Why Some Injuries Can Take Days or Weeks to Appear
When you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s common to walk away from the crash feeling okay, only to have nagging pain start appearing and increasing in the days and weeks following the crash. Why does that happen? What are some of the more common delayed symptoms after an auto accident?
Why Is Some Car Accident Pain Delayed?
Whenever you are exposed to trauma, your body takes measures to protect you. One common response your body provides to injury is the release of adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone produced by the body that promotes a “fight or flight” mental state after a traumatic accident. In addition to increasing your energy level and strength, adrenaline dilates your blood vessels and airways, bringing more oxygen to your body and cells. That typically causes a reduction in pain. You may also discover that your vision and hearing tend to be elevated by an “adrenaline rush.”
Pain can also be delayed because of the time it takes for inflammation to set in. Frequently, the primary cause of discomfort is impingement or pressure on nerves, cells or body parts, caused by the natural swelling that follows trauma. It can take hours or days for that swelling to fully develop.
What Types of Symptoms Are Commonly Delayed?
In the aftermath of a car crash, it may take a while for any of the following symptoms to appear:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling or inflammation
- Dizziness, vertigo or disorientation
- Concentration problems
- Numbness or tingling in your extremities
- Reduced flexibility or range of motion
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Changes in sleep patterns
Accident Centers of Texas—Bringing You Back to Maximum Health
At Accident Centers of Texas, we are committed to helping you return to full health after any injury or illness. We will treat you at eight convenient locations in Texas, including Dallas, Pleasant Grove, Oak Cliff, Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Garland and Frisco. Same-day appointments can be arranged. Based on the nature and severity of your injury, you may be treated by a nurse practitioner and/or a chiropractor.
Appointments are available Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. If you are unable to drive or don’t have transportation, we can arrange to pick you up and get you back home. To set up a visit, call us at 214-974-4041 or contact our offices online.
