Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and dealing with the aftermath is equally overwhelming. It is important to remember that there are no shortcuts when it comes to recovery, and jumping hastily back to your normal routine can only worsen your health situation. However, there are various ways you can do to make the process more manageable. Here are a few of them.
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Seek medical care
Some car accident victims underestimate their injuries and tend to forego seeking medical attention. Keep in mind that not all injuries are noticeable immediately. Some injuries will appear after some time, so you must get treated by a healthcare professional right away. You should also remember that you need to consult with a trained specialist to treat your injuries, not your regular physician.
Follow your doctor’s orders
Once you have a prescribed treatment plan, you need to follow and trust the process. To ensure that your treatment will be effective, you should:
- Never neglect your doctor appointments
- Participate in all recommended physical therapies or exercises
- Take your prescribed medication
You can also start a daily journal to help you track your progress. Write down your sentiments, challenges, and small wins. Depending on the severity of your injuries, your treatment plan could take months or even years, so you need to be patient and work with your doctor. If you feel that your program is not working, speak with your doctor so that you can find the best one that suits your medical needs.
Stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet
Your body needs nutritious food to repair itself. Consult with your doctor or a dietician on the best foods that can boost your recovery process. Focus on eating healthy meals full of protein and vitamins, as they can help rebuild your muscle tissues. Avoid eating processed food and make sure to eat healthily even on difficult days. Aside from eating a nutritious diet, you also need to keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water and steer clear from sodas and alcohol. Your body needs fluids to repair the tissue damage, so drink at least six to eight cups of water every day. Consider adding vitamin C into your diet, as it can lessen inflammation and aid in the growth of the necessary tissues.
Do gentle exercises
Being sedentary will only cause your muscles to weaken. Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, start doing light exercises at home. Even if you have been physically active before your accident, avoid pushing yourself too hard since it might only prolong your recovery progress. Make sure to talk to your doctor about what exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine. Do light stretches,but remember to stop if you feel any discomfort.
Concentrate on resting
Getting adequate rest is another essential factor in your recovery journey. Take time off work and take it easy in the meantime. Your body needs time to heal itself, so rest frequently and focus on getting quality sleep. Consider investing in a high-quality mattress and comfortable beddings. Remove any distractions during bedtime and aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. In addition, avoid lifting heavy things as it can strain your back and neck. Limit your physical activity, and make sure that you know your limits.
Stay positive
Aside from recovering from the physical trauma, you also need to focus on your emotional and mental health. While it may be challenging at first, staying positive throughout this ordeal can help you recover faster. Surround yourself with a strong support system. Your closest friends and family members can be a source of positive energy, and they can motivate you to push through with your recovery process. A professional counselor can also help you navigate your emotions. Suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is typical for vehicular accident victims, so you must resolve any emotional and mental issues to prevent your condition from escalating.
Wear comfortable shoes
Your footwear can also make a big difference in your recovery. Wear comfortable shoes that will provide the necessary support to your body. Avoid wearing high heels, flats, or footwear that can add unnecessary pressure to your muscles. You can also use alternative options such as custom foot orthotics. According to Metrotown Family Chiropractic, a treatment center that specializes in Burnaby orthotics, these foot orthotics are designed to stabilize and realign the bones in your feet. Wearing them can reduce the pain and help you walk comfortably.
Car accidents often cause physical and emotional trauma that requires proper medical attention, time, and effort. Your recovery journey may be long and painful, but what’s important is that you move forward and focus on the results.
One Response
Thanks for sharing a post on such an important topic. Yes, indeed getting recovered from car accident is such a time consuming process that you can’t make fast as it has as injurious aftermath to your physical health as traumatic after effect to your mental health.