Chiropractor: What to Expect After a Car Accident
Dr. Barry Marks, Chiropractor | Orange County’s Car Accident Doctor since 1986
After a car accident you may be unsure what to do. It’s not an everyday occurrence for most people.
It is common immediately following a collision to feel somewhat “out of sorts,” “dazed,” or “anxious. These feelings are from a surge of adrenaline. Certainly, your body is on alert because it was subjected to forces beyond normal. After some minutes to hours the feelings should subside.
The adrenaline rush may mask any physical symptoms. Headache, neck and back pain may slowly emerge over a period of hours to days. Astonishingly, the medical literature show that symptoms may take a month to show!
Onset of Symptoms After a Car Accident and What They Mean
Generally, it’s most common to feel at worst during the 2 days following the accident. It takes time for injured muscles to develop enough inflammation to be noticeable. Specifically, stiffness and soreness are the most common symptoms followed by headaches.
Interestingly, early onset of symptoms are associated with a worse prognosis. Symptoms like immediate joint pains in the neck, back or limbs indicates ligament injuries which show up immediately. As opposed to pain from muscle injuries which come on gradually.
Immediate headache and feelings of being “out of sorts,” “dizzy,” “foggy,” “anxiousness,” “more emotional than usual” or “irregular heart beat” are indicators of probable concussion.
Radiating pains from the neck to the arms or from the back to the legs means nerves are irritated. Pain that shoots out like electrical shocks on straining, coughing or sneezing may be from a herniated disc pressing on nerves.
Car Accident? Act Now.
Whatever your symptoms it is important to monitor yourself and note how you feel. Keeping a diary is an excellent tool to share with your doctor. Incidentally, you should see a doctor right away after an accident. At the least, within 3 days. Obviously, we advocate seeing a chiropractor specializing in car accident whiplash.
It is typical that once care begins your pain levels will go up and down. Specifically, the road to recovery is rocky as inflammation rises and falls. This is the process your body goes through when healing. After a month or so, you should notice your symptoms are lessening and activity is easier. You can expect to your recovery to take 1-3 months for mild injuries, 4-6 months for moderate and 6 months to a year for severe.
This is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
You probably have many more questions. Some you haven’t even thought up yet! That’s ok. Luckily, you have a resource available in Orange County. Dr. Barry Marks, Chiropractor and Car Accident Doctor has specialized in auto accident whiplash and concussion since 1986. He will guide you through the process of filing a claim as well as provide unsurpassed treatment.