Why You Should Have a Medical Evaluation After an Auto Accident Even if You're Not in Pain

Some injuries from auto accidents are obvious, like broken bones and lacerations, and they’re treated immediately at a hospital. But what you may not realize is that many injuries are not detected at the scene of an accident.

Your internal organs and soft tissue can sustain damage that doesn’t show up right away, until the pain hits you a couple of days or even weeks later.

If you’ve been in a car accident, hurry to Pinnacle Health Chiropractic and see Dr. Jason Ablett as soon as possible. He’s one of the leading chiropractors in Washington and specializes in your complete health care. After an accident, you can trust him to perform a thorough examination that includes your health history, a full accident report, and a comprehensive physical assessment.

Dr. Ablett recommends a full medical examination after an accident, because he knows that there are several unseen health conditions that may appear well after the crash. Here are a few of them and other injuries you might sustain.

Soft tissue damage

The impact of two cars colliding transfers to your body during an auto accident. In addition to the external damage that can happen, such as cuts and scrapes, the internal effects are harder to identify. Your organs, tissues, and ligaments can all suffer injuries as well, and they won’t show up on X-rays.

Bruising and swelling

Known as contusions, bruises can happen when you’re slammed against the steering wheel, dashboard, door frame, or even your seatbelt. The impact crushes your muscle fibers and causes blood to rush to the area. Inflammation and bruising can be painful for weeks after your car accident.

Sprains and strains

If you overextend any of your joints — especially wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles — when you’re in an accident, you may overstretch your tendons, which is called a sprain. Or you may stretch or tear a ligament, called a strain. Sprains and strains are common car-accident-related injuries and can result in pain, swelling, and even immobility.

Alignment problems

Your auto accident may have damaged the connective tissues that hold the bones in your neck and back together. This could cause misalignment in your spine. Your body naturally compensates for the injury by keeping your spine as stable as possible, even if it means sacrificing mobility. Over time, this could cause excessive calcium buildup that fuses your bones together, otherwise known as osteoarthritis.

Whiplash

When the abrupt impact of your car accident sends your head forward and back, or side to side in a whiplike motion, your muscles, ligaments, and tendons can easily tear. As a result, your vertebrae in the area end up out of alignment. If you don’t receive treatment, the effects of whiplash can last for years. Dr. Ablett can treat your whiplash immediately and prevent long-term pain and stiffness.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Auto accidents don’t only hurt you physically; they can also cause mental and emotional damage. Every year, about 3 million people get into car accidents, and about 9% of them experience PTSD. Anxiety, an elevated heart rate, apprehension while driving, and avoiding driving are all signs of accident-related PTSD. Caring for your physical injuries properly can give you the best chance to care for yourself mentally and emotionally.

If you’ve been in an automobile accident, call our office today or click the “Book Online” button to schedule a consultation immediately. Dr. Ablett can even help you understand the insurance and legal forms you may need to sign. Ensure your health and well-being now and in the days and weeks that follow your accident by getting a complete examination from Dr. Ablett as soon as possible.