Feeling sore after a car accident is common, even if it’s just a minor fender bender. If you are feeling sore after a car accident, there are some ways that best deal with the pain.
When you get into a car accident, most of the pain you will feel right after is from the injuries you incur. But after a few days of recovery, you will start to notice muscle soreness akin to the pain you feel after doing a heavy workout. This soreness is due to the tightening of your muscles right before the collision, which is your body’s way of bracing itself for the impact.
Pain that seems to be never-ending can get in the way of your routine after the accident. Thus, here are the best ways to reduce pain effectively:
1. Go to a chiropractor
Most chiropractors offer back pain relief services that are specifically designed for car accident victims. They also treat other effects of a car crash, such as whiplash and loss of balance.
After you receive medical treatment, go to a chiropractor to have your neck and spine checked out. They can help relieve the pain you are feeling, particularly in your neck, your back, and your limbs.
2. Get enough rest
Cancel your upcoming plans, take time off work or school, and ask someone else to run errands for you—getting enough rest should be occupying most of your schedule after the accident.
Adequate rest is crucial in recovery; it is the best time to let your muscles heal themselves after being torn and strained in the crash. So don’t feel bad about staying off your feet for quite a while. If you don’t let your body rest properly, it can only exacerbate your pain and lengthen your recovery period.
3. Do the recommended exercise
Your doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor will likely recommend a set of exercises that you can do at home. And although moving might seem like the worst thing to do for your aching body, it’s quite the opposite. Light physical activity can speed up the recovery process and help regulate inflammation. Apart from that, it can also help improve your mental health and help ease your anxiety about the accident.
4. Drink lots of water
When your muscles don’t have enough water, the pain will not get any better; it may even get worse. Therefore, make a conscious effort to drink enough water every day. Not only will keeping yourself well-hydrated prevent your muscles from cramping up, but it is also an essential part of healing.
5. Use appropriate pain relievers
During the first visit after the accident, your doctor will most likely prescribe you with a painkiller. Use the painkiller only when necessary; don’t go overboard with the dosage. If the meds are inadequate or entirely ineffective, you can ask your doctor to prescribe you with stronger pain medication or alternative medicine, such as topical creams.
Recovering from a car accident is not always easy. There’s the pain, the injuries, and of course—the mental trauma. But with these pointers, you can help yourself recover faster—albeit only physically—and get your life back on track in no time.
