Being in an auto accident can be emotionally, psychologically and physically traumatic. Even when the damage looks minor, the shock of a crash makes it easy to overlook an injury. Symptoms may not appear for several days. After an accident you may notice headaches, back pain, neck or shoulder pain, abdominal pain, trouble with physical function, or even PTSD.
Symptoms of auto accident injuries
The most common auto accident injuries are headaches, stiffness or pain in the neck and shoulders, and severe back pain.
Headaches often develop several days after the accident. Even if a headache seems tolerable, have it checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. It could point to a more serious problem, such as bleeding around the brain, a concussion, or a neck injury that will get worse without treatment.
Whiplash, or stiffness of the neck, is one of the most frequently reported accident injuries. It's common, but it can still be serious. If your neck or shoulders are stiff or painful, see a doctor; x-rays or an MRI may be needed to diagnose the problem.
Back pain after a crash should also be professionally diagnosed. It can be a sign of damage to the nerves of the spinal cord, or to the vertebrae themselves.
Treatment for auto accident pain
If pain is mild to moderate and doesn't point to a more serious injury, conservative treatment usually works: a few weeks of rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and hot and cold compresses.
If pain is severe, or suggests a more serious injury, more involved treatment may be needed. MRIs, x-rays and CT scans help find the source of the pain and rule out serious problems. Once the injury is diagnosed, our medical team works together on the best course of treatment for you.
How AIPI treats auto accident pain
We have extensive experience treating people injured in auto accidents, and we believe an accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment. An accident is stressful enough; we make treating your pain quickly and effectively our first priority.
If you're dealing with pain after an accident, call us at 561-641-0089 and our staff will get you on the path to healing.