Getting into an auto accident can lead to expensive and painful consequences. Even a minor collision could lead to long-term chronic pain. However, if you accept a settlement offer too soon, you won't get enough money to pay for your future treatments. If you would like to know more about auto accidents, check out these common treatments you may need during your recovery.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are used to see what's going on inside your body. If broken bones, spine problems, or a skull injury are suspected, X-rays may be performed. However, X-rays do not show soft tissue damage, so an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound may also be used to examine the underlying tissues.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may be needed to treat hard-tissue damage and soft-tissue damage. If you broke a bone or damaged your spine, physical therapy can be used to help you regain muscle strength, learn to walk again, etc. Your physical therapist will help you in their rehab office, but they will also give you exercises and stretches to do at home.

If you suffered soft-tissue damage, you may find that you have a limited range of motion or more pain when moving. For example, whiplash is a common soft-tissue injury that results from rear-end collisions. During the crash, your head is forced forward and then backward fast, which strains the tissue. If you fail to treat the condition, it could lead to long-term stiffness, headaches, radiating pain, etc. However, with physical therapy, you learn how to stretch out those muscles again to regain motion.

Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine may also be beneficial after a collision. Massage therapy can help relax stiff muscles, making it a great choice for soft-tissue damage. Chiropractic manipulations may be good if your joints have been affected. Acupuncture is also a popular alternative medicine for helping with pain after a collision. The needles used help stimulate your body's natural healing properties.

Psychotherapy

In some cases, your mind may also need treatment. A terrible collision could lead to PTSD or severe anxiety, especially when driving or riding in a car. Alternatively, an injury you sustained may have affected your mood.

For example, if you lost some mobility or developed a big scar from the accident, it could lead to depression. In this case, psychotherapy is a great way to learn to address your fears and feelings and create good coping skills.

Auto accidents are common, but that doesn't mean they aren't serious. Even a small collision could lead to pain and suffering. If you would like to know more, contact an auto injury treatment clinic, such as Ohana Healing Center, in your area.