline, which might shadow pain, among other complications. Unfortunately, some health issues might develop after some time. So, after being discharged from the hospital, it is best to pay attention to sudden aches and pains.
One of the best ways to go about this is to keep a recovery journal. Make a habit of documenting how you feel. Write down any pains that suddenly appear and immediately communicate them to your medical practitioner. Doing this allows your doctor to make appropriate adjustments to your medication and catch any underlying issues.
- Treat inflammations with a bag of ice
After an accident, it is common for patients to develop inflammations and redness. Also, the back and muscles might be sore. One sure way of controlling the pain, getting rid of redness, and reducing inflammation. For optimal effects, make sure you apply an ice bag for 15 minutes several times a day and do it immediately up to 72 hours after the accident.
- Take it easy
Avoid rushing the body. Injuries vary, and the recovery durations are different. Avoid going back to your regular routine immediately. It is advisable to move around but take it a day at a time. Avoid straining.
If possible, consider going for physical therapy treatment. Physiotherapists have a vast understanding of accident injuries, and they are the best people to help you through the process.