Car accidents can be life-altering in an instant, leaving you shaken and unsure about the next steps for your health. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a more serious collision, assessing the full scope of your injuries is critical after an auto accident in North Carolina. Due to a surge of adrenaline, you might not be aware of some injuries immediately. That’s where diagnostic imaging comes in.
Our North Carolina car accident doctors at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology help patients get the answers and care they need. Let’s explore what imaging tests are done after a car accident.
Physical Examination After a Car Crash
A thorough physical examination is often the first step in evaluating injuries after a car accident. This hands-on assessment allows your doctor to identify visible signs of injury, such as swelling, bruising, or deformities, and to test for pain or tenderness in specific areas.
During the exam, your doctor will check your range of motion, muscle strength, and joint stability to determine the extent of your injuries. This evaluation is critical for spotting common car accident injuries, such as sprains or whiplash, which may not always be immediately apparent.
Your doctor will also ask about your symptoms and the car crash. This can offer valuable clues to what injuries you may have suffered. For example, whiplash is especially common in rear-end collisions.
What Imaging Tests Are Done After a Car Accident?
Our car accident doctors may recommend different imaging tests based on your symptoms, the nature of the accident, and the physical examination. We offer a range of imaging tests either on-site or through our trusted partner network, from X-rays and MRIs to CT scans and ultrasounds.
X-Rays
X-rays are often the first imaging test after a car accident. They are quick, painless, and highly effective at identifying broken bones, dislocations, and other injuries involving the bones. X-rays use low levels of radiation to create images of your skeletal structure, making them an essential tool for spotting injuries that may not be immediately obvious after the accident.
However, X-rays have limitations—they primarily capture bone-related issues and don’t show soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or ligaments. This is why they are often the starting point for a more detailed evaluation. If further investigation is needed, your car accident doctor may recommend additional imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan.
MRIs
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a more advanced imaging technique that provides detailed images of bones and soft tissues. This makes it invaluable for diagnosing injuries like herniated discs, ligament tears, or muscle damage—common issues after a car accident. Unlike X-rays, MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves instead of radiation.
MRI scans allow us to take a closer look at injuries that might be causing ongoing pain or discomfort. This detailed imaging is especially useful for identifying nerve-related issues, such as sciatica or spinal cord damage, which could require specialized care. With the clarity provided by an MRI scan, our team can develop a targeted treatment plan to help you recover faster and more effectively.
CT Scans
Computed Tomography (CT) scans combine X-ray technology with computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the body. This imaging technique is particularly useful for evaluating complex injuries, such as fractures in irregular areas like the pelvis or spine, as well as internal injuries to organs and blood vessels. CT scans can quickly provide critical information in the aftermath of a car accident, helping doctors detect life-threatening conditions or subtle injuries that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology offers access to state-of-the-art CT scanning technology for patients who need this level of detail. Whether you’re experiencing chest pain, abdominal discomfort, or symptoms of a concussion, a CT scan can help pinpoint the exact cause and guide the next steps in your care. It’s an essential tool for comprehensive injury evaluation and ensuring no aspect of your health is overlooked.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging is another valuable tool for assessing injuries after a car accident, particularly for evaluating soft tissue injuries, internal bleeding, or damage to organs. This non-invasive imaging technique uses sound waves to create real-time images, making it an excellent choice for diagnosing issues like muscle tears, fluid buildup, or injuries to tendons and ligaments. Ultrasounds are also commonly used to check for blood clots, which can be a serious complication following an accident.
One of the key advantages of ultrasound is its ability to deliver immediate feedback, allowing your care team to make quick and informed decisions. This is especially important for diagnosing injuries that require urgent attention, ensuring you receive timely and effective treatment as part of your recovery plan.
Other Tests: Neurological Evaluations
A neurological evaluation is essential if you experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, numbness, or weakness following a car accident. This assessment focuses on your nervous system, which includes your brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
During the evaluation, our neurology team will assess your reflexes, balance, coordination, and sensory responses. Common conditions diagnosed through neurological evaluations include concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and nerve compression or damage.
If we suspect nerve damage we may recommend electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). These tests help assess muscle health and peripheral nervous system functioning.
Why Choose Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology?
Our talented team combines the best of professional expertise and personal care. You are guaranteed to work with doctors and staff who are top in their field and invested in finding the best solution for you.
If you’ve been in an auto accident and have a personal injury case, we’ll treat you with no out-of-pocket costs. We can also refer patients to skilled North Carolina car accident lawyers.
- Nominated by the International Association of Orthopedic Surgeons
- Staff is fully bilingual, and in some cases even multilingual
- Same and next-day appointments
- No out-of-pocket costs if you have a personal injury case
We offer a wide range of treatments.
Pain Management
We understand the importance of pain management after a car accident. Our specialists address both acute and chronic pain, using a variety of techniques such as medications, targeted injections, and nerve blocks.
Neurology
For injuries that affect the nervous system, our neurology team is experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions like concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and nerve damage.
Orthopedic Surgery
Severe car accident injuries may require orthopedic surgery. Our orthopedic surgeons treat fractures, joint damage, and other musculoskeletal injuries with a focus on minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy after a car accident helps patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility while reducing pain. Our physical therapists design individualized rehabilitation programs to meet each patient’s needs.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers a natural and non-invasive approach to treating auto accident injuries such as whiplash, back pain, and spinal misalignments. Our skilled chiropractors use gentle adjustments and manipulations to relieve pain, restore proper alignment, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Contact Apex OSN Today
At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we understand the challenges of recovering from a car accident. Our North Carolina car accident doctors offer advanced diagnostic imaging and a wide range of personalized treatments to support you every step of the way.
If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing pain or discomfort, don’t wait to seek care. Call 704-412-3045 or fill out our contact form today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healing.
We have offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, High Point, and more. Find an Apex clinic near you.
