“Can you feel OK after getting hurt in a car accident and then feel worse the next day? ”
I was hurt in a car accident a couple of days ago. I felt shaken up and sore, but was checked at the scene of the accident and didn't accept the offer to be taken to the hospital by ambulance for further tests. I've been feeling increasingly worse since that day. Can any trauma caused by the accident become life threatening to me?
5 Answers
it is VERY common for the PAIN from any musculo-skeletal trauma to be DELAYED for a number of days or rarely even weeks. It is unlikely that you have any potentially fatal injury (unless you are having worsening ABDOMINAL PAIN, which can be due to a ruptured SPLEEN or BOWEL and that could potentially be fatal). But, it very common for herniated discs or other anatomic injuries of the spine to result in DELAYED neck and/or back pain and other associated symptoms. A visit to your MD (or to an urgent care center) should answer any questions you might have and provide any necessary tests and/or treatment.
There is often a delayed muscle reaction to traumatic injuries. Spasm of muscles and pain are likely to heighten 12-24 hours after the actual injury. It is not uncommon after a fall or a auto accident to not feel lots of pain initially, but the next day the pain is much more intense.
It is possible. Some injuries may not be apparent when he initially went to the doctors.
It is very common to feel okay immediately after car accident. Symptoms may appear only next morning. However, a visit to an Urgent Care or ER is important to get evaluation (X-rays and initial treatment).
It's markedly rare for something to become life-threatening after several days with the exception of bleeding in the head. If there was head trauma or notable whiplash and there is localized (one-sided) headache that is persistent, or any new weakness that seems unrelated to pain, that should be evaluated. Otherwise, it's actually quite normal to have increased pain and stiffness several days after the accident. If there was head trauma, it's very common to have nausea, brain fog, headache, mood changes, and other symptoms for days or even weeks after (post-concussive syndrome). The best thing I think you can do is see a good chiropractor who can address many of the symptoms. Medicinal cannabis, specifically whole plant extract CBD (able to purchase online in any state) is especially valuable post head trauma and for general pain as well. Also a good quality turmeric extract (500-1000 mg three times daily) and omega 3 (DHA + EPA) 3-6 grams daily can help dramatically.
