Have you been in a car accident and are now experiencing pain weeks or even months later? It can be confusing, uncomfortable, and scary to experience delayed symptoms long after the incident.
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t ignore the possibility of chronic pain. Visit One Life Chiropractic in Katy, Texas. Our expert chiropractors, including Nathan D. Gomez, DC, Guadalupe Lee, DC, and Brian Riggs, DC, will thoroughly assess your condition and identify any tissue damage. Using gentle and effective noninvasive techniques, we’ll help you heal and find relief from the pain and dysfunction caused by car accident injuries.
Pain in any form should never be ignored; however, it’s especially important to pay attention when there might be an underlying cause connected to this type of trauma that doesn’t present itself until well after the fact.
Reasons for delayed pain
Many factors can cause delayed pain from a car accident. One of the primary reasons is that the body may not have had sufficient time to heal and repair any damage sustained in the accident.
Strained muscles, ligaments, tendons, or soft tissue could take days or weeks before discomfort manifests. Some people have naturally slower recovery times than others, which can be made worse by prior injuries to the same area of the body. And underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis, can also contribute to delayed pain from a car accident.
Though you may have dusted yourself off (both literally and figuratively), for some, dealing with a car accident isn’t as simple as walking away unscathed the moment you step out of your vehicle. Whether you were involved as a driver or passenger, here’s why your body is having delayed reaction time post-accident and what steps to take when facing physical challenges due to whiplash.
It’s crucial to understand that the human body can react in unexpected ways after a traumatic event like a car accident. Here are some reasons why someone might experience delayed pain.
Adrenaline and shock
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, the body often goes into a state of shock. The adrenaline released can mask pain, making it seem like you’re not injured initially.
Soft tissue injuries
These injuries, which affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments, might not cause immediate pain. Whiplash is a common example and can lead to discomfort hours or even days after the accident.
Internal bleeding
This can be a silent threat post-accident. If you start feeling progressively weaker or dizzy or experience abdominal pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Concussions and other brain injuries
Symptoms might not appear immediately but can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and nausea.
Psychological impact
Stress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can manifest physically, causing headaches, stomachaches, and other discomforts.
Pre-existing conditions
If you had a previous injury or chronic condition, the accident could have exacerbated it, leading to delayed pain.
If you experience delayed pain after a car accident, seeking medical attention is essential. Even if the pain seems minor, it could signal a more serious underlying issue.
Managing pain
Knowing the cause of the pain can help you seek the right treatment to address it. Treatments like chiropractic care can adjust the spine, muscles, and tendons. Deep tissue massage therapy combines massage techniques with stretching and breathing to promote a healthy body system.
Other treatments include medication, physical therapy, exercises, acupuncture, and more. Consulting a medical professional can help you determine which treatments will work best for your specific type of delayed pain from your car accident to help you find relief faster.
A personalized plan for delayed pain
At One Life Chiropractic, we are passionate about caring for our patients and providing them with personalized treatment plans to meet their needs. We strive to improve your quality of life through integrative approaches so you can reach your peak performance capabilities.
Contact us today at 832-321-3452 or use our online booking form to make an appointment for a free assessment so we can get started helping you heal from your car accident pain quickly and effectively.
