A majority of people choose to ignore their symptoms after the car accident, hoping these will resolve on their own over time. Occasionally, the damage or injury from the incident may be so mild, the pains and aches may actually resolve on their own over a period of time, but when the discomfort begins to worsen, it’s time for them to seek immediate medical attention to properly determine the source of their symptoms and develop a proper treatment plan for each individual.
The sooner the individual receives a proper diagnosis and follows up with treatment, the sooner they will be able to return to their regular lifestyles without experiencing aches and pains as well as reduce the risk of future complications.
After visiting a healthcare provider due to symptoms from a car accident, the individual will have their injuries examined, documented and filed. Common automobile injuries such as whiplash, can present symptoms immediately after the accident, but sometimes, the symptoms can begin days, weeks and even months after the incident. Whiplash is a neck injury which occurs when the head moves abruptly back-and-forth due to the force of an impact, stretching and occasionally tearing the complex structures surrounding the cervical spine. Common whiplash symptoms can include; pain in the neck, arm, back and shoulders which is usually accompanied by headaches and muscle spasms as well as neck stiffness or tenderness, difficulty focusing and dizziness. Other symptoms include nerve injury along with a pins and needles sensation.
When involved in a car accident, the individual’s concern will almost always focus on the state of their car first. Although the damage to a vehicle is important, however, many individuals frequently ignore the importance of one fragile and irreplaceable component which may also be injured during an auto accident, the human body. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.