You may have been in a vehicle accident where you thought, at the time, you came out uninjured. Unbeknownst to you, you may be suffering from serious medical conditions.
Often, people find out too late that they’re suffering from injuries, but knowing a few signs could prevent medical conditions from worsening. Here’s what you should watch out for:
Whiplash
People who experienced a car accident firsthand oftentimes suffer from whiplash. Whiplash happens when the body rapidly shakes back and forth, usually causing neck, back and head trauma.
People suffering from whiplash may notice neck pain, headaches, dizziness or neck stiffness shortly after an accident. Untreated whiplash injuries can fester into physiological disorders, memory loss, prolonged pain and depression.
Herniated disc
The spine is made of a series of vertebrae, each with a cushioned disk full of bodily liquids, preventing the vertebrae from rubbing together. In some cases, such as after a car accident, people will suffer injuries to their back, rupturing one of these discs.
A torn or ruptured disc can cause displacement, causing the vertebrae to pinch nerves. People may notice they herniated a disc if they feel lower back pain, weakened muscles or trouble moving. Leaving a herniated disc untreated may cause life-long disabilities and constant pain.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
In many commonly known cases, war veterans and people who experienced traumatic events experience some kind of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental condition that often causes victims to relive traumatic moments in life. One such example is someone who survived a car accident but witnessed someone die from it.
It can be hard for victims to realize they’re suffering from PTSD. If someone you know notices your mood has changed, you’re struggling to perform daily activities, you’ve developed OCD or you act depressed, then these may be signs you’re struggling with PTSD.
Getting the relief you need after a traumatic vehicle accident can be difficult without knowing your options.