Personal Injuries

Personal injuries can lead to chronic pain and other uncomfortable symptoms, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. At The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine, pain management specialists John Melek, MD, MSC, and Engy Melek, MD, RD, LD, regularly treat personal injuries. To make an appointment, call the office in Dallas, Texas, or request an appointment online today.

What is a personal injury?

Personal injury is a blanket term that refers to physical or mental harm caused by an accident or another event. It’s technically a legal term, but it can involve damage to your musculoskeletal system, including your: 

• Bones 
• Muscles 
• Tendons 
• Ligaments 
• Nerves 

Sometimes, people don’t take personal injuries seriously because they occur suddenly and don’t always present immediate symptoms. That’s because after an accident, the body enters fight-or-flight mode, flooding your bloodstream with adrenaline that can temporarily mask pain.

What are some common personal injuries?

The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine team treats various injuries and symptoms related to personal injuries, including:

• Herniated discs
• Whiplash
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Sprains
• Strains

Personal injuries happen for a variety of reasons, but they’re commonly caused by traumatic events, such as car accidents, falls, and workplace accidents.

How are personal injuries diagnosed?

To diagnose a personal injury, your provider at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine reviews your health history and asks about the injury, including what happened and what type of symptoms you’re experiencing. 

Next, they complete a physical exam. For example, if you were rear-ended in a car accident, your provider may gently press on your neck and shoulders to identify sensitive areas and have you turn your head from side to side to assess your range of motion. 

They may also order diagnostic imaging to check for structural damage, such as a fracture or ligament tear.

How are personal injuries treated?

Treatment for a personal injury depends on several factors, including the type of injury you experienced and the severity of your symptoms. 

The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine team recommends a conservative approach whenever possible. Your provider may suggest:

• Physical therapy
• Rest
• Ice and heat therapy
• Medication management with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Peripheral nerve stimulation
• Intrathecal Pain Pump Implant
• Epidural steroid injections

Some people recovering from personal injuries respond best to a combination of treatments. Your provider monitors your progress at regular checkups and adjusts your care plan as needed to support your recovery. 

If you’re struggling to recover from a personal injury, make an appointment at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.