A car accident can be a jarring and disorienting experience. In the immediate aftermath, you might feel shaken but believe you’ve escaped serious harm. However, the true extent of injuries from a motor vehicle collision often takes hours, days, or even weeks to fully surface. Dr. Malak Azab, a Doctor of Physical Therapy serving the Centereach and Ridge communities, specializes in diagnosing and treating the complex and often-delayed injuries associated with auto accidents.
If you’ve been in a recent collision, it’s crucial to seek a professional evaluation, even if you feel fine. Early and expert intervention is the key to preventing acute pain from developing into a chronic condition.
Understanding Delayed Pain After an Accident
It is incredibly common for individuals to walk away from an accident feeling little to no pain, only to wake up days later with significant stiffness, headaches, or back pain. This is a natural physiological response. During a traumatic event like a crash, your body releases a surge of adrenaline. This powerful hormone acts as a natural anesthetic, masking pain and allowing you to handle the immediate stress of the situation.
Once the adrenaline subsides and your body comes out of this state of shock, the underlying injuries begin to make themselves known.
Common delayed symptoms following an auto accident include:
- Persistent Neck Pain & Stiffness (Whiplash): The most common injury, resulting from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head.
- Dull or Sharp Back Pain: Can indicate muscle strain, ligament sprains, or injury to the spinal discs.
- Headaches or Migraines: Often originating from nerve irritation or muscle tension in the neck.
- Numbness or Tingling: Sensations in the arms, hands, legs, or feet can signal nerve compression.
- Difficulty Breathing or Pain with Deep Inhalation: May point to chest contusions or rib injuries.
- Limited Range of Motion: Trouble turning your head, bending over, or moving your limbs freely.
- Ignoring these symptoms is a gamble with your long-term health. Seeking immediate, specialized care is the most important step you can take toward a full recovery.
A Comprehensive Approach to Your Recovery
At our Centereach and Ridge locations, we understand that auto accident injuries are unique. They involve a complex interplay of forces affecting your spine, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Dr. Malak Azab provides a thorough diagnostic evaluation to identify the root cause of your pain, followed by a personalized, multi-faceted treatment plan that goes far beyond temporary solutions.
Our goal is to restore your body’s natural balance and function with effective, non-invasive therapies.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for Accident-Related Injuries:
The violent forces of a car accident can directly impact the spinal column, leading to bulging or herniated discs that press on sensitive nerves. Our state-of-the-art, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is a gentle and powerful tool for addressing these specific injuries. By applying precise, computer-controlled distraction, we can gently relieve the pressure on your discs and nerves. This process creates an environment that allows the discs to heal, providing lasting relief from back and neck pain.
Expert Physical Therapy to Ensure Lasting Results:
Spinal decompression is just one component of a complete recovery program. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy with experience since 1995, Dr. Azab will incorporate a full spectrum of therapeutic techniques to heal your body completely:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to release muscle tightness, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Customized stretching and strengthening programs to restore flexibility, stabilize the spine, and prevent re-injury.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Targeted treatments to break down scar tissue and promote healing in damaged muscles and ligaments.
- Kineso Taping®: As a Certified Kineso Taping Practitioner, Dr. Azab can use this advanced method to support injured areas, reduce swelling, and facilitate proper movement during your recovery.
Don’t Wait for Pain to Dictate Your Life
The trauma from a vehicle collision can linger and worsen if left untreated. Don’t wait until debilitating pain disrupts your work, sleep, and daily life. Taking proactive steps now can save you from months or years of suffering.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car or truck accident, schedule a comprehensive assessment with our team. We are committed to providing the caring, professional help you need to navigate your recovery and get back on the road to wellness.
Call our Centereach office today at 631-467-3381 for a Free Consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief!