5 Common Delayed Injury Symptoms After an Accident

5 Common Delayed Injury Symptoms After an Accident

Suffering bumps and bruises is common in an auto accident, even if you feel OK and can move around immediately after the incident. But, what may be coming next can be of greater concern for your health.

At Watson Chiropractic, Dr. Steven Watson and Dr. Shannon Darrow recommend you stay alert following your accident, watching for any indication something more serious is wrong. Many times, your body is in shock and producing excess endorphins, leaving you unable to determine the full extent of your injuries.

As the endorphins level out, your brain starts recognizing pain signals, making your injuries more noticeable.

Here are the five most common injuries that may produce delayed symptoms following an auto accident:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury as the result of rear-end auto accidents. It is a neck injury caused by the forceful movement of your neck back and forth. This movement can be related to the impact of the other vehicle into your car or as the result of airbags deploying that make contact with your body.

You can develop symptoms of whiplash several days after the accident, including:

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Persistent headaches
• Radiating pain in your shoulders and arms

In more serious cases of whiplash, you may also find it difficult to remember things, suffer from blurry vision, and develop disturbances in your usual sleep pattern.

A concussion is a traumatic injury to your brain that can affect your memory, balance, and concentration. The impact of an auto accident can cause your brain to move back and forth in your skull, causing the injury.

Symptoms of a concussion include:

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Ringing in your ears
• Nausea and vomiting

Serious concussions, including those that cause bleeding in your brain, can be fatal if left untreated.

Back injuries

Immediately following an accident, your back may be sore and tender. As more time passes, you may notice persistent back pain that worsens with movement.

This pain is likely caused by inflammation settling into your muscles following the trauma. It may also be an indication that you’ve suffered a tear in your muscles, ligaments, or tendons.

Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain after an auto accident may be the result of an injury caused by your seat belt. During impact, the seat belt may be forced into your abdomen, causing muscle injuries and damage to your internal organs.

If you also experience persistent nausea and vomiting, it can indicate a more serious injury to your head or neck or be symptomatic of a brain injury. Don’t ignore nausea and vomiting; consult with your physician as soon as possible to rule out underlying medical issues.

Spinal injuries

Much like other auto accident injuries, spinal injuries can be the result of rear-end impact from another vehicle. If your car accident is more serious, you may suffer spine damage as the result of a rollover accident.

Common spinal injuries following a car accident include herniated discs, fractures, and nerve compression that result in persistent pain. Spine injuries may also make it difficult for you to get around or feel comfortable when standing up or lying down.

While there are many other injuries you can suffer as the result of a car accident, these five examples can also result in more serious medical complications without further medical attention.

Chiropractic therapy at Watson Chiropractic after your diagnosis can be an effective way to alleviate chronic pain and improve the range of motion in your back, neck, and limbs. To learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care following an accident, schedule a consultation online or by calling the office.