Recover Your Health After a Car Accident
The squeal of tires. The crash of metal. The shock and shot of adrenaline. If you’ve been in a car accident before, you know all too well how it feels. You can’t believe that just happened to you. Your first thought might be about the damage to your car. You don’t want to pay thousands for repairs and have to go without a car until it’s repaired.
But what about the damage done to your body? Unlike a car, there is no way to replace your spine. During a collision, the force of the impact is transferred to your body, moving it in ways it was never intended to move. As a result, you can end up with difficult conditions such as concussion, whiplash, sprain or strain, inflammation and more. Some of the most common symptoms after a car accident include
Low back pain. If left untreated, even a mild form of pain can worsen over time.- Whiplash. One of the most common symptoms after a collision, it can be accompanied by headaches, stiffness, irritability and fatigue.
- Headaches. You might find that your headache doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications and can last for days.
- Numbness and tingling. These symptoms may be an indication of nerve damage and require attention so they do not become chronic.
- Dizziness. Your balance and coordination can be thrown off after a car accident and may be a sign of a serious injury.
Getting Emergency Attention May Be Essential
You might have gone to a hospital or clinic for attention after your accident. At these facilities, medical professionals are trained to identify any life-threatening injuries, broken bones or fractures that you have. They’ll provide the treatment that’s most appropriate for these serious concerns. What they do not look for is soft tissue injuries, which can result in pain and other issues for years if not addressed. A hospital also doesn’t have the capabilities to prescribe rehabilitation strategies after a collision.
You may not feel any pain right away after your accident. Days or weeks later, you’ll start to experience symptoms that affect your comfort, mobility, strength and overall function. It’s not too late, however, to get the care and attention you need.
What Chiropractic Can Do For You
The best course of action after an accident is to seek emergency treatment when you are in need of it. Following that, you should visit someone who is a specialist in understanding the impact a motor vehicle accident has on the body and how to help you regain your health. A chiropractor is one of the best choices you can make thanks to their unique knowledge about the body’s function. Your chiropractor will provide you with a comprehensive evaluation, then make recommendations about how you can recover.
Without resorting to drugs or surgery, you can overcome your injuries and be returned to your pre-accident state of health — or even better!
Find Your Hydration Flow
Did you know that nothing in your body can function without water? When you’re hydrated, you have the ability to better circulate blood, regulate your body temperature, transport nutrients and remove waste, as well as lubricating all your joints.
Your body weight contains about 60-75% water. There’s no cell, tissue or organ that can operate as it should without having proper water intake. Though you may know how important it is, it’s all too easy to forget to drink water regularly throughout your day. You get busy with work, chores and family life.
If you’re dehydrated, all the functions of your body can be affected, making you sluggish, exhausted and unable to complete your daily activities. Left unaddressed, dehydration can take a serious toll on your health. Making sure you get enough water each day is a simple way you can create a positive impact on your overall well-being.
The Signs You May Be Dehydrated
Are you getting enough water in your day? There are some signs to look out for that will indicate you need to be better hydrated:
- A feeling of confusion
- Darkened urine
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
- Extreme thirst
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Little urine production
Six Ways to Get Your Servings of Water
If you find it a challenge to get enough water in a day, there are some easy tips to follow. Here are some helpful hints you can implement immediately in your life to help your body get the hydration it needs:
- Carry a water bottle with you all day. A reusable bottle can be filled with tap water to keep costs down.
- Add some fruit. Plain water might seem a little boring. If so, add a slice of cucumber, lime or any fruit you have around.
- Think about your workout hydration. Drink water before you work out, during your activity and afterward.
- Drink water when you’re hungry. You may not be able to tell the difference between your body craving water or food. Start with water to see if it sates you.
- Set a schedule. If it’s tough to remember to drink water, designate certain times to do so, like when you wake and at each meal. If you take breaks from your desk every day, drink some water whenever you get up.
- Decrease your restaurant bill. When you go out to eat, order water instead of another beverage. It keeps your costs down and promotes your hydration.
It’s Different For Every Body
Often, people want to know exactly how much water they require. Your water needs will differ based on lifestyle factors such as your activity level. For example, if you are a CrossFitter or runner, you will need more water in a day than someone who doesn’t participate in this form of demanding exercise.
The majority of healthy people can be well-hydrated by drinking water in moderate amounts throughout the day. If you find that you’re feeling thirsty, you may require more and can try to find ways to work in an extra glass here or there during your daily schedule.