4 Accident Injury Symptoms (That May Not Show Up Immediately)

Whether it’s a car accident, slip-and-fall, or workplace incident, injuries unfortunately occur every day. Even though those involved in such accidents may not exhibit injury symptoms immediately after the event, there are five common injury symptoms that can take some time to present themselves.

Before we dive into these specific conditions, it’s important to understand why symptoms don’t always show up right away. The body naturally releases adrenaline any time it undergoes trauma, possibly not causing the victim to notice any pain until days or even weeks after the incident.

Now that we’ve provided an explanation of why symptoms don’t always present themselves immediately, let’s dive into the five most common conditions caused by accidents.

1. Neck and Shoulder Pain

Pain radiating from the neck and shoulder is a common symptom stemming from involvement in an auto accident. While pain in this area is typically a sign of whiplash, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to ensure that the pain is not caused by a more serious condition (such as spinal injury).

2. Headache

Headaches are among the most common ailments that humans face, however, a headache after a traumatic injury can often be a sign of an underlying condition related to the accident. While it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention after being involved in an accident, it’s imperative to see a doctor if you experience frequent headaches in the days or weeks following an accident as it could be a sign of a blood clot, concussion, or other type of brain injury.

3. Back Pain

Back pain can be caused by a myriad of conditions including herniated disc, soft tissue or spinal injury, sprain, or even whiplash. It is important to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor if you experience back pain after an accident– chiropractors who specialize in injury treatment will provide a full examination of your body’s overall function, diagnose underlying issues causing your back pain, and work with you to establish a treatment plan to remedy your pain.

4. Numbness

Numbness after an injury or accident typically manifests itself in the body’s extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) and causes a lack of sensation, feeling, or tingling. Numbness is typically associated with whiplash as a result of a car accident or other trauma to the nerves in the spinal column. As we covered in our previous blog regarding whiplash, micro-trauma to the soft tissue doesn’t always display itself immediately and can oftentimes be remedied with regular chiropractic visits.

While being involved in an accident or sustaining an injury is never on anyone’s “to-do” list, it is important to be aware of the symptoms that can occur (even delayed ones). If you’ve been involved in an accident and have experienced any of the symptoms covered in today’s blog post, please contact your closest Palmetto Wellness & Injury Centers location to schedule an appointment right away!