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Common Car Crash Injuries That Aren’t Obvious

If you have been involved in a car accident, you are likely dealing with insurance claims, car repairs, and psychological stress that even a minor accident can cause.

But what you might not know is that you may have hidden injuries that aren’t obvious at first, which is why it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible after an accident.

Our team at Impact Medical Zephyrhills explains further.

Common Car Crash Injuries That Aren’t Obvious

Here are some of the most common car crash injuries that aren’t obvious right after a crash.

#1. Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries during a car accident. Whiplash is a neck injury that is caused by the forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. This often occurs when a car collides with something and then stops suddenly.

The symptoms of whiplash include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Worsening of pain with neck movement
  • Loss of range of motion in the neck
  • Headaches that often start at the base of the skull
  • Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

Without proper treatment, the effects of whiplash can be felt for weeks, months, or even years after the car accident.

#2. Concussions

Another common and dangerous injury that can be caused by a car crash is a concussion. When you get a concussion, you may not experience the symptoms right away, which can cause complications in treatment and recovery. 

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head during a car accident. It is important to note that you can have a concussion without losing consciousness and symptoms can be delayed.

Symptoms of a concussion include:

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Inability to remember the car crash
  • Nausea
  • Ringing in your ears
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

Remember, since the symptoms of a concussion are often delayed, it is important to seek medical attention ASAP after an accident, even if you don’t think you have been injured.

#3. Back or Spine Injuries

Injuries to your spine, even serious ones, are not always obvious right away. If you have been in a serious accident or even a minor incident but you have sustained trauma to your neck or head, it is best to assume that you may have a spinal injury.

Swelling and bleeding in or around your spinal cord can cause numbness or paralysis, so it is critical to get treatment immediately after an accident.

Less serious, but still of concern, is a slow-to-develop back injury. Just as the muscles of your neck can be strained due to the impact of a car crash, so can the muscles in your back. You may not realize that you have sore muscles or pain until a day or two after the crash. 

#4. Soft Tissue Injuries and Sprains

You may not think that your knees, ankles, or feet would get injured in a car accident, but it is quite common. Just like the tissues in your neck and back, these kinds of injuries might not hurt right away and may take a few days to manifest. Shoulder, wrist, and elbow injuries are also quite common.

If you develop any kind of pain in the days after your accident, seek treatment immediately. Your pain could be related to injuries sustained during the accident.

#5. Internal Injuries

Just as serious spinal cord injuries manifest slowly, so can internal injuries like internal bleeding. This may not be immediately obvious following the crash, which is why it is crucial to seek treatment in the days following an accident.

#6. Emotional Trauma

Many car accident victims may experience varying levels of emotional distress or trauma after an accident. PTSD, depression, and anxiety are common following an accident.

Psychological injuries can cause changes in a person’s sleeping patterns, moods, appetite, memory, and more. Sadly, these ailments are hard to diagnose, especially if the victims of crashes have sustained other injuries that affect their cognitive function, such as a traumatic brain injury.

Post-Accident Treatment

If you have been in a car accident, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Impact Medical Zephyrhills for a post-accident check-up and care. We will ensure that all your injuries are treated with compassion so you can begin the journey to recovery.

Call us to schedule an appointment with our car crash physicians today: (813) 706-5156!