When it comes to traffic accident sequelae, it is important to receive proper treatment and return to a comfortable daily life free from discomfort. A car damaged in a traffic accident can be restored to its original state almost perfectly if repaired well. However, if a person injured in a traffic accident does not receive appropriate treatment, sequelae may remain.
In cases where trauma such as fractures is clearly identified following a traffic accident, treatment is provided through surgery and other methods. However, there are instances where complete recovery does not occur over time, and patients continue to complain of discomfort. In contrast, in general traffic accidents, there is often no visible trauma, making it difficult to identify the cause through various medical examinations. Many patients experience pain in various areas, which can progress into chronic pain, causing inconvenience in daily life.
In particular, for traffic accidents that occurred after September 10 of this year (the effective date of the Enforcement Decree of the Automobile Damage Compensation Guarantee Act), if there is no severe trauma, laceration, or concussion, and the injuries fall under categories such as sprains and contusions, they are classified as "minor injuries." In such cases, patients can receive treatment for only eight weeks, even if they experience severe pain, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and significant discomfort that was not present before the accident.
Of course, this does not apply to pregnant women or children aged seven or younger. It is also noted that in cases where pain persists despite treatment and discomfort is not resolved, treatment can be extended through deliberation by the Medical Review Committee for Damage Compensation of the Automobile Damage Compensation Promotion Institute.
However, there are quite a few cases where symptoms reported by patients do not improve, and fatigue that was not previously present, along with persistent pain in areas that were painful at the time of the accident when walking or driving, continues, requiring a longer treatment period. Patients naturally hope to return to a state of complete recovery where they can engage in their pre-accident daily life without issues. However, it seems that an additional inconvenient restriction has been added to receiving such treatment.
Traffic accident sequelae vary greatly from person to person. While some experience pain immediately after the accident, many report symptoms one to two weeks later.
Since traffic accidents are not frequently experienced in daily life, people tend to be shocked, worried, and angry when an accident occurs, causing extreme tension in the body. As time passes after the accident and this tension subsides, various parts of the body may become very painful and uncomfortable. Therefore, undergoing active examinations and treatment, whether through Western or traditional Korean medicine, after an accident can prevent subsequent traffic accident sequelae or chronic pain.
Traffic accident sequelae can manifest in various ways. After an accident, acute muscle tension occurs, and edema and inflammation develop in soft tissues. In traditional Korean medicine, this state can be diagnosed as involving stagnant blood (eohyeol) and phlegm-dampness (dameum). Many people who had pre-existing issues with various parts of their spine and joints report that symptoms recur or that the affected areas become more painful due to the accident.
Following an accident, psychological problems such as insomnia, hypervigilance (a symptom where the heart pounds), and anxiety disorders (anxiety symptoms not previously present, triggered by memories of the accident while driving) often appear alongside the physical issues mentioned above.
Stagnant blood, which frequently occurs after an accident, is generated when normal blood flow within the body is impeded and stagnates in specific areas, obstructing the flow of qi and blood. When stagnant blood accumulates in a specific area, it becomes a cause of pain and disease. If stagnant blood causes problems in meridians such as the Pericardium Meridian (Simpogyung) or Triple Burner Meridian (Samchogyeong) among the 12th major meridians in the body, it can also induce post-traumatic stress disorder.
Phlegm-dampness occurs when the flow of normal body fluids within the body stagnates or accumulates in certain areas, causing problems in the Lung, Spleen, Kidney, and Triple Burner meridians. Consequently, this can lead to a feeling of heaviness in the body, unexplained fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and bloating digestive disorders. In traditional Korean medicine, treatment is provided using prescriptions that include herbal medicines with the efficacy of managing problems caused by stagnant blood and phlegm-dampness. Pain and discomfort in the musculoskeletal system are treated through traditional Korean medical therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping, as well as chuna therapy, which corrects the structure and function of the human body.
After a traffic accident, patients may develop various problems or pain in the musculoskeletal system acutely or chronically. This can lead to discomfort in the spine and joints. If stagnant blood and phlegm-dampness accumulate in meridians such as the Pericardium Meridian, mental issues such as insomnia, hypervigilance, and anxiety may also appear. There are methods for concluding traffic accident sequelae by not only treating pain but also resolving problems with blood circulation and qi-blood circulation, and addressing muscle imbalance issues.
External Contributor - Song Kyung-song, Director of Mapo Cheokhanbang Hospital (Han Ui-hak (Dr.))
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