Have you been injured in a car accident? If so, you’re probably experiencing a wide range of feelings – anger, shock, or grief. These are common feelings after an accident. So is pain. Pain is our body’s internal alarm system. It’s your body’s way of saying “don’t do that; something’s wrong!” Pain can alert you to injuries that may not be visible and help you determine if you need to seek medical attention.
After an accident, it’s normal to hurt. But how do you know the difference between normal pain and when something’s wrong?
When Will the Pain Fade Away?
After an accident, a certain level of pain is normal. Your body has just experienced major trauma. How long you will be sore depends on a variety of factors. These may include:
Your position in the vehicle
Whether you were wearing a seatbelt
The speed of the crash
The size of your vehicle
The size of the other vehicle(s)
Whether your airbags went off
Any preexisting injuries
There is no conclusive way to determine the extent of your injuries based on the level of pain you are experiencing, or how long you will be sore based on your type of injuries. Only a qualified medical professional can give you a reasonable estimate as to when you should experience relief. Even what initially appears as minor pain can prove to be a bigger issue. That’s why it’s always a good idea to go to the doctor after any sort of accident.
My Pain Seemingly Came out of Nowhere. What Should I Do?
It’s not uncommon to experience delayed pain. Many people walk away from an accident without feeling a thing. Then, days later, they feel like they’ve been hit by a dumpster full of rocks. Everyone reacts to pain differently. Some injuries are notorious for delayed symptoms. Signs of a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury often don’t present until days after an accident. If you haven’t been to the doctor and suddenly begin to feel sore, you should see a doctor right away. The fact that it took a few days for the pain to appear does not make the injury any less serious.
Sometimes, we write off important symptoms as normal reactions to an accident. Keep track of any new symptoms after an accident. Neck pain on its own may be nothing, but neck pain combined with a fever may indicate a serious problem. If you experience any changes in your health, even seemingly normal or minor changes, write them down to tell your doctor.
Putting off treatment is never a good idea. If cost is a concern, a personal injury attorney can help you take legal action against the at-fault party to help cover the cost of treatment. You will also have access to your own medical benefits through your auto insurance.
There are many reasons why people experience pain after an accident and some people may never experience pain at all. Some of the most common reasons for soreness include:
Strains and sprains: You’ve likely experienced muscle soreness at some point in your life. Strains and sprains can result because of an injury or overexertion. In a car accident, the force of the collision can force your body to move in unnatural ways. When your body moves in positions that strain the muscles and tendons in your body, it can cause a tear. When you tear a muscle or tendon, the area becomes inflamed and may begin to hurt. Most strains, sprains, and general muscle aches will heal on their own, but in some cases, you may need medical intervention.
Whiplash: Whiplash is common in rear-end accidents. At the time of impact, the seat you are sitting in begins to move forward with the car. Meanwhile, your head and neck brace back against the seat. As the car continues to move forward, your head and neck suddenly whip forward and catch up with the momentum of the car. If this sounds violent, it’s because it is. Whiplash can cause severe injury to your neck and back. In severe cases, the collision may cause bulging or herniated discs. When this happens, you may experience soreness in your neck, back, or limbs.
Traumatic brain injuries: If you hit your head during the accident, there’s a good chance you will feel sore. You may feel a dull ache or a throbbing headache. In some cases, you may experience extreme or sharp pain. Traumatic brain injuries are serious and should always be treated as an emergency condition. Unfortunately, they are very common, especially in car accidents. The CDC estimates that car accidents account for over 20 percent of all TBI hospitalizations. If you think that you may have hit your head in an accident, see a doctor right away.
Spinal cord injuries: Car accidents are the number one cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States. After an accident, it is normal for your back to feel sore. But with spinal cord injuries, the pain is usually different. Spinal cord injuries usually cause extreme pain or severe pressure. If you experience either of these symptoms, visit the doctor right away.
Metro Doctors Group assists people who have sustained injuries in an automobile accident or at work. Our doctors treat all kinds of injuries, but specialize in musculoskeletal injuries.
DRS Associates assists entrepreneurs who are looking to run their own business and people looking for a investment opportunity. Please visit our website www.DrsAssociatesInc.net to learn how you can operate this business in your own city!
Thanks to Levin Injury Firm for the info!