5 Common Car Accident Injuries

In 2021 (the latest year for which data is available), 5.4 million people saw a doctor for an injury after a car accident. That data from the National Safety Council highlights the high frequency of accidents and harm resulting from them.  

If you fall into this category, getting the right care can mean the difference between healing quickly and a lingering problem. 

For tailored treatment, visit Patrick S Hill, MD, an expert in treating car accident injuries. At our Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, California office, Dr. Hill diagnoses your issue and finds the right treatment. If you got hurt in a car accident, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with our team. 

To give you an idea of how Dr. Hill can help, let’s explore five common car accident injuries and their treatment options. 

#1: Whiplash

You get this soft-tissue injury when your head moves back and forth quickly upon impact. 

In many cases, rest paired with medication, physical therapy, and at-home care resolves this neck injury. In some instances, you need to immobilize your neck to allow it to heal. 

#2: Disc herniation

The impact of a car accident can affect the discs in your spine that provide its cushioning. If one of the discs cracks, its contents can leak out and put pressure on the nerves in your spine. 

Dr. Hill has extensive experience treating herniated discs. He starts with more conservative treatments like physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. If those don’t resolve your pain, he can scale up the treatment as needed with disc replacement surgery.

#3: Vertebral fracture

If one of the vertebrae in your spine breaks during the car accident, the proper treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. Some people will heal if they brace the broken part of the spine and give it time. In other cases, you might need more involved treatment like a vertebroplasty or a kyphoplasty. 

#4: Spondylolisthesis

In some accidents, the vertebrae slip out of place rather than breaking. Some spondylolisthesis will heal with some combination of:

• Rest
• Physical therapy
• Bracing
• Injectable treatments

In other cases, spondylolisthesis requires surgery. Fortunately, Dr. Hill specializes in treatments for this spinal issue. 

#5: Stenosis

A car accident can contribute to this issue, which develops when your spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the surrounding nerves. Stenosis can affect your upper or lower back. 

Dr. Hill regularly treats stenosis by tailoring a plan to relieve the person’s pain. Your plan might include:

• Medications
• Bracing
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections
• Spinal decompression
• Minimally invasive surgery

Ultimately, a car accident can cause a range of serious injuries. To get treatment personalized to your problem so you can recover from your crash, call our office or schedule your appointment online today.