What to Physically Expect after an Auto Accident

Individuals can be affected by auto accidents in a variety of ways. Some people may sustain minor injuries that heal quickly, while others may endure years of persistent agony. It's amazing how comparable incidents may have such different results. Nor does the nature of the accident—a fender bender  or a high-impact collision—indicate the extent of injuries sustained.

It is important to know what is typical following an automobile collision because of this uncertainty. To determine your condition, it is advisable to consult a car accident doctor as soon as possible. They are able to identify your wounds and design a customized course of therapy to speed up your healing.

Keeping an eye on your mental and physical health is crucial. Just like physical injuries, emotional trauma can have a substantial influence on your day-to-day activities.

Let's examine typical post-accident bodily symptoms prior to your doctor's consultation.

Don't Underestimate Minor Aches and Pains

In the days and weeks after a car accident, it's normal to feel sore and uncomfortable physically. But that doesn’t mean that you should disregard these signs. At the first sign of discomfort or any other changes in your body, make an appointment with your primary care physician or a chiropractor specializing in auto accidents.

A common misconception is that pain following an injury will go away on its own. This isn't always the case, though. Even little discomfort or restricted mobility could be signs of a major underlying injury that needs to be treated right once. It's critical to put your health first and get a professional assessment.

Expect Delayed Pain and Symptoms

Numerous injuries might take hours, days, or even weeks to show, including whiplash, concussions, soft tissue damage, and other frequent accident-related injuries.

The adrenaline rush you get after a car accident might conceal interior ailments as well as their visible repercussions.

This can give many people the impression that they are unharmed by the mishap.

It's important to keep an eye out for any symptoms that may appear in the days or weeks following the event, even if you feel well at the time.

Soft Tissue Injuries

The most frequent injuries received in auto accidents are soft tissue injuries.

Soft tissues, which include tendons, ligaments, and muscles, support our bones.

Your body may be overstressed by the power of impact after a collision, which could result in rips or sprains in these soft tissues.

The most typical sign of soft tissue damage is pain.

This pain might just be felt at the location of the injury, or it might spread to your limbs.

Whiplash may be indicated by neck pain.

It's critical to consult an accident chiropractor if you have severe or chronic pain.

Headaches

Headaches are another frequent injury resulting from car accidents.

Many individuals will experience headaches following an accident, although they may not appear immediately.

Headaches after a car wreck are often caused by:

Neck or shoulder tension

Concussion

Traumatic brain injury

Whiplash

Anxiety

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Headaches can range from minor to severe and may indicate a more serious condition.

If you experience headaches at any point after your accident, consult an experienced car accident doctor promptly to ensure your well-being.

Neck, Shoulder, or Back Pain

After an automobile accident, pain in the neck, shoulders, or back is frequently experienced.

These symptoms may strike out of the blue even after you've been feeling well.

Either localized or radiating down the arms or legs might cause pain.

No matter how the pain appears, it should never be disregarded.

Among the potential reasons for this pain are:

Tension in the muscles

Soft tissue damage

tissue or nerve injury

Broken Bones

In many cases, a high-impact auto collision results in an obvious shattered bone. 

Fractures are usually accompanied by severe pain, bruising, and swelling. If the situation is dire, the bone can potentially pierce the skin. 

Get medical help right away if you think you may have a broken bone. Using an X-ray, your doctor will identify the fracture. Serious consequences may arise from postponing therapy. Depending on the position of the broken bone and its severity, there are a variety of treatment options available, such as immobilization, casting, or surgery. 

Even after a bone fracture has healed—which usually happens in a few weeks or months—chronic pain may continue.

How Long Will It Take To Recover?

Depending on the extent of the injuries received and the accident's severity, full recovery can vary.

Days, weeks, months, or even years may pass before you are fully recovered.

Age, general health, and type of treatment all have a big impact on how quickly someone recovers.

Regardless of how you feel, getting medical attention right away will hasten your recuperation.

Always Seek Medical Care

Prompt chiropractic care after a car accident is essential to prevent long-term complications. Even without obvious symptoms like headaches, back pain, or shoulder soreness, seeking professional evaluation is crucial, especially if you plan to file a personal injury claim. 

Your chiropractor's records can serve as valuable evidence to support your case. Chiropractic treatment can effectively address a wide range of post-accident symptoms and accelerate your recovery compared to self-care.

Contact The Arrowhead Clinic If You’ve Been in a Car Accident

Arrowhead Clinic has been providing vehicle accident victims with care for over 40 years. Our skilled chiropractors specialize in soft tissue injuries and provide effective, non-invasive care for all of your post-injury symptoms. 

Keep your life from being ruined by your wounds. Give us a chance to help you recover and get well again. To start your journey to recovery, schedule a free consultation or contact our medical team right now.