If you’ve been injured in a car accident then you might be wondering just how long you will feel sore afterward. The truth is, it depends on how you were injured and the severity of the accident. Even a low-speed fender bender can lead to pain and discomfort for days and even weeks after a car accident. While scrapes and bruises are common after a car accident, there are car accident injuries that can really affect your ability to go about your daily life without feeling pain or discomfort, especially when left untreated. That’s why is so important that you see a car accident injury chiropractor as soon as possible after an accident. The sooner your injuries are diagnosed the sooner you can get started on treating those injuries and managing any pain you might experience.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash
Did you know that whiplash is actually the most common among all car accident injuries? Even if you were driving safely and wearing your seat belt, there is nothing to protect your head and neck from getting jostled in the accident, especially when you didn’t see it coming. The force of the accident can cause your head to fling forward and then snap backward, straining your neck muscles and potentially damaging the bones in your neck. Symptoms of whiplash can be tricky because you might not notice them right away. You may slowly start to notice headaches, neck pain, and stiff muscles in the hours and even days after a car accident. A car accident injury chiropractor is able to recognize signs of whiplash early so you can begin whiplash treatment that will help manage your pain and alleviate sore muscles.
Back Pain
Back pain after a car accident is also incredibly common, especially in the lower back. Similar to the experience of whiplash, when your upper body is jostled during the car accident it can cause your lower back muscles to strain as they work to support your body. Additionally, the force of impact can injure your spine itself, leading to a number of spinal injuries. Your spine protects many nerves, and any blow to the spine or painful twist can actually affect your nerves. If the large bundle of nerves in your lower back is impacted it can lead to sciatica, which is a type of pain specific to that area of your body.
Muscle Pain
Your muscles are likely to be sore after a car accident because of the experience itself and also how your body reacts. When you experience a traumatic event like a car accident, your muscles can tense up in an attempt to protect from more injury, actually leading to more pain and stiffness. Additionally, car accidents can cause the whole body to jostle around, which can strain your muscles. Many who have whiplash after a car accident also experience muscle strain in their neck, while some even experience a muscle tear. Tearing a muscle in your neck can be extremely painful and make it very difficult to turn your head normally.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is more commonly known as a slipped disc and occurs when the discs that separate each of your vertebrae slip out of place. In the event of a car accident, the impact of the accident can actually force a disc to move out of place. Healthy, properly aligned discs help cushion and support your vertebrae, absorb shock, and keep the bones from rubbing together. When a disc is out of place it can put pressure on a nearby nerve, causing pain and discomfort. When nerves are affected or damaged, they can send mixed signals through the body, leading to tingling and numbness. A slipped disc can also lose its healthy shape and ability to effectively separate your vertebrae, causing the bones to rub together. A car accident injury chiropractor can help identify any discs that are out of place and restore them to their proper positioning to alleviate your pain.
How Treatment Can Relieve Soreness Faster
Seeking treatment as soon as possible after a car accident is the best way to get ahead of the soreness, pain, and discomfort you will likely experience in the days after the accident. Additionally, the sooner your car accident doctor can assess your injuries, the sooner you can start managing your pain and discomfort while also getting at the root cause. The team of car accident injury chiropractors at ProCare has the expertise to treat any type of car accident injury and will only recommend treatments that will help you heal and get back on your feet.
