In a Car Wreck: How long should I wait before working out again?

wannabenewsboy · 07-12-2007, 04:12 PM

I was in a pretty bad wreck today; my car is totaled, but the hospital cleared me and said I'm OK. Mostly just pain from the accident. My question is, how long should I wait before going back to the gym? I don't want to cause any more damage, or do something that could come back to bite me in the event of an insurance investigation. Help/advice is greatly appreciated.

Dark Phoenix · 07-12-2007, 04:28 PM

If you have to take time off work, you can't goto the gym. Other than that, give it a few days to a week.

wannabenewsboy · 07-12-2007, 06:46 PM

The hospital didn't say anything about taking time off work (I have an office job, so I spend a lot of time at a desk), but I'm probably not going in tomorrow, just because a) there's nothing I *need* to get done, b) my office mate can handle the day-to-day stuff, and c) I need to get the car cleared out and moved from the tow place, and get new glasses. LensCrafters, here I come!

I think I might just give it a week, and see how I feel then.

Fresch · 07-12-2007, 07:58 PM

After a bad car accident, it is advisable to have 2 days of pretty good rest, as some conditions eg whiplash can take 1-2 days for symptoms to arise. This seems to be due to the onset of inflammation having to reach a point where pain and stiffness finally results.

If after 2-3 days there are no symptoms and no bruising, then you can start back at gym, with caution.

GBLynden · 07-12-2007, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabenewsboy

I was in a pretty bad wreck today; my car is totaled, but the hospital cleared me and said I'm OK. Mostly just pain from the accident. My question is, how long should I wait before going back to the gym? I don't want to cause any more damage, or do something that could come back to bite me in the event of an insurance investigation. Help/advice is greatly appreciated.

From someone that was in your position nearly two years ago, let me tell you what I wish someone would have told me. Wait at least two weeks! I blew out my neck capsule, but didn't realize it until sometime later (six months). I too was "OK" to the doctors that saw me right after the accident. What to watch for: Make sure your back and neck aren't tight. Those are pretty good indicators that you have suffered some damage to your spine. If treated correctly and right away, you will avoid scar tissue like I have been trying to work through. Now, you may have escaped any significant setbacks, but DO NOT push it too soon.

If you have any follow-up questions, PM me and I will help you in any way that I can. You do not want to lose 35-40 of muscle like I did. It really sucks!