What are the Most Common Injuries Associated With Car Accidents?
When a person is involved in a car accident, they may not show any outward signs of injuries. Hitting the steering wheel or the side of the door can cause internal injuries, such as bruising and bleeding. The same is true for where the seat belt rides across the shoulder and chest area. Ribs can be severely damaged, and, in some cases, fractured. The most common injury related to automobile accidents is whiplash and muscle strains associated with the head and neck. Individuals who have been involved in a car accident often go to chiropractors for relief of these types of injuries.
What are Common Signs of Whiplash?
Whiplash is the violent jerking of the head and neck in opposite directions during a car accident or other type of mishap. Because of the violent motion, the connective tissues in the neck and shoulders can be severely stretched. Inflammation in and around the tendons, ligaments, and muscles can lead to stiffness and extreme pain. This prevents the person from turning their head from one side to the other and can dramatically limit their range of motion in other directions as well. Most patients who suffer from whiplash must wear a cervical collar to allow the muscles, ligaments, and tendons to rest and begin the healing process.
Why Does it Take a Day or Two Before Accident Injuries Show Up?
When a person is involved in a car accident, they often do not feel the pain of their injuries until approximately 24 hours later. The reason for this is the release of adrenaline a person feels when they receive a shock or scare. Most accidents take a person by surprise, causing their body to tighten and prepare for a physical altercation. This intense release of adrenaline takes several hours to wear off. During that time it overrides the pain signals that are being sent from injured areas to the brain.