If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, your injuries might not show up right away. The adrenaline that accompanies a trauma can mask immediate symptoms, and others may show up further in the future. It’s essential to seek medical attention soon after a car accident and consider searching for a car accident chiropractor near you.
How soon can you expect to see injuries? There’s no absolute rule, but injuries can appear immediately or up to six weeks after the accident. Sometimes, psychological trauma, such as PTSD, can manifest years later.
What kinds of injuries show up later? Let’s explore the types of injuries that commonly occur after a car accident.
Types of Injuries Caused by a Car Accident
Auto accidents can cause a variety of injuries, each of which can take time to manifest.
Internal Injuries
Sometimes called “seat belt syndrome,” internal bleeding and bruising might be noticed anywhere between 24 to 72 hours after an accident.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Some sprains, strains, and bruising can be immediate, but others can also take days or weeks to fully manifest.
Concussions/Head Trauma
A concussion may take anywhere from hours to weeks to show up. Brain injuries can take up to 8 days to manifest. These injuries are serious and potentially fatal.
Chronic Pain
Chronic widespread pain can show up—or worsen—over the course of days or even weeks following an accident.
What are the Symptoms of a Delayed Injury?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention.
Headaches or Clouded Thinking
Headaches and clouded thinking may indicate a concussion or a blood clot that should not be ignored.
Back, Neck, or Shoulder Pain
Pain in your back, neck, or shoulder can be caused by whiplash, which can affect not just the neck, but your entire spinal column.
Numbness or Loss of Coordination
If you experience numbness in your extremities or you’re having problems with your speech or coordination, you may be experiencing the signs of a spinal injury.
Abdominal Pain
Persistent abdominal pain may point to internal bleeding, which can require emergency treatment.
Nightmares and Flashbacks
Your mental health is important. While it’s normal to be shaken up after a traumatic event, the symptoms of PTSD can trigger panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, especially when you think about things related to your accident.
When to Seek Treatment
Delayed symptoms shouldn’t mean delayed treatment. Seek treatment immediately. At Veeva Chiropractic Clinic, your health is our highest priority. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us and we can provide you top-notch care with our best car accident chiropractor for your pain, regardless of the date of your injury.
