Why Am I Having Delayed Pain From My Car Wreck That Happened Days Ago?

You walked away from the car wreck feeling lucky. You didn’t have any pain or see any injuries. But now, days later, you’re feeling achy and stiff. What happened?

Experiencing delayed pain after a car wreck is more common than you might think. That’s why you should always see a doctor immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine, to make sure everything is okay. Waiting too long could mean missing early treatment that may prevent lingering discomfort or complications.

At East Side Primary Medical Care on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dr. Daniel Klein specializes in auto accident injuries and can provide the exam and treatment you need. If you’re experiencing pain, even if your accident was days ago, it’s not too late to get checked out.

Why pain is delayed

Immediately after a car accident, your body goes into high alert. The stress response kicks in, flooding your system with adrenaline and other chemicals that dull pain and keep you focused. This natural reaction can make you feel fine after a car wreck and mask your injuries.

However, once your body recovers from the shock, inflammation sets in. Swelling and pain develop as your body attempts to heal the soft tissue injuries, taking hours or days to show up.

Types of injuries with delayed pain

Many injuries incurred during a car accident may cause delayed pain. Some of the more common include:

• Whiplash
• Strains and sprains
• Herniated discs 
• Concussions
• Internal injuries

The pain may affect any part of the body, such as the neck, back, head, or shoulders. An internal injury may cause abdominal pain. You may also experience stiffness, swelling, headaches, or trouble concentrating, all symptoms that need medical attention.

Having an exam

We understand why you may not seek care if you walked away from the wreck feeling fine, but shaky. Delayed pain doesn’t mean your injury has gotten worse, but waiting too long puts you at risk of developing complications or a more chronic condition.

At East Side Primary Medical Care, we do a thorough history and physical and order imaging tests to look for injuries so we can provide the right treatment.

Treatment for delayed injuries

Treatment for car injuries varies and depends on the location and severity of the injury. We may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as well as heat and cold therapy to manage pain and inflammation. 

Rest is part of the plan, but we don’t want you to take it easy for too long. Too much inactivity may increase stiffness and delay recovery. We provide a plan that includes modified activity and make referrals to physical therapy when appropriate so you remain active without risk of worsening your condition.

With the right plan, you can fully recover from your car wreck.

Pain that appears days after a car wreck is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. If you’re having delayed pain, don’t wait. Call our New York City office today or book an appointment online. Early intervention may lead to a speedier recovery.