Blog June 1, 2026
Post-Traffic Accident Sequelae: My Heart Pounds Every Time I Hold the Steering Wheel
Jang-Hyeok Choi, KMD
Head Doctor
✅ Answer First
"The collision was minor, but whenever I hold the steering wheel, my hands tremble and I can't breathe."
This is the most common complaint we hear in the clinic.
To state the conclusion upfront, this is not a problem caused by weak willpower.
👉Your brain is simply
misinterpreting the impact from the accident as an ongoing crisis situation.
💬 Common Misconceptions Among Patients
"I think I've become too sensitive"
"I feel like I've become a coward"
➡️ This is not true.
This symptom is not mere fear, but rather
an acute anxiety reaction that falls within the post-traumatic stress response (PTSD spectrum).
📢 Right now, your body is
sounding the alarm as if you've encountered a wild beast.
Rather than forcing yourself to suppress it, you need to understand the signal and turn it off.
▶️ Action | 3 Things You Can Do Starting Today
① Stop Forcing Yourself to Drive (2 weeks)
During periods of severe anxiety, stopping driving is the treatment.
Switch your commute to public transportation.
Letting go of the steering wheel itself is a signal to your brain that "it's safe now."
② If Anxiety Occurs While Driving → 4-7-8 Breathing Technique
Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds
Hold your breath for 7 seconds
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds
➡️ This turns off the overexcited sympathetic nervous system,
➡️ And activates the parasympathetic nervous system (brake).
③ Check Your Current Medications Now
Check if the medication package has a "causes drowsiness" note
If it does:
Stop taking medications at lunch
Avoid taking them within 6 hours before driving
📌 Driving without adjusting your medications is extremely dangerous.
⚠️ Warning | Critical Warning Signs You Must Know
❌ Do Not Drive Immediately After Taking Sedatives or Anti-anxiety Medications
Central nervous system depression causes:
Drowsiness, slowed reaction time
Decreased judgment
➡️ Just because your heart palpitations have decreased doesn't mean it's safe.
🚨 This can carry risk levels equivalent to drunk driving
and may lead to secondary accidents.
You must:
Confirm your drowsiness response
Drive only when your mind is clear and alert
🧠 The Why | Why Does This Happen?🔧 Autonomic Nervous System = Automobile
Sympathetic Nervous System → Accelerator
Parasympathetic Nervous System → Brake
Post-accident patients are
👉 In a state where the brake is broken and they're only pressing the accelerator.
🔍 Deep Dive | Why Is the Brake Broken?Traffic accident impact → Neck and cervical muscle stiffness
Stiffened muscles → Distorted signals to the brain
Result:
Rest signals blocked
Combat mode continues
Cold sweats, hyperventilation, panic responses occur
📌 This is why neck treatment and autonomic nervous system recovery are key.
📊 Proof | Real Case Example
👤 CASE
Mr. Kim, Manager in His 30s, Sales Department
After taking psychiatric medication
→ Drowsiness during important meetings
→ Visited clinic due to work disruption
🛠️ Treatment Strategy
Avoid medications causing drowsiness
Herbal medicine to cool cardiac overload
Combined cervical and neck tension correction treatment
📈 Results (MEASUREMENT)
After 3 weeks of treatment:
Driving anxiety index reduced by over 80%
"Able to drive with a clear mind"
Normal return to long-distance field work duties
🌿 Closing | Summary
Memories of accidents fade with time.
But the tension left in your body remains without treatment.
While driving,
During important PowerPoint presentations,
In meeting rooms,
We will help you recover to a state of composure where your heart doesn't race,
and mental clarity where you don't feel drowsy.
You, who faced your fear without avoiding it,
now it's time to return to a safe everyday life.
✍️ Reviewed by Director Choi Jang-hyuk, Dongjejang Korean Medicine Clinic
