Delayed-Onset Pain After a Car Accident
For most of our patients being in a car accident can be a confusing event when it comes to injuries. It is a common theme for some to feel ok the day of the accident only to wake up later and feel terrible. It is ok to feel this way and is also common. Let’s go over some examples and reasons why this occurs.
Car accidents can have a lasting effect on your body, even if the visible damage to your vehicle seems minimal. The force and impact generated during a collision can jolt your body, leading to various types of injuries. Even in the event you walk away feeling okay you may be in for a surprise days later. This is a delayed onset of pain and is not uncommon for individuals to feel relatively fine immediately after a collision, only to experience pain and discomfort hours or even days later. This delayed pain can be late to the party for several reasons.
Soft tissue injuries are common after car accidents and often contribute to delayed-onset pain. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and discs can be strained, sprained, bulged or even torn due to the sudden impact or rapid movement of the body during the collision. These injuries may not be immediately noticeable, but as inflammation sets in and the body starts to heal, pain and discomfort can come.
One specific soft tissue injury that frequently leads to delayed-onset pain is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are forcefully jerked back and forth during a collision. The symptoms, such as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and decreased mobility, can take hours or even days to fully arrive. It’s important to recognize the signs of whiplash and visit a Chambers Medical Group near you if you suspect you may be experiencing this condition.
Car accidents can have a significant psychological impact on the individuals involved. Feelings of anxiety, stress, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can arise, contributing to the complexity of pain. Psychological factors can amplify the experience of physical discomfort and make the recovery process more challenging. It’s essential to address both the physical and emotional aspects of healing after a car accident.
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, even if you initially feel fine. At Chambers Medical Group this is what we do. A healthcare professional can evaluate your condition, identify any underlying injuries, and provide appropriate treatment. They can also offer guidance on managing pain and discomfort as well as recommend therapies or exercises to aid in your recovery.
— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.
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Have you been in a car accident? If you or somebody you know has been in a car accident, be sure that you seek medical attention from a car accident doctor or car accident chiropractor to treat your injuries. Visit Chambers Medical Group to receive world-class medical treatment for your injuries.
Chambers Medical Group has car accident medical clinics in the following locations: