By the Fitness Chiropractic team · Updated
Why injuries differ from crash to crash
No two collisions are alike. The direction of impact, your speed, where you were sitting, how your headrest was set and whether you were turned or braced all change which parts of your body take the force. You can have more than one injury at once, and even a low-speed fender bender can strain the neck and back.
Below are the injuries that come up most often, with the symptoms to watch for. To see how each one is treated, read about car accident injury treatment.
Whiplash and neck sprains
Whiplash is the most common car accident injury, especially in rear-end collisions. The head snaps backward and forward, straining the muscles, ligaments and joints of the neck. Look for:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Reduced range of motion, especially turning your head
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Pain spreading into the shoulders or upper back
- Dizziness
Whiplash symptoms often build over the first day or two rather than appearing at the scene, so a neck that feels fine that evening can be stiff and sore the next morning.
Back strains and sprains
Bracing against the steering wheel or twisting at impact can strain the muscles and ligaments of the mid and lower back. Look for:
- Aching or sharp pain in the mid or lower back
- Muscle spasm or tightness
- Pain when bending, lifting or getting up from a chair
- Stiffness that's worse in the morning
Back pain from an accident often overlaps with neck symptoms. Our guide on back pain after a car accident covers safe self-care for the first few days.
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Herniated and bulging discs
A sudden load can make one of the discs between your vertebrae bulge, or push its soft center through the tougher outer layer. That's a herniated disc; a bulging disc is a milder change in shape. Look for:
- Back or neck pain that may spread into an arm or leg
- Numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet
- Muscle weakness in an arm or leg
Concussion and head injuries
A concussion can happen even if your head doesn't hit anything, because the rapid motion alone can be enough. Symptoms may take hours or days to appear:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Dizziness or seeing stars
- Confusion, memory gaps or trouble concentrating
- Ringing in the ears
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Nausea
Any suspected concussion needs medical evaluation before other care.
Shoulder, chest, knee and wrist injuries
Seatbelts save lives, but they can bruise the chest and strain the shoulder they cross. Knees can strike the dashboard, and gripping the wheel can sprain your wrists and hands. Look for:
- Bruising or tenderness along the seatbelt line
- Shoulder pain or difficulty raising your arm
- Knee pain or swelling
- Wrist or hand pain, weakness or swelling
Common minor car accident injuries
Not every injury is dramatic. Bruises, mild muscle strains, a stiff neck and a headache are typical after minor collisions, and many settle with time. Still, small injuries can turn into lingering problems, and symptoms sometimes build over the first few days.
If you're unsure whether you're hurt, an exam is the simplest way to find out. Our car accident chiropractor page explains what a first visit involves.
When to get checked
Get evaluated promptly if you notice any pain, stiffness, headaches or tingling after a collision. Our guide on when to see a chiropractor after a car accident explains the timing.
It also helps to keep a simple note of each symptom, when it started and whether it's getting better or worse. That gives whoever examines you a clearer picture, especially when symptoms appear in stages over several days.
Go to an emergency room right away for:
- A severe or worsening headache, confusion, vomiting or loss of consciousness
- Chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, which can be signs of internal injury
- New numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
