Timeline of Symptoms

Timeline of Symptoms:

Although no two accidents are exactly the same and each person will respond differently, we have found the following to be typical

Impact:

Usually the person is dazed or may have even been knocked unconscious.

There is the initial shock of “what just happened?”

This is followed by “Am I OK?”

“Was anyone else hurt?”

“How bad is my car?”

The next few minutes, you are usually filled with a rush of adrenaline and endorphins (a natural pain killer released by the body in response to trauma). You may or may not be experiencing some pain at this point. If you do have pain, go to the emergency room or urgent care.

First 1-2 weeks:

The endorphins will wear off over the next 12 hours. Swelling may set in. Usually people state they felt OK the first day but awoke the next day very stiff and sore. Some people however state that the pain began up to 2 weeks later.

After 2 weeks:

As the swelling starts to subside, people think “I am getting better because the pain is starting to go away.” What they do not realize is that the swelling is going down but the rest of the injuries remain. As scar tissue starts to form, they begin to notice that they can’t turn their heads as far. Over the next few weeks or months, they may start to develop recurrent headaches or back pain. Left untreated, this may lead to lifelong chronic pain.

To prevent possible lifelong symptoms, you should see an experienced Chiropractor who is skilled at locating these problem areas and correcting them so that they heal properly.