Why Pain After an Auto Accident Is Often Delayed

Getting a medical checkup after a motor vehicle accident can help spare you from lifelong chronic pain. Even if you think you’re fine after an accident and can walk away, seek medical attention. Pain can surface days, weeks, or even months after the accident.

Board-certified chiropractor Corey Skinner, DC, with Action Chiropractic Dallas, provides comprehensive physical and neurological exams to assess damage to the body if you have an accident.

For whiplash, damage to your vertebrae, or other musculoskeletal injuries that can also involve the nerves, Dr. Skinner develops a treatment plan to restore you to health.

Here, he explains why you need medical attention as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident and why you may not experience symptoms until later. 

Hormones surge to mute your pain

When involved in a traumatic accident, the body’s adrenaline surges. Adrenaline is the “fight or flight” hormone that floods your body when you sense danger. Adrenaline helps your body protect itself in traumatic situations in the following ways:

• Increases energy
• Reduces or eliminates pain
• Dilates blood vessels and airways, increasing the flow of oxygen 
• Increases strength as more blood moves to your muscles
• Alters your vision and hearing so you can focus on sights and sounds within range

Your body also releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormone that helps relieve pain and stress. These hormones may block pain in the immediate aftermath of the accident. When the hormones wear off, you start to feel the damage to your body, and pain sets in.

Possible effects of a motor vehicle accident 

Even a minor fender bender can cause musculoskeletal damage. Whether the front of your car collides with another vehicle or object, or you’re hit from behind or from the side, your body experiences trauma. Seat belts and airbags don’t stop all injuries. 

The force of the impact may cause soft tissue damage and bone fractures. Soft tissue damage, such as ligament or muscle strains, develops over time; inflammation, swelling, and stiffness don’t occur immediately.

You may suffer spine damage if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident — even a minor one. Trauma from a crash can cause a tear, bulge, or herniation in your vertebral discs. When this occurs, nerve compression is likely, resulting in intense or chronic pain. 

Injuries to watch for after an accident

After a motor vehicle accident, you may experience any of a number of delayed symptoms: 

• Headaches
• Back pain 
• Shoulder pain
• A stiff neck 
• Blurred vision 
• Dizziness 
• Nausea
• Problems with memory or concentration 
• Sleep disruptions 
• Numbness in your hands or feet
• Reduced range of motion in a joint 

Even if you don’t feel pain immediately after a motor vehicle accident, seek medical treatment as soon as possible to reduce your risk of long-term, chronic pain and musculoskeletal complications. Early diagnosis and treatment mean more effective healing.

For help after an auto accident, call Action Chiropractic Dallas or request an appointment online today.