4 Hidden Car Accident Injuries You Should Know About

Unfortunately, car accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how good of a driver they are. It is estimated that 2.35 million people in the United States are injured or disabled due to a car accident every single year in the United States. If you have been in a car accident in Brandon, there are 4 hidden car accident injuries you should be aware of.

Herniated disc

A herniated disc is one of the most common injuries we see from car accidents in Brandon. This type of back injury occurs, because the force of the collision causes the jelly layer in between your spine to balloon out or rupture. A herniated disc can be very painful. It can cause radiculopathy, which is sharp pain and numbness. The symptoms may not occur immediately after a car accident, but they’ll get worse over time.

If not a herniated disc, car accidents often cause bulging discs too. This type of car accident injury can produce chronic pain in the lower back. Experiencing significant pain or reduced range of motion in the neck? You could be suffering from whiplash. These are common car accident injuries and tied closely to herniated discs. Since the symptoms may not appear immediately after a car accident, it is best to go to chiropractor that knows how to treat car accident injuries as soon as possible.

Traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is caused by the brain hitting the inside of the skull with significant force. In a car accident, this can occur when if head strikes something in the car such as the windshield or steering wheel. Traumatic brain injuries are very serious. This type of injury can cause dramatic shifts in personality and also cause forgetfulness.

Unfortunately, the signs of a traumatic brain injury may not present themselves immediately after a car accident. This may lead someone to believe they are okay and don’t need to see a doctor. That’s when a traumatic brain injury can become deadly.

Dr. Wilson states you should go see a doctor if you were knocked unconscious during a car accident. This could signal that a concussion occurred and you should have a doctor run diagnostic tests for TBIs. If you wait too long to seek treatment, permanent damage can occur in the brain.

Knee Injuries

The knee can be injured in several different ways during a car accident. The impact of the collision can cause your knee to hit the dashboard, which can tear your ACL, MCL, and meniscus. A T-Bone collision is also another way your knee can get injured. Typically, knee injuries are more obvious compared to back injuries. That’s because the symptoms (extreme pain) are hard to miss when you stand up or walk. If the pain is not too severe, it may just be soft tissue damage in the knee. That is something that a chiropractor can help treat.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are most common in accidents where the car was T-boned. The side impact can crush the side of the car and severely impact the driver’s shoulder. Does you car have side airbags? The force of the airbag could end up injuring the driver or passengers shoulder. If you have suffered a shoulder injury in a car accident, you should see a physician for a full diagnosis and then schedule an appointment with us at Epic Chiropractic and Wellness.

If the shoulder injury goes untreated, it can cause severe problems and you may end up needing surgery. That’s why it is recommended to auto accident doctor ASAP, so they can fully diagnose the extent of your injuries. If it is just soft tissue damage you will not have to get surgery, but if it is a tear, we will recommend getting a surgical consultation.

Why Epic Chiropractic and Wellness?

Car accidents are extremely traumatic and can cause many serious injuries. Getting the correct care for the injuries you sustained is crucial. At Epic Chiropractic and Wellness in Brandon, our chiropractor, Dr. Matt Wilson, is an expert at treating patients with car accident injuries.

If you have been involved in a car accident and need to seek treatment in Brandon or Gibsonton, Florida, please call us at (813) 574-9206. We will be able to guide you through this recovery process and get you back to peak condition as fast as possible. Our team can also refer you to a good personal injury attorney to handle your case and make sure all your medical bills are paid.