TRAUMA 2 – Becoming Aware of Possible Undiagnosed Problems

The first BLOG on Trauma reminded us that injuries can cause obvious and not so obvious

injuries.

With attention paid to ‘How am I feeling? and proper acute management (ice, rest, gentle

exercise, and a gradual return to daily activities), non-complicated injuries, in an otherwise

healthy body, will resolve within a short period of time.

After two weeks post trauma, it is time to reassess.

Are we able to do all our normal activities, or do we feel confident we will be able to do so?

Stay in contact with your family doctor. He or she can assess any setbacks and assist with

further investigation, rehabilitation management, and/or insurance and work-related claims.

BUT if you sustained a fall, hit your head, or were in a motor vehicle accident (including being hit when you were a pedestrian), it is important to be even more aware of possible hidden problems that may need further follow-up.

Sensations or feelings that are UNUSUAL must be investigated.

• Dizziness, nausea, a spinning feeling (vertigo)

• Difficulty focusing when using a computer, watching TV, reading a (on any type of

  device)

• Light sensitivity

• Balance problems

• Memory and concentration problems

• Feeling stressed or anxious all the time

• Pain in the jaw and facial muscles; being unable to put your teeth together.

• Unusual soreness in muscles and joints
  

ANY FEELING THAT IS NOT YOUR USUAL!!

And as you continue to recover, it is a good time to ‘get to know’ your body better.

Can you tell when a part of your body is not functioning or feeling well?

Can you tell the difference between the many sensations 🔴 you are feeling?

As you continue to recover, it is a good idea to review all those AMMUNITION/TOOLS on this website and find out what works best for you.

Learning to do a BODY SCAN is a useful technique to better feel and understand what your

body is telling you.

Pay attention to the different parts of your body and their sensations, gradually moving

from feet to head (or top to bottom).

By mentally scanning your body, you will become more aware of every part of your

body, noticing any aches, pains, and areas of tension. If you require more assistance during your recovery or need help developing a

rehabilitation plan:

There are health professionals who can assist with recovery from post-traumatic injuries.

Although a medical referral is not always required to make an appointment with these

practitioners, it is a good idea to speak to your family doctor first about your concerns.

And, if recovery is taking time, it is likely that insurance forms or contact with a personal

injury lawyer would be helpful.

Physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists and osteopathic manual therapists

are often first-line health provider contacts. Depending on other injuries or concerns, investigation and treatment may be required by other health professionals, such as:

• Dentists or oral surgeons

• Ophthalmologist or optometrist

• Speech language therapist

• Occupational therapist

• Psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor, social worker

Remind yourself that although this seems to be taking a long time, your goal is to ensure that you recover fully and can return to all your pre-injury or pre-accident activities—at work, at home, and in the community.