Each year, thousands of car accidents take place in New Jersey, ranging from minor fender benders to severe collisions leading to major property damage and injury. In the aftermath of an auto accident, it’s critical to ensure that you assess yourself and your fellow passengers for injury.
Certain types of injuries are more common due to motor vehicle accidents, such as head trauma, spinal injuries and broken bones. But bladder injuries are also possible, although rarer.
How bladder injuries happen during an auto accident
The bladder is located at the base of your torso, sheltered within your pelvic bone. This means it’s fairly secure and safe within your body. However, an auto accident can cause injury to any part of your body, including the bladder.
Most commonly, the compression of the seat belt can do damage to your organs where the belt is drawn against, and the lower strap can compress your bladder. This can lead to bruising or even a rupture, which can have long-term consequences.
Another potential bladder issue can arise due to your spine becoming misaligned. Spinal misalignment can cause problems with the bladder.
Detecting and treating bladder injuries
Bladder injuries in the aftermath of an auto accident can be diagnosed from certain common symptoms. Pain while urinating, pressure or pain in your lower abdomen, incontinence and difficulty completely emptying your bladder can all be signs that you’ve sustained a bladder injury.
While more minor bladder injuries can be treated without surgery, a ruptured bladder is a serious condition that requires immediate surgery. Like many life-threatening conditions, a ruptured bladder is a medical emergency and you shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical care.
Less severe bladder injuries can be treated with therapeutic spinal care and other non-invasive treatment options. In some cases, the injury will correct itself with rest and recovery time. But if you’re feeling discomfort, pain or symptoms pointing to a bladder injury, it’s important that you seek a diagnosis by a medical professional.
Bladder injuries aren’t among the more common injuries caused by auto accidents. But they do happen, and knowing the symptoms can go a long way toward safeguarding your health after an auto accident.