Being in a car accident is a traumatic, but unfortunately, an all too common occurrence. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, there were over 250,000 reported crashes in 2016. That is over a quarter of million people getting into some type of auto accident on New Jersey roads.
With the frequency of accidents, a routine fender bender may not seem like a big deal. You could even feel fine, so seeing a doctor seems pointless. However, the body is not designed to handle the impact of an auto accident. An injury could be more severe than you realize.
Minor pain could mean serious injuries
Any slight muscle pain, pain in your joints, or inability to move within your normal range of function could seem minor. You may be suffering from a soft tissue injury. This injury could require physical therapy or other types of treatment. You should consult a doctor to ensure you receive proper treatment.
Even whiplash may need treatment
Experiencing whiplash after a vehicle accident is common. Whiplash usually manifests as stiffness in your back or neck. Though it may not seem like a big concern, you may need treatment from a chiropractor to ensure you recover completely.
Dizziness could be a sign of a concussion
Feeling dizziness coupled with nausea, blurry vision, or a headache might indicate you have a concussion. According to the Center for Disease Control, a concussion is a mild kind of traumatic brain injury resulting from a hitting your head, being hit on the head, or even a severe jolt to your head. Since an accident usually happens quickly, you may not even realize you hit your head. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor will tell you how to care for a concussion. An untreated concussion could cause long term damage.
Changes in behavior can also indicate a concussion
You may not notice any immediate changes in behavior after a vehicle accident. Issues with memory, difficulty concentrating, and trouble with sleep can occur later. All these issues could be symptoms of a concussion. You should still seek medical treatment because once a concussion has occurred, you are more vulnerable to injury. A doctor can administer any needed care and may also advise you to avoid certain activities.
Numbness should not be taken lightly
Feeling numb after an accident could mean you have injured your back. If the numbness is paired with back pain, it is possible you have a herniated or bulging disk. This type of injury could require surgery, so you should seek immediate medical attention. Failure to do so could make the injury much more worse.
Vehicle accidents occur often, but you should not treat an accident like it is business as usual. The best way to avoid further injury is to seek immediate medical care. Let a medical professional examine you and decide whether you need treatment.
