No one expects to be in a car accident, but when collisions occur, it's important to know about the different types of injuries that can happen. This can include invisible injuries.
The team at iRISE Spine and Joint shares what “invisible injuries” are and some common ones people suffer after car accidents. We will also share symptoms to look out for so that you can get the medical attention you need right away.
Taking care of the pain sooner than later is essential if you suffer from any injury after an auto accident. iRISE Spine and Joint will be there for you — contact us today to see how we can help.
What is an Invisible Injury?
An invisible injury is any type of injury that is not immediately obvious to others. This can include things like internal bleeding, concussion, and whiplash. While these injuries may not be visible to the naked eye, they can still be severe and require immediate medical attention.
Common Invisible injuries
Spine Injuries
Car accident injuries can be divided into two categories: those that involve the bony structures of the spine and those involving the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and discs). The most common car accident injury to the spine is a whiplash injury, which often damages the cervical (neck) region.
Whiplash is caused by the force of the impact from the car accident, which causes the head to snap back and forth. This can lead to damage to the bones, discs, and muscles of the spine. Whiplash is often treated with a combination of pain medication and physical therapy.
Other common car accident injuries to the spine include:
Spinal Fractures — Car accidents can cause the bones of the spine (vertebrae) to break. The most common type of spinal fracture is a vertebral compression fracture, which occurs when the front of the vertebrae collapses. This type of fracture can be excruciating and may require surgery to repair.
Herniated Discs — The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions. The inner gel can leak out when they are damaged in a car accident. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. Herniated discs often require surgery to fix.
Spinal Cord Injuries — Car accidents can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are severe and often require lifelong care.
Head Injuries
A person can suffer many types of head injuries in an automobile accident. The most common type of head injury is a concussion, which is caused by a blow to the head that causes the brain to bounce around inside the skull.
Concussions can cause various symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and unconsciousness. More serious head injuries can include contusions, bruises on the brain, hemorrhages, and bleeding inside the brain. These more severe head injuries can often lead to long-term effects or even death.
Internal Bleeding
While this type of injury can occur in any car accident, it is most likely to happen in high-speed collisions. Internal bleeding occurs when a force trauma causes one of your organs to rupture or bleed. The symptoms of internal bleeding car accident injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but they often include:
Abdominal pain;
Chest pain;
Shortness of breath;
Dizziness or lightheadedness;
Confusion; and,
Nausea and vomiting.
How iRISE Spine and Joint Can Help
If you have been in a car accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't think you are injured. Many car accident injuries can take hours or days to develop symptoms. See a doctor, such as our team at iRISE Spine and Joint, right away if you experience any pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness after a car accident.
Learn more about how iRISE Spine and Joint can help by contacting us online or by phone: (888) 966-9750.