Call Now6 Common Delayed Car Crash Injuries
Injuries don’t always show themselves immediately after the impact of a car accident. Sometimes it can take full days for the signs to appear, so you should prepare yourself for these unexpected but common occurrences. The friendly staff at Impact Medical Cutler Bay want to keep you informed on delayed injuries that can arise after a car crash as well as how to identify and treat them.
Soft Tissue Injuries
The most common car accident injuries involve soft tissue because it’s easy for tendons and muscles to stretch and tear after withstanding heavy impact. Oftentimes symptoms don’t become troublesome until the day after when soreness and tension really take a toll on the body. Signs of soft tissue injuries usually consist of tenderness and swelling along with muscle spasms and a more restricted range of motion. Physical therapy is essential in relaxing the damaged tissue in a way that restores the body to its original state through light stretches and exercises. In just a few weeks you can regain any lost muscle and improve your mobility.
Whiplash
When body parts are jerked in opposite directions at a high enough speed, it causes a phenomenon known as whiplash. Even an accident occurring at a mere 15 miles per hour can provide enough force to bring about a case of whiplash, and the damage is especially apparent when located in the neck and spine regions. Any damage to the spine will in turn affect the nerves because the spinal cord houses those nerves all the way to the skull. Whiplash can be identified by neck pain and stiffness along with a smaller range of motion. Chiropractic care is beneficial in guiding the spine back to its natural position to relieve these symptoms.
Concussions
Believe it or not, concussions don’t always happen right away. A concussion is brought about by the brain making hard and/or repeated contact with the walls of the skull thus affecting your motor skills. The signs can show instantaneously, but don’t count yourself out if this isn’t the case since a concussion can take as long as ten days to appear. This type of injury is not to be taken likely as it can be permanent or even fatal. Those suffering from a concussion may experience many symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Mental fogginess
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Lack of focus
- Concentration
- Loss of balance
- Lack of coordination
- Mood swings
- Loss of consciousness
Slipped and Herniated Discs
Slipped and herniated discs are very similar as they both involve the fluid located in your spinal discs. When the spinal fluid presses up against the outer ring of the spinal disc, it can cause interference with the spinal canal which is known as a slipped disc. When that fluid is leaked into the spinal canal through a tear in that outer ring, the situation evolves into a hernia. Both cases can be damaging to your nerves and cause you to feel weakness, numbness, and pain. Physical therapy sessions can help ease the discs back into place.
Spinal Injuries
As you may be able to tell by the theme of this article so far, the spine is very susceptible to injuries in the event of a car crash. Even if the injury is not specifically classified as whiplash or a hernia, there are other symptoms that can occur when the spine is directly targeted during a heavy impact. This includes stiffness, numbness, tingling, and general back pain. Another common symptom is the loss of mobility in the spine. As is the case with the injuries listed above, physical therapy and chiropractic care are both proven methods in returning the body back to its natural state to expedite the healing process.
Emotional Trauma
Even if your body is back to pristine shape, it’s highly possible to be weighed down by other traumas. Depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can take a toll on those who become haunted by the memories of the tragic event. These psychological symptoms can last anywhere from a few weeks to full decades depending on the losses that were made. If this is the case, it’s important to refrain from being alone. Seek the support of friends, family, or a psychologist.
Where Can I Treat My Injuries?
If you are the victim of a car crash and seek relief from any of the injuries listed in this article, call Impact Medical Cutler Bay today at 305-363-7446 to schedule an appointment to be treated for your personal pain or discomfort. Our staff is trained specifically in car crash injuries and will give you personalized care to get you back in working order ASAP!
