Every automobile accident is different.
The direction of impact, speed, position of the occupants, seat belt use, and many other factors can affect how someone feels afterward.
Here are seven musculoskeletal complaints frequently reported following collisions.
Sudden movement of the head and neck can strain muscles and affect the joints of the cervical spine.
Neck discomfort may appear immediately or gradually become noticeable.
Some people describe feeling as though they "can't turn their head."
Muscles can tighten after an accident, and irritation involving neck joints may also limit comfortable motion.
The forces of a collision can affect the lumbar spine and surrounding muscles.
Patients may notice soreness while sitting, bending, walking, or moving from sitting to standing.
Seat belts, bracing during the collision, and rapid body movement can contribute to soreness through the upper back and shoulders.
Some headaches following an accident may be associated with neck muscle tension or musculoskeletal injuries.
However, headaches after a collision can also be associated with head injury. New, severe, or worsening headaches—particularly with neurological symptoms—should receive appropriate medical evaluation.
You may notice that movements you normally perform without thinking suddenly feel difficult.
Examples include:
After a collision, muscles may become sore in much the same way they can after unusually strenuous exercise—except the triggering event happened suddenly and unexpectedly.
When Should You Seek Care?
If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with normal activities, consider having them evaluated.
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain musculoskeletal injuries. More significant symptoms may require evaluation by a medical provider or emergency department.
At IllumINNATE Walk-In Family Chiropractic, we provide convenient chiropractic evaluations for patients from Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, and the surrounding area experiencing neck pain, back pain, stiffness, and other musculoskeletal symptoms after auto accidents.