If you’ve been in a car accident, you are probably worried about how it might impact your physical health. Perhaps the most concerning thing is whether or not the accident may have left you with permanent damage. Certainly, any impact on your physical body may be upsetting; however, rest assured that the majority of after effects are only temporary. If you have been in a collision recently and are worried about potential swelling that does not seem to be going away anytime soon, you should know that this is completely normal. When someone experiences whiplash or another type of car accident injury, there will almost always be some degree of delayed swelling as well as pain. However, not to worry because this is something that will likely disappear within a few days or weeks at most. Keep reading to discover more about why delayed swelling occurs after a car accident and what you can do to help speed up recovery time.
What is Delayed Swelling After A Car Accident?
Delayed Swelling After A Car Accident is when an injury begins to hurt more than 24 hours after the accident. The body releases chemicals and cells that trigger the pain and swelling. The bad news is that the pain can last weeks or months. The good news is that after a few days of rest the swelling and pain usually go away. The term delayed swelling usually refers to swelling that takes place between 24 to 72 hours after a person experiences a car accident. During this time, the body releases certain chemicals that cause the blood vessels to widen and increase blood flow to the affected areas. This is a natural response to injury, in which the body attempts to repair any damage caused by the impact. Unfortunately, the same chemicals that initiate this process also increase the amount of fluid in the injured tissues, causing them to swell.
Why Does Delayed Swelling Occur After Car Accidents?
Post-traumatic swelling occurs when injured tissues start to swell after a trauma like an accident. It’s a natural response to injury, but it can also be a sign of a more serious condition such as a soft tissue injury or a blood clot. After a car accident, your body may also experience post-traumatic bleeding. This can also cause swelling, as well as pain. One of the most common aftereffects of a car accident is pain. It is important to note that, while delayed swelling after a car accident is normal, it is important to monitor the swelling closely and seek medical attention if it becomes extreme.
Is Delayed Swelling Normal?
Yes, delayed swelling after a car accident is normal, but it is also important to monitor the swelling closely and seek medical attention if it becomes extreme. Delayed swelling after a car accident is often due to the trauma of the collision and the release of certain chemicals from a person’s body. When someone experiences a car accident, the impact triggers the release of cytokines, which are a type of protein. These cytokines trigger the immune system to repair any damage caused by the accident. Unfortunately, the same chemicals that initiate this process also increase the amount of fluid in the injured tissues, causing them to swell.
Tips to Help with Delayed Swelling After a Car Accident
Rest
Resting is one of the easiest ways to speed up the healing process after a car accident. If you were injured in an accident and were asked to do nothing, you would be advised to rest anyway. So, if you were told to rest after an accident, then you should follow these instructions. This will allow your body to focus on healing the injuries instead of doing other activities.
Ice
Applying ice to the areas of your body that are experiencing delayed swelling after a car accident can be extremely helpful. The cold temperature will decrease the amount of swelling in the injured areas. Make sure that you only use ice for a short amount of time, as it can cause frostbite if left on for too long.
Elevate
If you are experiencing delayed swelling after a car accident, you will want to elevate the affected areas above your heart. You can place a pillow beneath the injured areas or you can sit in a recliner.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential after a car accident, as it will help flush out all of the toxins that are released during the healing process.
Eat healthy foods
You don’t want to eat junk food when you are trying to recover from an injury. Eating healthy foods will help to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
Don’t forget about your mental health
Getting enough sleep and relaxation is just as important as getting enough rest and eating healthy foods.
Don’t rush back
You want to get better as soon as possible, but you don’t want to rush yourself back into doing too much too soon. You want your body to heal properly, so take your time and don’t push yourself too hard.
Be patient
Remember that healing takes time, so don’t get upset if you feel like you are not making progress. Take your time and rest so you can fully recover.
Come see us
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is normal to experience some level of delayed swelling. However, it is important to monitor the swelling closely and talk to your car accident doctor at Affordable Chiropractic if it becomes extreme. The best way to reduce the likelihood of experiencing delayed swelling after a car accident is to wear a seatbelt and follow other safety precautions while driving.