When you have a car accident, your body goes into flight or fight mode, meaning adrenaline production increases. Adrenaline can mask pain, and in addition to that, you have natural painkillers coursing through your body. If left untreated, these hidden injuries can be substantial and long-lasting. The good news is that the auto accident clinic Robbinsdale, MN, at Physicians Group, LLC specializes in treating these types of injuries. The healthcare team knows what to look for and how to interpret your symptoms to offer an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Even if you are not in pain after a car accident, an exam within days of your collision could reveal any of these common hidden injuries.
Neck Injuries
A whiplash or neck strain is one of the most common injuries caused by car accidents. It results from the whipping action between your head and neck, causing damage to several soft tissues; this may not cause pain at first.
But without prompt treatment, you may experience the effects of whiplash for weeks, months, or even longer.
The severity or complexity of the injury varies from one patient to the other. Treatment for neck strain may include medical treatment, physical therapy, and pain management procedures.
Concussion
The forces behind a whiplash can be severe enough to cause a concussion – a common yet dangerous traumatic brain injury. It is mostly caused by a blow to the head or internal damage from the sudden motion that causes whiplash. You may not experience the symptoms of a concussion immediately, but if you delay treatment, you will need more time to recover. Many people associate brain injuries with loss of consciousness, but you can have a concussion without losing consciousness. The principal or classic symptoms of a concussion include the inability to remember the traumatic event, confusion, headache, nausea, ringing in your ears, fatigue, and dizziness.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries cause internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent but could be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms present themselves in most cases after the condition becomes dire. Therefore, seeking treatment after a car accident is crucial, especially if it is more than a slow-speed fender bender.
Back Injuries
Injuries to your back or spine are usually not obvious. It is always best to assume you have a spinal cord injury if you have significant trauma to your head or neck due to a serious or minor car accident.
Getting immediate treatment following a car accident is essential to avoid severe complications, including paralysis. Gradually or slowly developing back pain may be less serious but still of concern. Similar to how your neck muscles can strain due to impact, so can your back muscles. You may not experience pain or sore muscles until a day or two after the accident.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries are relatively common, but many people don’t think that it is likely that they have injured their knees, ankles, or feet. Like neck tissues, the tissues in other parts of your body may not cause immediate pain.
If you feel discomfort in your body after a car accident, visit your doctor at Physicians Group, LLC, for examination and treatment to avoid further complications.