Medical experts warn of delayed symptoms following traffic accidents

Medical experts warn that symptoms following a traffic accident may not appear immediately and require careful early monitoring. Even without visible external injuries, patients may experience delayed onset of neck and back pain, headaches, dizziness, and numbness in limbs.

One common issue is whiplash injury, where rapid acceleration or deceleration causes soft tissue damage to muscles and ligaments. This can lead to nerve entrapment or sensitization, where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive to stimuli. Such conditions may not always be visible on standard MRI scans, meaning a lack of clear imaging does not necessarily mean the symptoms are minor.

In traditional Korean medicine, these issues are often viewed through the lens of blood stasis or impaired circulation caused by trauma. Treatment approaches include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Chuna manual therapy to relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and restore spinal balance. Experts advise seeking professional diagnosis if symptoms like limb weakness or gait disturbances occur to prevent chronic pain or functional decline.