Coming out of an automobile accident with no notable injury is the best case scenario for every crash victim. There is still a possibility of serious injury even if you seem ok initially and don’t need to be rushed to the ER. Symptoms of injury can first appear several hours or days later. It’s important to look for any new symptoms or signs of injury after an auto accident.
Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain
It’s not uncommon to experience neck or shoulder pain after experiencing whiplash during an auto accident. Whiplash is a sudden acceleration or deceleration in the vehicle when the body continues that motion. This torque on the body can injuries the spine and the soft tissue that supports it. The shoulder is also commonly injured in this occurrence, with stress to the joint causing fracture or rotator cuff tears.
Back pain is also a common sign of injury after an auto accident, and there are several different injuries that can occur. Vertebral fractures, herniated discs, and muscle strains can all be caused by the forces experienced during an accident.
Headaches
Headaches after an accident can be a sign of concussion, or simply increased tension in the neck and shoulders. Even if you don’t actually hit your head during the accident, the excessive force put on the body can cause the injury. Individuals who more commonly experience headaches might see an increase in intensity or frequency after an accident.
It’s important to understand that even a minor headache can be a sign or more serious injury. It could be an symptom of concussion, herniated disc, fracture, bleeding or increased intracranial pressure in the skull.
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Any numbness or tingling in the extremities can be a sign of nerve injury. Damage to the spine can cause compression to the nerves and it is important to seek treatment right away to prevent permanent damage. Often times a pinched nerve will be causing these symptoms, but it can also be a sign or spinal cord injury. Diagnostic scans such as x-ray or MRI can usually determine what damage to the nerve causing the numbness and tingling.
Any changes in mood or behavior
Changes in an individuals mood or behavior after an auto accident can be a sign of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Concussions are also a type of TBI. These injuries change how the brain functions, and signs can show up in altered mood or unusual behaviors. Extreme mood swings, depression, and impulsive decision making are all signs to look for.
Auto accidents are also traumatic events and it’s important to look for signs of mental health problems. Increased anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can all arise after an accident. Treatment for mental health problems is extremely important for overall health and well-being.
Seek Treatment after an Auto Accident
If you have been in a motor vehicle or any other kind of accident, don’t assume that you escaped injury if you are not currently in pain. The staff at Silver Chiropractic and Wellness are highly experienced in working with auto accident cases. Dr. Silver is committed to offering the kind of education, evaluation and treatment that puts patients and their entire family on the road to recovery. Contact us today! 904.634.0805
