Any car accident is a traumatic event. You experience a rush of adrenaline that brings your energy levels up and tends to block out pain. You may not realize you are injured right after the accident, and in many cases you’ll start to notice symptoms 1-2 days after. Here are six signs you should look out for after a car accident to determine whether you should see a doctor.

You Should See a Doctor if After a Car Crash You Experience:

1. Any pain or discomfort

Muscles aches and pain, joint pain, and decreased flexibility are all indicators of soft tissue injury. These may seem like minor injuries that can be treated at home, but it is important to speak with a doctor to ensure proper healing. Traditional medical care as well as Massage therapy, physical therapy, and Chiropractic care are all noninvasive treatment plans that promote complete recovery.

2. Stiffness

Stiffness of the neck and upper back may also be accompanied by an itching or burning sensation of the neck, shoulders, and arms, which would indicate whiplash. Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries, however, it is still important to seek medical treatment to ensure proper and complete healing. 

3. Dizziness

Dizziness can be a sign of a concussion, especially when experienced along with headache, nausea, and blurred vision. Often, a person involved in an accident may not be aware that they have hit their head in all the commotion, especially if they do not lose consciousness. If you experience dizziness, headache, nausea, blurred vision, or a combination of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical care to prevent further damage.

4. Behavioral changes

Behavioral changes are another sign of concussion and can include trouble thinking and remembering new information, inability to concentrate, and abnormal sleeping patterns. Concussions cause the brain to be more sensitive to further damage, and certain activities can cause greater injury. Since some concussions may lead to long-lasting problems with movement, learning, and speaking, it is important to contact a medical professional if you or someone you know is showing signs of a concussion.

5. Decreased range of motion

Experiencing issues with flexibility and range of motion is another indicator of soft tissue damage that warrants a doctor’s visit. Soft tissue injuries are characterized by stretches and tears in the tissues between bones and joints, and may even be accompanied by nerve damage. Speaking with a doctor about your reduced flexibility and range of motion will allow them to set you up with a treatment plan that restores mobility. Physical therapy and Chiropractic care are both treatments that promote healing and mobility restoration.

6. Numbness or weakness

Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs following a car accident is usually caused by a herniated or bulging disk, and is also often accompanied by severe back pain. In extreme cases surgery may be necessary for healing and recovery. In other cases, non-surgical Chiropractic care is appropriate in treating herniated disks. 

A good rule of thumb is that if you have a general feeling of un-wellness, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Even if you feel perfectly fine, a doctor might catch something you’re missing such as elevated blood pressure, unbalanced pupil dilation etc. Seeking medical treatment and evaluation in a timely manner is also important when it comes to filing an insurance claim.

Source: http://www.adkorerehab.com/AboutOurPractice/News/tabid/96/ID/33/6-Signs-You-Should-See-a-Doctor-After-a-Car-Accident.aspx