A traumatic car accident can leave you confused about what to do next. From property damage to insurance claims, you may forget to pay attention to yourself. But regardless of the severity of a car accident, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. This is not only important for your claim, but also to ensure that there are no hidden injuries that are not obvious immediately.

Here is a look at some common injuries that may not appear after an accident but may cause chronic pain and other symptoms, if left untreated.

Whiplash

This is one of the most common injuries people suffer in car accidents. Unfortunately, whiplash can cause issues days or even weeks after an accident. Whiplash is the result of the neck being forced forward and then suddenly forced back, as the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. This can strain the spine and lead to neck and back pain, and headaches.

Soft tissue injuries

Internal injuries may escape notice as they may not be as obvious as other injuries. But soft tissue injuries, such as torn muscles, tendons, or ligament tears, are serious injuries. Sprains, bruising, and tearing can cause severe pain, if left untreated. Fortunately, injury doctors can easily diagnose and treat these injuries. Since these injuries can cause extreme pain and limit mobility, have them looked at as soon as possible, by a work or personal injury doctor.

Back and neck injuries

One of the most common types of injuries in a car crash is back and neck injuries. Some common neck and back injuries that could be the result of a car accident include –

• Sprains
• Fractures
• Disc injuries
• Spine injuries

Often, car accident victims assume that feeling sore after a car accident is natural and don't see a doctor. But even minor soreness or discomfort could be the sign of a serious injury that could rapidly worsen, if left untreated. With the right tests, such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans, and diagnoses, back and neck injuries caused due to an accident can be diagnosed and treated properly.

Remember that many Americans suffer from lower back pain and other types of pain that impacts their daily lives. And it's important to treat any back and neck pain immediately.

It is also important to remember that all injuries may not be noticeable immediately after a car accident, especially if the injuries are internal and not visible to the naked eye. So, seeing a doctor is necessary after an accident to ensure any injuries can be properly diagnosed and treated.

If you have suffered a workers’ compensation or personal injury, consult the best accident and injury doctor in Phoenix, AZ, at Arizona Injury Medical Associates at 480-347-0941 right away.