Just because some pain is common after undergoing a car accident, that does not mean you should quietly endure it, hoping it will go away on its own. If you have been in a colonia auto accident recently, you may have hurt your muscles and may experience some pain.
The blunt force of a car accident can cause severe damage to your soft tissues. The fibers making up your soft tissues may get stretched, injured, or torn. If left untreated, this pain can last from six to eight weeks. Injuries like sprains, strains, and whiplash require medical attention.
If a car crash in New Jersey has left you with muscle strains, you must take immediate action. Medical care can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the injuries from getting worse.
What are the common symptoms of muscle injuries after a car accident?

Car accident victims typically suffer from musculoskeletal injuries or injuries associated with the bones attached to muscles and help in limb movement. Since these muscles are found in various parts of your body from head to toe, the injury site will depend on where you are hurt.
You may start experiencing the symptoms right after the crash or a few days after the incident. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Lower back pain
- Numbness in the fingers or toes
- Muscle spasms
- Severe muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Sore muscles
- Bruising or discoloration in the affected area
- Upper back pain
- Headaches
- Stiffness
- Swelling and inflammation
- Burning or tingling
At the injury site, you may notice that the area is warm to the touch. As blood rushes to protect the injury site, the area becomes heated.
Car accident injuries that cause muscle strains
Car accidents are traumatic incidents. Even the most minor fender benders can stretch or twist your soft tissues, leading to pain, weakness, and even loss of function. Sometimes, they can hurt the tougher parts of your body as well, such as your bones and joints.
Below are the most common car accident injuries that result in muscle pain:
- Sprains and strains: A sprain is when a ligament is stretched or torn, and a strain is when a muscle has been stretched or torn. They are different types of muscle injuries but can have similar symptoms.
- Fractured vertebrae: Your backbone or vertebrae is made up of 33 bones that are interlocked with each other. The impact of a car accident can break one or more bones and cause muscle pain in the back.
- Seat belt injury: During accidents, seat belts can save your life. However, how hard they may have to restrict your body from being thrown out of the car can injure your tissues. Common injuries include neck, shoulder, chest, stomach, and upper back.
- Whiplash injury: A whiplash injury occurs when your neck is forcefully moved forward and then backward or side to side. The blunt impact of a car accident can tear and stretch the muscles in your neck. When left untreated, it can turn into chronic pain.
How are muscle injuries diagnosed?
It is recommended that you visit your family physician immediately after the accident. The physician will perform a physical test and then the following imaging tests:
- MRI to help look for blood clots, internal bleeding, and tears.
- X-ray to get a picture of your muscles.
- Ultrasound is used to take a look at the muscles and see if there is fluid buildup.
To address the pain and inflammation in the area, your doctor may prescribe ibuprofen and other medications.
Visit a pain management expert
Many muscle injuries can be treated at home using ice packs, medications, and proper rest. However, if you find your pain taking over your life, you should not hesitate to schedule a consultation session with a pain management expert. Visit them today!