Feeling fine immediately after an accident doesn't guarantee you're injury-free. Pain isn't always an indicator of injury since only a small percentage of nerves transmit pain signals. Just as one can have severe artery blockage without symptoms, a lack of pain doesn't mean any harm. Even in a low-speed collision, the head can move significantly, experiencing forces far beyond what the Space Shuttle can withstand.
Hospitals focus on ruling out life-threatening injuries and may overlook spinal misalignments or muscle damage. While medication may offer temporary relief, underlying issues like inflammation and muscle spasms persist. Recent studies at the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden showed rapid spinal pressure changes during impact can damage nerves, regardless of immediate symptoms.
Automobile manufacturers dedicate significant resources to ensure their vehicles can withstand a certain level of force during collisions. Surprisingly, the human body is even more resilient than a car. Even in what appears to be a minor accident, the impact can inflict severe damage to your spine and neck.