The 3 most common car accident injuries you could develop

Being in a car accident is terrifying, but developing aches and pains in the days and weeks following the accident can be equally as scary. Did you get injured without realizing it? What symptoms should you watch out for?

At SSOR Physical Therapy, we’re here to walk you through the three most common car accident injuries that people develop and the symptoms to look out for, so you can stay in control of your health and recovery. If you have any questions or concerns about injuries that you may have sustained during a car accident, we offer free screening appointments to go over your symptoms and review the treatment options available to you.

3 common car accident injuries and the symptoms you should watch for

While there are a number of injuries that could come from an auto accident — depending on the severity — the three most common car accident injuries often include:

1. Whiplash — An estimated 1.7 million rear-end auto accidents occur each year. When this happens, the passengers in the front vehicle are often snapped forward with force, which can commonly lead to whiplash. The sudden snapping of the head and neck can cause serious damage to the spine and the surrounding muscles and tissue, leaving victims with the following symptoms:

• Neck pain.
• Neck and shoulder stiffness.
• Chronic headaches.
• Pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms, hands, or fingers.
• Neck instability.

In some cases, symptoms of whiplash don’t occur immediately. Some people may take a day or two to experience the first symptoms of this condition.

2. Concussion — One of the most common car crash injuries is a concussion. A concussion occurs when the head suffers a blunt collision. In this case, it could be a steering wheel or window. The blunt force could cause the brain to become bruised, resulting in a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion include:

• Light sensitivity.
• Confusion.
• Headache.
• Difficulty focusing.
• Vision impairment.
• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Similar to whiplash, the symptoms of a concussion may not be apparent right away or may worsen over the days following the car accident. If you have signs of vomiting or losing consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.

3. Sprain and strains — Common car accident injuries also include strains and sprains. The violent collision can throw the body in unexpected ways, causing muscles, soft tissue, and connective tissue to tear or become damaged. Symptoms of a sprain or strain vary depending on the location, but often include:

• Chronic pain.
• Swelling.
• Weakness.
• Tenderness.

If you suspect that you have suffered from any of these common car accident injuries, contact our office at SSOR Physical Therapy. We can schedule you for a free consultation to determine if physical therapy is right for you. Contact us today and let us help you on your recovery journey.