If you have ever had car accident injuries then you may have had the unfortunate experience of what can be a very overwhelming and stressful event. Many people who have been in a car accident find that looking back on the moments directly afterward can be a blur and that it wasn’t until they were finally home and resting that they were able to take a deep breath and really assess what just happened.
Guess what? There is actually a scientific explanation for that! When you go through something traumatic like a car accident, your body starts pumping adrenaline to help keep you up and moving and many people say the experience is somewhat like going on auto-pilot. Your body is protecting you from many emotions regarding the trauma, and this can also lead to not noticing some symptoms of an injury too. Accident doctors refer to these as hidden injuries, and that is why it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Whiplash
In mild to moderate cases of whiplash, adrenaline may prevent you from noticing neck pain right away or even days after the accident. Swelling and inflammation in the neck and shoulders can accompany pain symptoms of whiplash, which can also initially mask the amount of pain your body is in. Muscles and tendons in your neck and shoulders can be damaged with whiplash, so you shouldn’t just expect the pain to go away on its own, but should instead consult accident doctors with experience in whiplash treatment.
Disc Herniation
Discs are spongy cushions in between each of the vertebrae in your back and generally absorb shock as your spine moves. When the spine experiences a significant trauma like a sudden and severe impact in a car accident, a disc between two vertebrae can slip or rupture, causing vertebrae to rub against one another. This can be considered a hidden injury because the disc may slip out of place and then continue to do so, causing an increase in pain as the vertebrae interact. Your best chance at a full recovery from disc herniation is to get care from experienced accident doctors.
Shoulder Pain
A common example of an injury signaled by shoulder pain is a torn rotator cuff. When the muscles and ligaments that surround the shoulder are strained or even torn, you may begin to experience a reduction in the range of motion in that shoulder and arm or even a loss of mobility if the tear is severe. A sore shoulder and pain when moving it in a certain direction or lifting the arm can signify something more serious going on in the body.
Knee Pain
Your knees connect the largest bones in your body that help you get everywhere you need to go. When one or both knees are injured, you can experience a serious impact on your ability to complete your normal daily routine. If you begin to notice an increase in swelling or inflammation in the area, that is a good indication that something more is going on than a simple bruise.
Whether you have a couple of scrapes and bruises after a car accident or you are experiencing pain and discomfort that is affecting your daily life, it is important to visit an AICA Orthopedics accident doctor as soon as possible to assess for hidden injuries and receive the comprehensive injury care you deserve.