Automobile Accidents

Automobile accidents cause the body to accept a lot of energy in a very short period of time (high velocity).

Although this may result in a fracture, high velocity injuries are much more likely to damage soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons). These soft tissue injuries do not show up well on any imaging study, so the patient’s x-rays or other diagnostic studies are often normal.

Treatment is largely conservative care and typically consists of:

• An active physical therapy routine of stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning
• Non-prescription medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) or acetaminophen, may be used to decrease pain
• If the back pain, neck pain or other symptoms are severe, prescription narcotic pain medications may be used for a short time (the first one to two weeks).

Most injuries will heal, although it may take a considerable amount of time (e.g. one to two years).

• Article written By:
• Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD

February 28, 2001

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