The signs and symptoms of soft tissue injuries

When an individual strains a muscle or pulls a tendon, it is considered to be a soft tissue injury. South Carolina residents and others are most likely to sustain such injuries in a car crash. Soft tissue injuries are generally difficult to diagnose with an X-ray, so it may be hours or days before a person realizes that anything is wrong. Common symptoms of a soft tissue injury include pain, swelling and bleeding.

In a car accident, the tissues are stretched at the time of impact. Individuals who experience pain or similar symptoms may benefit from seeing a medical professional immediately. By delaying treatment, the pain may linger, and the injury may take longer to heal. A common injury caused by a car accident is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head is jolted forward and then back again quickly. This puts a lot of force on the neck, which may not be able to handle the weight of the head.

Whiplash can cause both neck injuries and herniated discs within the spine. It may also lead to joint problems and persistent pain. Those who have a stiff neck, back pain or a headache may have whiplash and should seek treatment. Memory loss and depression may also be signs that a person has whiplash.

Those who are involved in a car accident may experience pain resulting from sprained, strained or torn muscles. Broken bones and whiplash may also result from a car crash. Anyone who has been hurt in a collision may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party or parties that caused it. Compensation may pay for medical expenses or help a person recover lost wages. Punitive damages may be awarded as well, which are designed to warn others not to engage in similar behavior.