Delayed Injury Symptoms to Watch for After a Car Accident

Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day, and some involve injuries. Due to the body’s natural response to trauma, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Plus, there’s a lot to think about in the aftermath: Is everyone else okay? What about damage to vehicles and property? How should the accident be reported? What will it cost?

Most people are relieved to be conscious and alert after a car accident, and many don’t begin to notice the full effects of the crash until several hours or days later, as the adrenaline gradually wears off. Therefore, even though you don’t feel any pain right away, it’s still possible that you could be injured.

Do You Need Medical Attention?

Here are some symptoms to watch for in the hours, days, and weeks that follow a car accident:

• Headache — Headaches are very common after a car accident, and most are not serious. Even so, it’s best to see a doctor who can get to the bottom of any headache, whether it’s stress or muscle tension, or something more serious such as whiplash or a concussion.
• Neck, shoulder, and back pain — Car accidents often involve intense forces and sudden movements, which can cause a variety of aches and pains. Sometimes, the discomfort may be associated with an underlying injury to a bone, joint, muscle, tendon, or spinal disc, so it’s important to have it checked out.
• Bruising — Bruises can take time to develop after a car accident, as blood from damaged capillaries travels to reach the surface of your skin. Minor bruising may resolve on its own, but moderate to severe bruising may be a sign of damage to an internal organ.
• Swelling — After your body sustains trauma, you may experience swelling due to tissue damage, a muscle strain, a ligament sprain, or another injury. Often accompanied by pain and stiffness, swelling can be reduced with elevation and ice applications, but you should still discuss it with a doctor.
• Upset stomach — If you were wearing a seatbelt during the crash, it probably pulled tight against your body and may have caused trauma or bruising in your abdominal area. If you experience abdominal pain or nausea, see a doctor right away to rule out potentially serious conditions.

If you need nonemergency medical care after an auto accident, come to South Tampa Immediate Care at 602 South Howard Avenue in Tampa, FL. You are welcome to contact us or stop by any time you would like to consult with a doctor about minor auto injury treatment or another non-life-threatening health issue.