Hidden Injuries After a Car Accident – Signs & Recovery
Many people walk away from a car accident thinking they’re fine. However, they may experience hidden injuries days or weeks later. If left untreated, these injuries can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and long-term damage. Consequently, seeking professional care is crucial.
At San Diego Auto Injury Center, we specialize in detecting hidden injuries after a car accident. Furthermore, we provide chiropractic care to prevent lasting health problems. In this guide, we’ll cover why symptoms are delayed, which injuries are most common, and how chiropractic treatment helps.
Why Do Hidden Injuries After a Car Accident Take Time to Appear?
After an accident, your body releases adrenaline and endorphins, which can mask pain for hours or days. Therefore, many accident victims feel fine at first but later develop whiplash, back pain, or headaches.
Other reasons for delayed symptoms include:
✔ Soft tissue inflammation – Swelling and stiffness take time to develop. As a result, pain might not appear immediately.
✔ Spinal misalignments – Nerve pressure may not cause immediate pain but worsens over time. Consequently, untreated misalignments lead to mobility issues.
✔ Brain injuries – Concussion symptoms, such as dizziness and memory issues, often appear days later. Thus, seeking evaluation is crucial.
📌 Need legal assistance after an accident? Find a personal injury attorney in San Diego here.
Most Common Hidden Injuries After a Car Accident
1. Whiplash – The #1 Delayed Injury After a Car Crash
🚗 For instance, even low-speed crashes can cause whiplash. As a result, symptoms may take 24-48 hours to appear and include:
- Neck stiffness & pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness or nausea
- Shoulder & upper back pain
📌 Learn more about whiplash symptoms from Mayo Clinic’s Whiplash Guide.
2. Concussions & Brain Injuries After an Auto Accident
Similarly, head injuries aren’t always obvious. However, concussions can happen even without hitting your head. Consequently, symptoms like brain fog and dizziness may emerge later. Signs include:
- Brain fog & difficulty concentrating
- Sensitivity to light/sound
- Balance issues & dizziness
📌 For more on concussion symptoms, visit CDC’s Concussion Guide.
3. Back Pain & Spinal Injuries That Develop Later
Additionally, many people experience lower back pain days after an accident due to:
- Herniated discs – This can lead to sciatica and numbness in the legs. Therefore, timely treatment is necessary.
- Joint misalignment – Causes stiffness and chronic back pain. As a result, movement becomes restricted.
📌 Back pain relief tips from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
4. Shoulder, Wrist, & Knee Injuries from Impact
✔ Airbags, seat belts, and bracing for impact can lead to:
- Shoulder injuries – Rotator cuff damage, dislocations
- Wrist pain – Fractures or sprains from gripping the steering wheel
- Knee trauma – Impact injuries from hitting the dashboard
📌 More on joint recovery from American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Hidden Injuries After a Car Accident
Because of these risks, chiropractic adjustments help correct spinal misalignments, reduce inflammation, and promote faster healing. Moreover, early treatment prevents complications.
✔ Non-invasive pain relief – No medications or risky surgeries
✔ Improves mobility – Prevents stiffness & scar tissue buildup
✔ Supports insurance claims – We document your injuries for legal & medical use
Will Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care After an Auto Accident?
Yes! Most auto insurance policies cover injury-related chiropractic treatment.
✔ We accept auto insurance for accident-related injuries
✔ We work on medical liens – No upfront costs while your case is being handled
📌 Check your coverage here: California Auto Insurance Laws.
Visit a Chiropractor at One of Our 3 Locations
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Visit one of our three San Diego-area clinics for expert chiropractic care and injury recovery.
📍 Kearny Mesa: 7822 Convoy Ct, San Diego, CA 92111
📍 Oceanside/Vista: 2023 W Vista Way, Ste C8, Vista, CA 92083
📍 National City: 241 W. 35th Street, Ste B, National City, CA 91950
📞 Call or Text Now: 619-380-3235 for a FREE injury consultation.
🚀 Don’t Let Hidden Injuries Become Chronic Pain – Get Evaluated Today!