There is no doubt that motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of getting injured in a crash. However, many people do not realize that this increased risk often extends to the rider’s health long term. In fact, there are many health conditions that are more common among motorcycle riders than those who drive cars.
Chronic Pain
One of the most common long-term health effects among motorcycle riders is chronic pain. This is often the result of injuries sustained in a crash and can be extremely debilitating. Chronic pain can make it difficult to work, sleep, and even enjoy hobbies or time with family and friends.
This pain can come in several different forms like neuropathic pain caused by damage to the nervous system. It can be sharp, shooting, or burning. You can experience something like neurogenic pain, which is caused by damage to the soft tissues. This pain can be achy, throbbing,or stabbing. There can also be referred pain, which occurs when the pain originates from another area of the body but is felt in a different area.
There are many treatments available for chronic pain, but often times they are only partially effective. This means that motorcycle riders who experience chronic pain must learn to manage it long-term. While this can be difficult, there are many resources available to help those in chronic pain live relatively normal lives.
PTSD
Many motorcycle riders who have been in a crash also suffer from PTSD. This condition can cause flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. PTSD can make it difficult to return to riding after a crash and can have a major impact on every aspect on somone’s life.
These mental conditions can also be triggered by the hardship incurred after the accident. Www.rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com/motorcycle-accidents.html identifies losses like wages, quality of life, and medical expenses.
Treating PTSD often requires therapy, medication, and support from loved ones. It is important for those suffering from PTSD to seek treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent the condition from getting worse.
Orthopedic Injuries
Another common long-term health effect among motorcycle riders are orthopedic injuries. These are injuries to the bones, joints, or muscles and can often be the result of a crash as well. Orthopedic injuries can range from something like a broken bone to more serious conditions like arthritis.
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can make it difficult to do everyday activities like getting dressed or cooking dinner.
There are medications available to help treat arthritis and other inflammatory pain conditions.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries are another common long-term health effect of motorcycle crashes. These injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe problems like skull fractures or bleeding in the brain.
Traumatic brain injuries can often lead to long-term problems like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and memory problems.
Burns
Burns are another common long-term health effect of motorcycle crashes. This is often the result of coming into contact with the hot engine or exhaust pipes. Burns can range from first-degree burns, which only damage the outer layer of skin, to third-degree burns, which damage all layers of skin and underlying tissues.
Even after burns are treated and healed, they may cause permanent nerve damage or scarring.
Permanent Disability
This can be the result of a number of factors, including paralysis, brain damage, and amputation. Permanent disability can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life and can make it difficult to live independently.
When accidents occur, the spinal cord can be damaged, which can lead to paralysis. This means that the person will not be able to move or feel below the level of the injury. In some cases, people with paralysis may require a ventilator to breathe.
Brain damage can also occur in a motorcycle accident, even if the rider is wearing a helmet. This type of damage can cause problems with memory, learning, and sensory processing. It can also lead to changes in mood and behavior.
In some cases, motorcycle riders may lose an arm or leg in an accident. While this does not always result in permanent disability, it can make everyday activities very difficult.
Depression
Another common long-term health effect of motorcycle riding is depression. This can be caused by a number of factors, including chronic pain, financial stress, and social isolation. Depression can make it difficult to function in day-to-day life and can even lead to thoughts of suicide.
Motorcycle riders are at a higher risk for long-term health effects than passenger car drivers. Some of the most common long-term health effects include PTSD, It is important for motorcycle riders to be aware of these risks and to take precautions to protect themselves.