I Have Trauma from a Car Crash: Can You Help?

Car crashes happen fast, but the aftermath can linger for weeks, months, or longer, and the symptoms aren’t always obvious right away. Our Fast Track Clinic team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center provides exceptional trauma care to help you recover. 

Why you shouldn’t wait to get evaluated

Adrenaline surges during a collision can mask pain and delay symptoms by hours or even days. Injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage often don’t fully surface until inflammation sets in. Delaying treatment can result in injuries that are harder to manage and take longer to heal. Getting evaluated promptly, even if you feel okay, is always the right call.

What injuries are common after a car crash?

Motor vehicle accidents put tremendous, sudden force on the body. Some of the most common orthopedic injuries we see after crashes include:

Whiplash and cervical spine injuries

Whiplash is one of the most frequent and most underestimated crash injuries. The rapid snapping of the neck strains muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the cervical spine, with stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion often peaking 24-72 hours after the accident.

Herniated or bulging discs

The compressive force of a crash can shift or rupture spinal discs in the cervical or lumbar spine. When a disc presses on a nearby nerve, you may feel radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs. These symptoms are easy to mistake for muscle soreness without proper imaging.

Fractures

Broken bones are more common in car crashes than many people expect. For example, wrists, the clavicle, and the spine are all vulnerable. Some fractures, particularly hairline breaks, are only detectable on imaging.

Lacerations

Broken glass, deployed airbags, and loose objects can cause cuts ranging from superficial to deep. While minor lacerations may seem low priority after a crash, wounds near joints or tendons require a closer look to rule out damage to underlying structures that could affect movement and function.

Shoulder and knee injuries

The shoulder is particularly susceptible to rotator cuff tears and labral injuries from the jolt of a collision or the restraint of a seatbelt. The knee is equally vulnerable. The knee striking the dashboard can cause ligament tears, meniscus damage, or fractures that significantly limit mobility if left untreated.

What to expect at your visit

When you come in after a crash, our team doesn’t just treat the most obvious symptom, we look at the whole picture. Your visit will typically include a thorough physical exam and a review of how the accident occurred, followed by any on-site diagnostics needed to get an accurate picture of your injuries. 

Depending on your situation, that might mean X-rays, ultrasound imaging, or lab work, all available right here in our office. If you had X-rays taken at another facility, bring a physical copy along to your visit. From there, we build an individualized treatment plan. Common treatment approaches include:

• Physical therapy
• Bracing or immobilization
• Medication management
• Surgical consultation, if needed

Our goal is to get you an accurate diagnosis quickly so your recovery can begin without delay. And we offer supportive and diagnostic services under one roof.

You don’t have to figure this out alone

Recovering from a crash injury can feel overwhelming when you’re also navigating insurance claims and other responsibilities. Our team helps reduce medical complexity, with expert guidance from your first visit through your recovery.

Don’t put off getting the appropriate care after a crash, and don’t let pain dictate your life. Call our Henderson or Las Vegas office today, or use our online scheduling tool to schedule your consultation with Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center.