Back pain after a car accident may be present immediately, or it may take several days to develop. One of the most important things to do after a car accident is to see a back pain doctor in NYC. A physician with experience treating car accident injuries can diagnose the cause of back pain quickly. This allows you to start treatment right away, which may mean that you feel better sooner. It can also help prevent your injuries from becoming worse.
Why Should You See a Car Accident Injury Doctor Right Away?
If you start having back pain within a few days of the accident, you should see an auto accident doctor at one of our locations right away. It is often a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even before you start having pain. In a stressful situation, your body becomes flooded with adrenaline. This is a hormone that can mask pain symptoms to prepare you for either fight or flight. A doctor may be able to identify signs of injury before you start experiencing symptoms.
Another reason to see a doctor promptly after a car accident is to receive proper documentation for your insurance company. New York is a no-fault state, meaning that your insurance should cover injuries you sustain in a car accident. However, suppose you wait too long to receive treatment or fail to obtain the proper documentation. In that case, the insurance company may question whether your injuries resulted from the accident and deny your claim. Then you will be responsible for paying medical bills related to the accident.
What Types of Back Injuries May Result From a Car Accident?
Any back pain following a car accident needs to be taken seriously, not only because it can be severe but because a back injury can affect the spinal cord, which could result in neurological damage.
For example, an injury to the back from a car accident could result in disk herniation or rupture. Disks are rubbery structures between the vertebrae of the spine that provide cushioning and shock absorption. Herniation occurs when a disk is forced out of place, while a rupture occurs when it tears open. In either case, it can put pressure on the spinal cord that can cause neurological symptoms of numbness, tingling, or weakness of the extremities. Other back injuries that can put pressure on the spinal cord include vertebral fracture and spinal stenosis.
What Happens When You See the Doctor?
When you see a doctor after a car accident, they will perform a thorough history and physical examination. This involves asking you questions about how you feel, and it is helpful if you can describe whatever symptoms you are experiencing in as much detail as possible. It may be necessary to perform diagnostic imaging to either identify or rule out any internal injuries, especially if you are not experiencing any symptoms. Therefore, your doctor may send you for an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.
You can come directly to the Medical Clinics of New York City for treatment after your car accident. If you see your primary care physician first, they may refer you here if you have neurological symptoms that require a specialist’s care.
What Kinds of Treatment Might You Receive?
The type of treatment you receive after a car accident depends on the type of injury and its severity. Generally speaking, treatment starts with a course of conservative treatment that does not involve surgery. Your doctor may recommend the following:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE method)
- Immobilization in a cast or brace
- Prescription or over-the-counter pain medications or anti-inflammatories
- Physical therapy
If conservative treatments fail, you may need a referral to a surgeon for an operation.
Medical Clinics of New York City has the expertise to diagnose and treat car accident injuries. Schedule an appointment at any of our locations. We accept no-fault, workers’ compensation, medical liens, and other insurance plans.
