Car accidents can result in unexpected trauma. Even if you’re fortunate enough not to sustain injuries you notice right away, you may experience delayed neck or back pain in the days following. Luckily, there are treatment options to help you recover. If you’ve recently been involved in a collision, here are a few symptoms to look out for so you can find prompt care.

What Injuries Can Emerge After a Car Accident?

1. Whiplash

This is one of the most common neck injuries drivers experience after accidents. It’s often the result of rear-end collisions that cause the neck to jerk back and forth quickly. While some people experience pain immediately following the incident, it often takes one or several days for symptoms to appear.

If you notice severe stiffness around the head, shoulders, and neck, you may be facing whiplash. A medical professional will perform a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or X-ray to diagnose the condition.

2. Back Pain

Nerve damage, herniated discs, or muscle injuries can cause back pain after a car accident.

Typically, lower back pain is the result of rear-end or side-impact collisions. If you experience a tingling sensation in your back or spine, you may have a pinched nerve.

3. Numb Limbs

Numbness, particularly in the hands and arms, is the result of nerve damage in the spinal column. It could also be another effect of whiplash if the nerve roots are affected.

This is most common on one side of the body, but can happen on both if multiple nerves are inflamed. Treatment may involve corticosteroids and physical therapy to gently improve mobility.

If you’re experiencing neck or back pain after a car accident, put your trust in The Healing Center in Anchorage, AK. Since 1987, this reputable chiropractic office has been helping patients recover from injuries. They offer spinal decompression and massage therapy to relieve tension on tight muscles and the spine. Visit them online for more information about their treatments, or call (907) 561-7041 to schedule an appointment.