Common Symptoms of a Car Accident Seat Belt Injury
If your seatbelt held you in place during a recent auto accident, it's important to rule out spinal injuries and tissue damage that may be related to the restraint or sudden force. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a car accident seat belt injury in Brea:
- Sore Chest, Hips, or Abdomen – The force of a collision can lead to pain and inflammation in the body parts that the seat belt touched
- Stiff Neck – Whiplash or muscle stiffness may occur if your head and neck were jolted back and forth during a collision
- Weakness – Nerve damage and related spinal injuries can cause muscle weakness in the legs and lower back
- Bruises – If you have bruises or swelling on your chest or abdomen, chiropractic care may help reduce the inflammation and rebalance blood flow
While a seat belt provides your best protection against life-threatening injuries in a car accident, there are situations where a seat belt can cause injuries to the spine. Of course, this isn't to say that you shouldn't wear a seatbelt while in the car; seat belts should be properly worn at all times!
One of the most common injuries that can be caused by a seat belt during a car accident is that of whiplash; this occurs when the upper (cervical) spine is violently thrown into the seatbelt strap, resulting in tearing and other damage to the ligaments, muscles, and tendons surrounding the spine. Symptoms include back and neck pain, as well as muscle stiffness; these symptoms usually show up a day or two after the accident.
Another common injury that can be caused by a seat belt during a car accident is that of a pinched nerve. This can happen on its own or in conjunction with whiplash, with the most common symptom being a sharp, shooting pain that occurs when you move your neck or back in a certain direction.
Finally, a herniated or bulging disc is another common injury we see that can be caused by a seat belt during a car accident. When your body is thrown into a seat belt, your spine can be thrown out of alignment. In turn, the fluid-filled discs in between the spine's vertebrae can become crushed or can slip out of place, which results in sharp pain in the back, neck, or shoulder areas.