Does delayed pain after an accident mean I have whiplash?
That morning, everything felt normal or so I thought.
You are on your way to work a little late but feeling good. The day is bright and you are mentally rehearsing your presentation. Suddenly a car behind you fails to stop in time. It hits you but it is not a major crash. That small bump shocks you at that moment. You drive off after exchanging insurance information and assuring yourself there is no immediate pain.
But the pain hits the next day. You wake up with a dull headache. You think it is just stress but the pain gets worse by the evening. It feels hard to turn your head.
Many accident victims experience this delayed reaction. It is usually a sign that you have whiplash and should get in for car accident injury treatment. Keep reading to learn what to do if it sounds like your story.
Why does not whiplash show immediately?
Our bodies are complicated machines so when they are hurt during the accident, the pain may not start right away.
Your body goes into survival mode after a sudden impact. Adrenaline and endorphins flood your system to cover the pain. This natural response might make you feel fine immediately after the accident but the real damage becomes apparent when those hormones settle down hours later.
This is the basic mechanism behind waking up sore after rearranging furniture the day before. You do not feel the strain in the moment but your muscles definitely remember it later. The same concept applies to whiplash where the damage goes deeper.
What do you need to learn about auto injury whiplash in Tallahassee?
An analogy for whiplash can be a cracking of a whip. It happens mostly in rear-end car accidents. Sudden neck movement during such collisions stretches your neck muscles.
Your neck muscles need recovery time after the unexpected strain. This is why you experience delayed pain.
Common signs to spot whiplash
It is easy to mistake a sneaking pain for general soreness. But whiplash has some key symptoms you should not ignore:
Neck stiffness and pain
It starts as a mild ache but turns into severe stiffness that makes head movement difficult.
Headaches starting at the skull base
You experience a dull but persistent throb that can radiate to the temples.
Shoulder and upper back discomfort
Pain can spread beyond the neck. The connected muscle can strain and bring discomfort to the shoulders and upper back.
Fatigue
Feeling lightheaded or tired tells that your body is reacting to the strain.
Tingling arms
Whiplash can also affect nearby nerves so you may feel numb hands or tingling arms.
The symptoms are different for everybody. Some people experience intense discomfort right away while some only get minor stiffness. Do not wait for it to get worse, you should seek auto injury treatment right away.
How delayed pain catches you off guard
A patient at Pragle Chiropractic Clinic was rear-ended while picking up her kids from school. The impact was mild and she felt fine until three days later.
Things started to get uncomfortable when she experienced a stiff neck. She thought it was from sleeping wrong. Then came the fourth day and she faced concentration issues at work because of a headache. It was not until she mentioned it to a friend that she realized these could be a whiplash injury.
Your body needs time to process trauma. So it takes a while for things to settle and show what is beneath the surface.
Why should you seek immediate car accident chiropractic care?
Whiplash pain is different from a regular discomfort that goes away on its own. People often dismiss delayed pain after an accident thinking it is minor or temporary. However, untreated whiplash can lead to long-term issues. You can get chronic neck pain and persistent headaches forever. Severe cases of whiplash even cause major nerve damage.
- Chronic neck pain
- Reduced neck movement
- Severe headaches
- Nerve damage
What starts as mild discomfort can turn into a daily struggle so it is better to get yourself checked and recover quickly.
Steps to seek chiropractic care after a car accident
Follow the below mentioned guide if you wish to handle delayed pain effectively.
Do not take your pain lightly
Acknowledge the pain and keep track of symptoms. Document all sorts of stiffness, headaches or discomfort in your shoulders.
Visit a chiropractor in Tallahassee Fl
A chiropractor like Dr. Eric can check your condition and create a treatment plan suitable for you.
Document the accident
Record your injury for accurate treatment as well as insurance purposes. You should mention everything like dates, symptoms, and treatments.
Do not delay the treatment
Even mild whiplash can benefit from prompt care. Gentle chiropractic corrections can reduce pain and help you heal faster.
Can a chiropractor near me help with whiplash?
Prioritize expertise over proximity to get the best chiropractic care for your neck. A clinic nearby can be convenient but the skill and experience of the chiropractor play a far greater role. Their skills ensure you get effective treatment and long-term recovery.
It is natural to prefer a closer clinic to make repeated alignment sessions convenient. But keep in mind that an experienced chiropractor can help you recover more efficiently. They can potentially reduce the number of sessions you will need. In the long run, you can save time and repeated trips by choosing a highly skilled professional.
Your neck deserves the best care, so do not let distance dictate your decision. Let expertise guide the way to a fast and complete recovery.
Conclusion
Delayed pain after an accident means your body tells you something needs attention. Do not wait for the pain to fade on its own. You should address whiplash at the earliest possible for a better chance of full recovery. Your health is too important to ignore.
If you think your stiff neck is whiplash then schedule an appointment at Pragle Chiropractic, Accident and Injury Clinic for an evaluation. We are located next to the W Tennessee St. and we accept auto insurance. So choose Dr. Eric and get well soon with the best car accident chiropractic care in 32301.