Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
Contusions
Contusions (bruises) are soft tissue injuries that can result from any kind of blunt force against the body. In a motor vehicle, it can happen when a part of the body strikes any appendage of the car including the steering wheel, window, or frame. Discoloration at the injured site usually occurs from the rupture of tiny vessels that collect under the skin. The typical symptoms of a contusion include swelling, visible discoloration, limited joint range of motion, and mild to severe pain.
Most contusions are simple bruises that change various colors and fade away as the body metabolizes (breaks down) the blood vessels in the skin. Sometimes, however, a pool of blood can collect within the damaged tissue, leading to a lump of small to large size over the injured area that is medically referred to as a hematoma. If the impact led to severe tissue injury, bleeding and swelling beneath the injury can lead to shock.
While most contusions are limited to the skin, a minority of contusions can affect other parts of the body. A bone contusion, an extremely painful form of contusion that occurs when constant pressure is applied to a part of the bone, is usually followed by bleeding and swelling. Bone contusions are usually extremely painful and can last from weeks to months. If the impact was especially severe, internal contusions can occur to the abdomen and heart muscle (myocardial contusion) that can be extremely dangerous and lead to internal organ damage. Myocardial contusions are normally diagnosed through the use of electrocardiograms (ECG).
Treatments for contusions vary dramatically depending on the type and severity of the contusion. Simple skin bruises can be treated with the standard soft tissue treatment - rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I C.E.) Other treatments include epinephrine injections, therapeutic ultrasound, and physical therapy.
Strains
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon that is caused by a twisting, pushing, hitting or yanking of a joint. In the case of a car accident, the body can be jarred in various directions, which can lead to unnatural movements in the joints, and the potential for a partial or complete tear in a muscle or tendon. The typical treatment for a sprain is common to all soft tissue injuries: rest, ice, compression and elevation, although more intensive treatments may be required.
Sprains
A sprain is an injury that directly affects the ligament tissue and is commonly caused by a wrench or twist of a body part. Commonly known as a “pulled” or “torn muscle”, a sprain can occur in the arms, legs, back, and neck. Sprains can be very minor or lead to the partial or complete tearing of a ligament. The typical treatment for a sprain is common to all soft tissue injuries: rest, ice, compression and elevation, although like strains and contusions, more intensive treatments may be required.
Whiplash
Whiplash, sometimes known as cervical strain, cervical sprain, or hyperextension, is the most common injury people suffer when rear-ended by another motor vehicle. The impact from behind leads to a violent snapping back and forth of the head that can lead to injury of the muscles, vertebrae, and ligaments of the neck. The extent of the injury usually depends on the speed of the vehicle causing the impact. In low impact crashes, whiplash may manifest itself simply as a “crick” in the neck that goes away soon after or as a more complex injury such as a herniated disc which requires more intensive treatment. In higher impact crashes, serious injury to the central nervous system may occur. If the brain rocks back and forth in the skull by the forward and backward movement of the neck (flexion-extension), a cerebral concussion may result (see concussion section).
The injured driver, passenger, or pedestrian may not feel whiplash injuries, even the more serious ones, directly after the accident. In addition, the person may have almost no visible signs of the injury, even from an x-ray, leading to the possibility of a missed diagnosis from a general physician. In a typical case, a person initially feels a sensation that one would characterize as slight discomfort and stiffness. During the next day or two, the person may start to feel much worst and will begin to realize that he or she is actually injured. The sensation at the base of the neck becomes much more pronounced and neck movements become extremely painful and difficult. The neck may eventually become unmovable to one side or the other.
If you believe you have suffered a whiplash injury, contact the Law Offices of Jonathan B. Nelson, PC. We can help refer you to specialists that are familiar with whiplash injuries. Because whiplash injuries can lead to chronic pain that lasts for decades and make a person much more susceptible to future back and neck injuries, it is imperative that you get a thorough medical assessment. This may involve consulting with back and neck experts, orthopedists, and neurologists. Basic treatments may include the fitting of a cervical collar, heat application, pain medication, and massage. In more serious situations, cervical traction or surgery may be required. With the assessment in hand, we can advocate for a settlement that reflects your likely future prognosis or sue for an amount that reflects the injuries you sustained or are likely to sustain.
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