Photo credit: Image by Anastasia Gepp from Pixabay 

Car accidents are inevitable and unfortunate incidents that can happen to anyone. Aside from causing damage to your vehicle, it can also lead to severe injuries that might become irreparable if left untreated. While some car accident victims sustain life-threatening injuries, many of them get to walk away unscathed. However, some injuries tend to manifest later on, and the adrenaline rush from the collision can cover up the symptoms of certain injuries. If you were recently involved in a car accident, watch out for these five common delayed injuries that can occur.

Shoulder and Neck Pain

The impact of a vehicle collision can trigger pain in your neck and shoulders. Delayed pain in these areas can be associated with whiplash, one of the most common neck injuries following a car accident. Whiplash generally happens during rear-end collisions wherein parts of your neck are forcibly overextended. Aside from neck pain, other symptoms of whiplash include dizziness, blurred vision, headache, difficulty focusing, and chronic pain. 

Back Pain

Back pain can mean several injuries. If you are suffering from delayed back pain, you might have sustained a spinal injury, whiplash, soft tissue damage, sprains, or herniated disc. Back pain can also indicate spinal misalignments, damage to the vertebrae and ligaments. If your spinal cord is affected, it might cause numbness, tingling, or nerve pain. Remember that back pain can be highly uncomfortable and hinder your ability to move. Make sure to consult with a medical professional right away to prevent it from worsening.

Abdominal Pain

One of the most crucial delayed injuries you should watch out for is a pain in the abdomen. Abdominal pain indicates internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening if left unaddressed. Unfortunately, symptoms of internal bleeding such as dizziness, fainting, purple bruising, lightheadedness, and headaches do not manifest until hours after a car accident. Only a trained medical professional can properly diagnose and treat internal bleeding, so make sure to have it checked immediately.

Headaches

Many car accident victims complain of headaches several days after the incident. While some headaches can be cured by taking certain medicines, you still need to see a doctor and have them assessed. Even if it was only a minor collision and you did not hit your head during the accident, headaches can signify a concussion or a blood clot in the brain. In the United States, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of disability and death. According to the Onder Law Firm, some of the permanent consequences of a TBI include paralysis and loss of speech. Consult with a physician immediately if you experience headaches, regardless of how minor they may be. 

Behavior Changes 

Many people suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a vehicular accident. Some of the symptoms of PTSD are:

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Feeling helpless
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling detached from others
• Apathy
• Hallucinations or nightmares
• Memory troubles

It is vital that you have a medical professional diagnose your condition. The sooner you have yourself checked, the better your chance of recovering quickly. 

Time is crucial when it comes to car accident injuries. Delayed injuries should be addressed and treated immediately to prevent them from escalating and ruining your life.