Why Does My Body Hurt Days or Weeks After A Car Accident?

It's common for people involved in car accidents to feel sore for days, weeks, or months. Some studies have estimated that as many as 75-90% of people who are involved in car accidents experience some form of pain. This pain can range from mild to severe, and can affect different parts of the body. There are several reasons why your body may hurt days or weeks after a car accident. Here are some common reasons why this can happen:

• Delayed onset of symptoms: In some cases, the symptoms of an injury may not appear immediately after the accident. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as when the body releases chemicals that mask the pain or when the body is in shock. As a result, the symptoms of an injury may not appear until days or weeks after the accident.
• Chronic pain: In some cases, an injury sustained in a car accident can lead to chronic pain. This can happen when the injury damages the nerves, muscles, or other tissues in the body, and the pain persists even after the injury has healed. Chronic pain can be severe and debilitating, and it may require medical treatment and therapy to manage.
• Psychological effects: Car accidents can also have psychological effects, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These psychological effects can manifest as physical symptoms, such as body pain, headache, and fatigue.
• Other factors: There are many other factors that can contribute to body pain after a car accident, such as stress, lack of sleep, and changes in diet or exercise. These factors can affect the body's ability to heal and recover from an injury, and can make the pain worse.

Muscle Aches and Soreness

The human body comprises more than 600 muscles, 900 ligaments, and 4,000 tendons. That's an extensive network of soft tissues, any of which can get injured in car accidents.

The leading cause of muscle aches and soreness is overstretching and tearing during an accident, commonly referred to as a muscle strain.

The abrupt impact of a car accident can rip individual muscle fibers, leading to swelling and inflammation at the site of the injury. This inflammation can irritate the nerves around the muscle fibers, causing pain, tingling, and a burning sensation. It can take a few days for inflammation to develop, which explains why some symptoms of muscle injury may not appear until 24 to 48 hours later.

To recover from a car crash, the body attempts to guard the damaged tissue by immobilizing the area. This causes the muscle to contract, leading to painful spasms, typically indicative of muscle injury rather than mere soreness.

Without professional medical attention, discerning the cause of pain after a car accident can be challenging. The body produces inflammation at the damage site, so localized muscle pain can conceal a more severe injury. For example, what feels like a torn muscle in your abdomen could be abdominal discomfort from an internal injury.

Those who experience severe whiplash symptoms are more likely to have a facet joint injury in addition to muscle pain. Facet joints connect the spinal bones and can cause back pain and headaches when damaged. Localized muscle pain might suggest herniated discs, which can lead to a pinched nerve, numbness, and even sudden pain in the hip, knees, and legs.

Medical Treatment for Post-Accident Soreness

It's normal to experience soreness after a car crash. However, muscle aches and tiredness should never be dismissed as mere stress from an accident. If you're grappling with soreness or discomfort after a crash, the key to relieving the pain is getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Therefore, always seek medical attention if you're suffering from pain after a car accident. 

To correctly diagnose your injury, a doctor will typically use common medical imaging devices like:

• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT scan)

After your doctor has provided you with an official diagnosis, you can collaborate to devise a treatment plan that may include the following measures:

• Rest: Rest is a vital element of any treatment plan. A car crash doesn't only stretch and tear muscle fibers; it also puts an immense strain on your entire body. It's crucial to give your body the time it needs to repair itself, minimize inflammation, and completely heal. Your exact treatment timeline may differ, so be prepared to take a few weeks off work for rest.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is another crucial element of a successful treatment plan. Your muscles cannot function effectively without adequate water and may begin to cramp. Since you're probably already experiencing muscle spasms from your accident injury, your muscles require additional hydration to prevent further cramping.
• Physical Therapy: While physical therapy is not mandatory for a muscle injury, your doctor may suggest a physical therapist to assist with stiffness and limited range of motion post-collision. As your muscle injury heals, the area may remain tight, and you may experience some pain when relearning certain movements. Physical therapy aids in muscle rebuilding in a healthy and safe manner.
• Massage Therapy: Although massage therapy is not mandatory, many doctors may refer you to a massage therapist to help reduce tension and inflammation as your body recovers. Your doctor might recommend chiropractic care for upper and lower back pain. Chiropractors specialize in the spine and can alleviate muscle pain accompanied by facet joint injuries or a herniated disc. Many chiropractic offices offer both massage therapy and chiropractic care at one location.
• Stretching and Yoga: Whether you visit a primary care physician, a physical therapist, or a chiropractor, most healthcare professionals will suggest a stretching or yoga routine for a healing muscle injury. Gentle stretches and beginner yoga poses are non-strenuous exercises that can improve range of motion, alleviate inflammation, and keep your body active after an injury.

On average, most car accident victims are sore for weeks post-crash. If you've already received a diagnosis from your doctor—for instance, a muscle strain in your shoulder—and you're still sore after a few weeks, it's not a cause for alarm. However, if you did not get a diagnosis right after the crash and are now experiencing pain symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

Many personal injuries cause delayed pain—symptoms that don't manifest until several days post-accident. In the case of muscle injuries, the inflammation at the time of the crash may not intensify and cause severe pain until 48 hours post-collision. Therefore, it's imperative that crash victims consult a doctor to identify the pain source.

It's not rare for muscle injuries to lead to chronic pain that lasts for months or even years. More than 60% of ongoing lower back pain can be traced back to a previous accident injury. If this is your situation, don't hesitate to contact a car accident attorney. A lawyer can help you seek compensation for the continuous medical bills arising from chronic pain.

Should I Seek Medical Attention for Mild Pain After a Car Accident?

It is generally a good idea to seek medical attention for any pain that you experience after a car accident, even if it is mild. This is because pain can be a symptom of an underlying injury, and it is important to identify and treat any injuries as soon as possible. A medical professional can evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Yes, you can file a lawsuit for pain caused by a car crash. A personal injury claim can yield compensation for your pain and suffering, along with financial losses resulting from the injury. You can sue the driver at fault for your medical bills, future medical expenses, and lost wages from time taken off work.

Sadly, filing a lawsuit is a significant undertaking. If you're dealing with the insurance company, you'll be expected to understand legal terms and procedures that the average person typically doesn't. Rather than tackling a personal injury claim for pain after a car accident on your own, consider seeking the assistance of a qualified car accident attorney to facilitate the process.

It is generally a good idea to speak with a lawyer if you are experiencing pain and discomfort after a car accident. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can provide guidance on how to pursue compensation for your injuries. In addition, a lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. If you are unsure about whether or not to speak with a lawyer, you can consult with one for free to discuss your situation and get advice on how to proceed.