Car accident injuries can range from mild to serious, but it can be difficult to tell which. You might not even realize you’re injured right after your car accident because of the adrenaline and shock. Symptoms could be delayed by days or weeks, but when they occur it could be a sign your post car accident pain is serious. Here are some symptoms that you should look out for.
Pain in Neck, Shoulders, or Arms
The most common forms of post-car accident pain you need to look out for are neck, shoulder, or arm pain. It may not appear right after the car accident. You might experience pain days or even weeks later, but if it does appear, monitor the severity of the pain. If it gets worse or is accompanied by stiffness, headaches, restricted movement in the neck or shoulders, blurred or double vision, dizziness, or ringing in the ears then it could be a sign of whiplash.
This common car accident injury happens when your head jerks quickly back and forth causing a strain in your neck and shoulder muscles. The symptoms might not show right away, but if they do seek medical attention. If not treated properly, this can lead to chronic pain in your neck, chronic headaches, and even tinnitus.
Persistent Headache
Headaches after a car accident are fairly common and not always a sign that your post car accident pain is serious. However, headaches that are recurring, persistent, or more painful than normal could be a sign that your injury is more serious than you thought. Other symptoms to watch out for are slurred speech, drowsiness, double vision, nausea, mood changes, sensitivity to light or sound, or memory loss. These could be signs of a concussion, whiplash, a fracture, or a pinched nerve. It’s important to seek medical care as soon as you can if you’ve hit your head during the accident or suffered any kind of traumatic head injury as it could also increase your risk for a stroke.
Abdominal Pain or Nausea
Long term damage to the soft tissue could be numbness, pain, limited mobility, limited muscle strength, or even loss of function. However, you can treat the areas with proper warm ups before exertion, rest, ice, compression and elevation. If the area still gives you trouble, see your local chiropractor for professional care.
4. Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the most severe common injuries after an auto accident is a back or spinal cord injury. This can include a fractured spine or herniated disc. Symptoms of a back or spinal cord injury are back pain, weakness in legs, limited range of motion. These injuries are more likely to occur in rollover accidents or high-speed collisions. You can also sustain a back or spinal cord injury if you are thrown or hit by a car or truck while walking or riding a bike.
At worst, an injury to the spinal cord can cause complete or partial paralysis. If you have a severe back or spinal cord injury, you may need to relearn basic everyday functions. Other long term impacts include back pain, decreased blood flow, and respiration issues. However, back and spinal cord injuries after an auto accident can be treated. Medical professionals, like a physical therapist or your local chiropractor, can work with you to decrease pain and increase mobility.
Chest Pain
Tingling or Numbness
A sign of severe injury is tingling or numbness. If your post car accident pain includes tingling, numbness, back pain, limited mobility, or shooting pain that could be nerve or tissue damage and you will likely need physical therapy or long-term care. Sciatica, herniated discs, and paralysis are all symptoms of nerve and tissue damage. To prevent chronic pain or to prevent your condition from getting worse, seek medical care as soon as possible.
Swelling or Stiffness
When in Doubt
Move Forward
Car accidents can have a lifelong impact, but your pain doesn’t have to be lifelong too. Essential Chirocare can help you regain control over your body if you are experiencing lingering post-car accident pain. We find and treat the root cause of your pain to improve your quality of life. Contact Essential Chirocare for your free consultation to move better and move forward.
