Accidents can occur at any moment and often result in lasting consequences, both financially and health-wise. Around 43,000 fatal crashes occur a year in the U.S., which is a huge number. The immediate aftermath of an accident usually focuses on visible injuries and financial losses.
However, one aspect that is frequently overlooked or downplayed is the enduring physical pain experienced by those involved. It’s a byproduct of accidents that can overshadow the initial trauma and present ongoing challenges to your well-being and quality of life.
If you are a victim of an accident, you should first talk to a personal injury lawyer. They can help you file for the claim and offer you legal assistance while you suffer from physical health issues.
This article discusses the long-term physical pain you may go through after an accident and when to reach a doctor. Let’s dig in!
What Types of Physical Pain to Expect After an Accident?
The following are the types of pain that you will sustain after an accident:
Headache
Headaches are normal after an accident. However, if you are facing frequent headaches, you should get yourself checked. The headache at the front of your skull may indicate a brain injury. In some serious cases, headaches with insomnia, vomiting, memory loss, and nausea may point towards a traumatic brain injury requiring immediate medical care.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is a part of physical pain that you may experience after an accident. However, delaying such pain can result in serious issues like whiplash. This disease or injury tears soft tissues in the cervical spine. Hence, you suffer muscle damage, like damage to tendons, ligaments, and other neck muscles. It’s mandatory to seek medical advice for your neck pain to ensure it doesn’t become chronic.
Back Pain
Back pain is another issue that you may come across after an accident. However, you should never take them lightly. These injuries are a result of damage to the vertebrae, spine, spinal disc, and other nerves. There are two types of pain you can experience: lower back pain and upper back pain.
The lower back pain is caused by a damaged herniated disc. While the upper back pain is a result of fractured vertebrae. Remember, this pain may seem small at the start, but with time it can turn into serious health issues like paralysis.
Shoulder Pain
This type of pain may begin at the scene of the accident, or you may feel shoulder pain starting after an accident. Many times, it’s due to the pressure of the seatbelt during an accident. But in some severe cases, the pain accompanied by swelling and redness can be a cause of whiplash. You may also experience shoulder pain with shortness of breath. If so, you should immediately contact your doctor for treatment.
Numbness or Tingling
Numbness or tingling is also quite common after an accident. The numbness is a result of damaged spinal cord nerves that disrupt the communication between your brain and the rest of your body. This miscommunication makes you feel numb. Not only this, but numbness and tingling are also caused by damage to the spinal cord, which necessitates immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Experiencing physical pain after an accident is normal, but if you are facing severe back pain or shoulder pain, it may indicate whiplash or other traumatic brain injuries. Numbness and tingling are also common after an accident.
Don’t worry about your personal injury claim; a personal injury lawyer can take care of all legal matters. They will help in everything from calculating losses to negotiating with the insurance company and securing fair compensation for your losses.
We are not lawyers and this is in no way intended to be used as legal advice . We cannot be held responsible for your results. Always do your own research and seek professional legal help.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.