Auto accidents are never a fun experience, unless you’re in a demolition derby or playing a video game. Still, there is always a negative outcome with auto accidents, even when there is not any severe damage. People handle an auto accident in their own way. Where some experience forgetfulness or a foggy mind, others tend to overthink and become overconcerned with the damage done. Besides the mental trauma of an auto accident, the physical damage that a person can feel may not be noticeable immediately. Even serious injuries may not begin to cause symptoms until a few days after the auto accident.
If you have been in an auto accident recently, depending on your condition, a chiropractor may be able to help you find relief. Call your local chiropractor to schedule an appointment today.
Most people tend to suffer from whiplash after an auto accident, which tends to receive more traditional treatment during the first six weeks after an auto accident. For instance, a person may receive a massage, receive chiropractic care, or even physical therapy. However, pain that persists after six weeks without any improvement may require the attention of a specialist. Severe pain like that is pretty easy to identify from both the patient and doctor’s perspective, which makes it easier to diagnose. Unfortunately, it is the symptoms that don’t arise immediately that can cause the most problems.
1. Headaches/Migraines
Headaches and migraines will often be the symptom of whiplash, and it is common for them to become noticeable after a few days after an auto accident. Unfortunately, headaches can be a sign of a bigger, more dangerous issue in the head. For example, a headache may indicate a blood clot in the brain, a neck injury, or a serious concussion.
2. Neck and Shoulder Pain
Neck pain and shoulder pain may not become noticeable immediately because the adrenaline in the body is still working its way out. However, once that wears away and the inflammation begins to produce pain, people often begin feeling pain in their neck, upper back, and shoulders. Delayed pain these areas may indicate more severe nerve problems. That is why it is important to have x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs completed during treatment.
3. Back Pain
Most back pain typically becomes noticeable a few hours after the auto accident. However, many people confuse a dislocated rib for pulled muscles, strained ligaments, or pinched nerves and choose to seek medical attention. This is a severe injury that requires special attention. Lower or mid-back pain and side pain typically happen from high-speed rear-end collisions or side collisions.
4. Abdominal Swelling and Pain
This type of injury is a clear indication or internal bleeding and can continue unnoticed for hours or days after the auto accident. The first indication will be dark bruising in the abdomen area and will likely be linked to dizziness and fainting spells. This is a very severe condition that can be life-threatening. You should always show any bruises to medical personnel.
5. Numbness
Whiplash can also be the cause of the loss of feeling in the arms and hands. In many instances, numbness will begin to arise without the person even knowing it, but this is a clear indication of a neck or spinal column injury. Numbness can cause people to lose function or feeling in their hands and arms, which can be a scary feeling. Rear-end collisions are the most common cause of whiplash.
6. Brain Injury
Mood swings are an indication of a brain injury caused by a concussion. This condition may take several weeks to become noticeable, but the signs can be clear. Impaired thinking, memory loss, reduced movement, vision or hearing problems, depression, and constant mood swings are clear indications of a brain injury. Vertigo and headaches are the first sign. See a doctor if any of these symptoms increase.
7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Driving after an auto accident can have some debilitating effects on people. Unfortunately, PTSD from an auto accident can cause people to have vivid memories and nightmares of the accident for days or months after the accident.
If you have been in an auto accident recently, depending on your condition, a chiropractor may be able to help you find relief. Call your local chiropractor to schedule an appointment today.
