The sequelae of traffic accidents, why should they be managed in the early stages?

Traffic accidents happen in just a few seconds, but the impact leaves traces on the body for a long time. Even if there seem to be no obvious abnormalities immediately after the accident, pain or discomfort often slowly appears after a few days or weeks.

Common symptoms include neck or back pain, stiff shoulders, headache, dizziness, digestive discomfort, sleep disorder, and poor concentration. The so-called “sequelae of traffic accidents” is an important health issue that reduces the quality of daily life beyond simple pain.

The most important thing is the initial response. Many patients delay treatment because the pain is not severe, but if left untreated without proper management at an early stage, the pain may become chronic or the rate of recovery of physical function may decrease. This can eventually lead to lengthy treatment times or delays in returning to daily activities.

In traditional Chinese medicine, treatment is initially performed with the goal of improving blood flow by removing blood loss, relaxing stiff muscles, promoting blood circulation, and stabilizing autonomic nerves. A typical example is a method of managing sequelae from the root by combining acupuncture and chuna therapy, administration of Chinese medicine when necessary, and physical therapy. This aims to go beyond simple “pain relief” and restore physical balance and function before the accident.

Jang In-young, director of Eloul Oriental Clinic, said, “If the pain is not significant immediately after the accident, symptoms may worsen or spread to unexpected parts of the body within a few days, so initial treatment should be considered a 'preventive measure' rather than an option,” and emphasized that “customized treatment tailored to individual constitution and symptoms makes a big difference in recovery speed and prognosis.”

[Sympathy Newspaper] Reporter Lee Sang-min