After a motor vehicle collision (MVC), it is common to assume that everything is fine if you are not experiencing pain. However, the absence of immediate pain does not necessarily mean that an injury has not occurred. Some symptoms associated with whiplash and other musculoskeletal injuries may develop hours or days after a collision.

Key Insight:

An early examination after a motor vehicle collision can help identify injuries, establish a clinical baseline, and provide guidance about appropriate activity and care, even when pain is minimal or absent.

During a collision, the body may be exposed to rapid acceleration, deceleration, rotation, and other forces. These forces can affect muscles, ligaments, joints, discs, and other soft tissues. The cervical spine is particularly vulnerable because the head and neck can move rapidly during an impact.

Symptoms are not always immediate. Following an MVC, some people initially feel relatively normal and later develop neck pain, headaches, stiffness, shoulder or back pain, dizziness, or difficulty moving comfortably. Because symptoms can evolve, relying on pain alone may not provide a complete picture of how the body responded to the collision.

A comprehensive examination can assess range of motion, joint function, muscle tenderness, strength, sensation, reflexes, neurological function, balance, and other findings when clinically appropriate. The history of the collision including the direction of impact, body position, use of restraints, and onset of symptoms can also help the provider determine whether additional evaluation or diagnostic imaging is warranted.

Early evaluation also establishes a baseline. Documenting objective findings shortly after a collision can make it easier to monitor changes over time and determine whether function is improving, remaining unchanged, or worsening.

The purpose of an examination is to determine whether signs of injury are present and what, if any, next steps are appropriate. Depending on the findings, recommendations may include normal activity, temporary activity modification, therapeutic exercise, chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, or referral to another healthcare provider.

Even when you feel fine after a collision obtaining an appropriate examination can help identify problems that may not initially be obvious. Early evaluation provides an opportunity to document your condition, recognize concerning findings, and develop an appropriate plan based on your individual needs.

Were you recently involved in a motor vehicle collision, even if you are not currently experiencing pain? Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss whether further care is appropriate.

Contact Us:
Dr. Peter Britton, DC & Dr. Alyssa Lenox, DC
1111 N. Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-523-2225
Appointments can be made on our website: https://intouchwithhealthseattle.com/home

Sources:

• Blincoe LJ, Miller TR, Zaloshnja E, Lawrence BA. The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2010. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• Spitzer WO, Skovron ML, Salmi LR, et al. Scientific Monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders. Spine.

• Carroll LJ, Holm LW, Hogg-Johnson S, et al. Course and Prognostic Factors for Neck Pain in Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD). Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Neck Pain—Whiplash Injury: Assessment and Management.