You should be grateful that you are able to escape a car accident with minimal bodily injury and vehicle damage.

You might have minor cuts, scrapes, or bruises but otherwise, you feel fine and have been blessed enough not to sustain serious injury.

Or were you?

Accident injuries may not be immediately apparent.

You might notice some changes in your health within the first few days or weeks after your accident.

These changes can lead to serious and possibly fatal injuries if not addressed immediately.

Below are some delayed accident symptoms that car accident victims should look out for, even if the accident is minor.

You should seek medical attention immediately if you aren’t seen by a doctor following an accident.

Headaches Or Dizziness

Although dizziness and headaches may occur after a concussion or neck injury, a blood clot, whiplash, or neck injury may cause dizziness.

These injuries can be very serious. You should seek medical attention if you have a headache even though you believe it is not serious.

Also, be aware of the possibility of suffering a traumatic brain injury.

Your brain’s soft tissues may be damaged if you are hit on the head or your body is thrown in an accident.

This can cause swelling, bleeding, and other damage to brain tissue.

Even though you may feel fine right away, a traumatic brain injury such as this can cause permanent damage to your brain.

If you have suffered brain damage, your first sign is usually headaches.

Many people don’t associate headaches with car accidents or ignore headaches and dizziness following a car accident.

It could be a normal headache, or you could blame the accident.

However, ignoring vision problems or dizziness can lead to serious head injuries.

It’s a good idea to have your brain examined if you are involved in a serious accident that results in a head injury.

Even if you have symptoms of brain injury days after the crash, it is worth getting re-evaluated. This could be a medical emergency.

Whiplash

If you are in an accident, whiplash could be a common injury.

Whiplash occurs when the head and neck suddenly jerk during impact.

Whiplash causes damage to the neck and shoulders by stretching the tendons.

Sometimes whiplash causes pain and discomfort that can be felt immediately.

Whiplash symptoms can often appear hours or even days after an accident.

You should seek medical attention if you have neck or shoulder pain following a car accident.

Whiplash can cause headaches, blurred vision, and ringing in your ears.

Sometimes whiplash can be treated by itself.

However, more severe cases require medical attention.

These symptoms could also be a sign of a spinal injury and will require immediate treatment.

Stiffness in Neck or Shoulder

A car accident can cause damage to nerves, muscles, and ligaments in your neck, shoulders, and back.

These symptoms may not always be apparent immediately.

You may experience stiffness in your neck or shoulders after a crash.

Neglecting these symptoms can only make your condition worse.

Neglecting to treat your symptoms can cause chronic, debilitating pain. This could make it difficult for you to work, do household chores, or enjoy the things you love.

You should see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms. They can also order imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to diagnose the injury.

Internal bleeding

Many times, internal bleeding is not discovered until days after an accident.

It is not something to be taken lightly.

Abdominal pain is a sign of internal bleeding.

Other symptoms include dizziness, fainting spells, large, dark bruises, and dizziness.

Because internal bleeding can be hidden for so long, it is important to have your injuries treated immediately.

Back Pain

A car accident can cause nagging back pain.

The pain could also radiate to your buttocks and legs.

This can indicate a problem with your back muscle or ligaments.

It could also be a sign that something is more serious, such as a pinched nerve or compressed nerve, cracked vertebrae, or a herniated or bulging disc.

See a chiropractor immediately to address the problem.

Mobility can be severely affected by back injuries.

You may find it difficult to stand or sit for long periods of time, which could affect your ability and ability to work and earn money.

Emotional Injuries

You can also sustain physical injuries in a car accident.

Many victims of car accidents suffer severe emotional trauma, leading to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

After a traumatizing accident, it is normal to feel anxious and uncomfortable driving.

Some people have vivid flashbacks or nightmares about the car accident.

This is a common occurrence in children who are involved in accidents.

After an accident, many people experience depression and anxiety.

Extreme cases can cause severe emotional damage that requires therapy before people can get back on the road.

Pay attention to your symptoms

You don’t have to be seriously injured if you are able to walk away from a car crash without any serious injuries.

We have just discussed some delayed symptoms that could occur in the days or hours following your accident.

Be aware of the symptoms listed above and consult your doctor if they become apparent.

You need to be extra cautious when your health is at stake.

After a car accident, you can seek chiropractic care. To determine if you sustained any injuries, your chiropractor will conduct a physical exam.

If they have found any, they will create a plan to bring you back to your full health.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation

This article was written by Car Accident Doctors at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries.