Getting into a car accident is never fun, and even minor crashes result in a variety of issues. Injuries are common, and the sooner you get medical attention, the better the outcome.
However, one of the problems is that there are some symptoms that take time to show up, which makes it appear that you did not get any injuries from the crash. Understanding what symptoms commonly show up hours or days later may help you seek care, so the injuries do not worsen.
Common delayed symptoms
According to KTAR News, minor and serious injuries may not show up as symptoms for a little while. Back pain, especially of the low back, is one of the common delayed symptoms, especially for victims of rear-ended or side-impact collisions. This can indicate muscle or nerve damage or even injury to the vertebral bones.
It is also common to have changes in personality or mood. Depression and anxiety occur commonly for weeks following an accident, and they can even result in post-traumatic stress disorder if they last for months. Personality or aggression changes may indicate a traumatic brain injury. One delayed symptom indicating a serious problem is abdominal swelling or pain.
Whiplash is extremely common after an accident, especially a rear-ended one. According to the Mayo Clinic, associated symptoms include:
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
- Reduction in range of motion
- Dizziness
Importance of seeking care after an accident
Because of the delay of some symptoms, many accident victims do not visit a doctor or other healthcare professional after a crash. Even if symptoms eventually show up, some people think they are not serious and will go away on their own. However, if you do not get the proper treatment, the injury will not fully heal, and this often leads to future or chronic neck and back injuries that are much harder to treat.
