Getting checked out after a car accident

[CrackerIsland]

Had a minor, low impact, car accident a few days ago. My back and knees hurt straight away, then a few hours later my neck and shoulders started aching. My lower back is really quite painful but not the most pain I’ve ever had (I’ve had worse back pain a few years ago when I had a herniated disc).

I’ve not received any medical attention and now a few people are saying I need to go and get checked out. I really don’t want to as I’m anxious going to the GP and I’ve been in pain a few days now so it’s clearly not an emergency.

Am I right in thinking I don’t need to get checked out and can just self treat at home? I’ve googled some exercises to do after whiplash so I’m doing those.

And does anyone have any tips on how to stop thinking about it, as I’m quite shaken and feel anxious. I can’t sleep, that might be due to waking up in pain but also anxiety from keep thinking about it.

Firstly, so sorry to hear you've been in an accident. It must have been so stressful for you to experience that.

You know your own body, so will (most likely) know if you absolutely have to get checked out at the GP or hospital. Equally, there's no harm in going to your GP, just incase there is something you've missed.

You can also buy accupresssure mats (Shakti is a great, if quite expensive make) to treat back/neck/shoulder pain.

Hope you start to feel better in the coming weeks.

go and geg checked out.
also check with insurance as sometimes they pay for private physio.

after you got checked out and it's clear that it's 'only' soft tissue injuries get yourself to a physio asap. that will really help your recovery.

Thanks. Physio is a good idea, I’ve been to a really good private one before - she’ll probably be able to give me the best advice