3 Signs Your Car Accident Injury Needs Care

Have You Been in a Car Accident?

Have you been in a car accident that left you feeling a bit off? Did you refuse treatment at the scene of the crash because you didn’t think you needed medical attention? If you said yes to one of these questions you need to be alert to any changes in the way you feel that could signify an injury that requires medical attention.

Bodily injury comes in many forms after a car accident. You could have bruising, broken bones, visible lacerations, muscle sprains, and any number of other injuries. Some of these will be apparent at the time of the accident like lacerations, some bruising, broken bones that have torn through the skin, and more. Some of these injuries are not visible though and can only be seen by medical professionals. You should always consult with a doctor about any injuries you sustained during your accident.

Symptoms of Serious Injury

Though you may feel fine after your accident, you might feel pain later the same day or even a few days later. This delayed effect has many causes. Foremost is the adrenaline your body produces when you are in a stressful situation, which can mask pain with a burst of endorphins. Other reasons that contribute to the delay are injuries that are small in nature but can progress into serious issues, like broken bones that are attributed to the pain of impact, and internal bruising that takes a while to manifest into pain. There are a few signs to watch for though that signify a need for urgent medical attention.

Persistent or Worsening Headaches

If you hit your head during your auto accident, you may have a headache for a day or two. However, if this pain increases or is not relieved by rest and medicine, it is wise to seek medical treatment. Persistent headaches could signify bruising to your brain, which can at times cause a swelling of your brain. This type of injury can be life-threatening if not caught in time. Persistent and worsening headaches could also be a sign of damage to your neck or spinal cord, which too will need immediate medical care.

Increased Chest Pain

If you have increased chest pain or sharp pains in your chest, it is essential that you seek immediate medical care. There several different injuries that can cause chest pain. Some of these are very serious in nature and require medical treatment for recovery. Broken bones that are pushing on your lungs or other organs is one such injury. Another just as serious is a heart attack. The pains you feel right after your accident could be the onset of a heart attack and the increase in this pain could signal an urgent need for medical attention.

Abdominal or Back Pain Unrelieved by Rest

If you experience abdominal or back pain after your auto accident, it is common to associate them with the force of the impact. However, this is not always the case. If you are experiencing serious stabbing pains in your abdomen, you could have internal bruising or tears. Seeking medical treatment is crucial for these symptoms as they can lead to swelling and, in the case of torn or punctured organs, internal bleeding.

Back pain that is persistent and not relieved by rest could also signify internal spinal or muscle issues. You could have a ruptured disc in your spine or swelling that can cause nerve damage. You want to have your back pain checked right away to rule out any other these risks.

Don't Wait for Medical Care

If you find that you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, it is vital that you find a doctor immediately. The longer you wait to receive treatment for these injuries the more damage they can cause. Some side effects you could face from ignoring these signs could be further loss of work, continued pain, loss of mobility, and other serious health problems.

While it is recommended that you seek a medical evaluation after any auto accident, it is vital that you find medical attention if you have any delayed symptoms. These symptoms are your bodies alarm bells telling you something is wrong. So whether you are having further issues or just don’t quite feel right, make an appointment with your medical provider and have yourself checked out. It is better to check for minor injuries than not to catch a serious one.