What to Do in the First 72 Hours After a Car Accident Injury

Why Early Orthopedic Evaluation Matters More Than You Think

Even low-speed car accidents can cause lasting physical harm. In the first 72 hours after a crash, the body is flooded with adrenaline, often masking the pain of underlying injuries. Symptoms like neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or tingling may not appear immediately—but that doesn’t mean the damage isn’t there.


At The OUCH Center, we often see patients weeks or even months after an accident, still in pain and struggling with injuries that went unaddressed early on. Our message is

simple: Don’t wait. The first 72 hours are critical.


Why the First 72 Hours Matter

After a car accident, your musculoskeletal system—your spine, joints, muscles, and nerves—can experience trauma that isn’t visible on X-rays or immediately felt. Microtears, inflammation, soft tissue injuries, and nerve impingement can gradually worsen without proper intervention.


Delaying care can result in:

Chronic pain and stiffness

Loss of mobility

Nerve dysfunction

Prolonged recovery time

The need for more invasive treatment later on


Common Delayed Symptoms to Watch For

You should seek evaluation if you experience any of the following within the first few days:


Neck pain or reduced range of motion

Headaches (especially at the base of the skull)

Shoulder, arm, or upper back discomfort

Numbness or tingling in the limbs

Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

Jaw tightness or facial pain

Pain when sitting, standing, or twisting


Even if your ER visit or urgent care evaluation shows no fractures, these symptoms often point to soft tissue or nerve-related injuries—areas where orthopedic specialists excel.


Why Choose The OUCH Center?

Unlike general urgent care centers, The OUCH Center is fully equipped for orthopedic injuries. Our fellowship-trained and quintuple-board-certified physician, Dr. Maxim Moradian, specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries involving the spine, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.


Here’s what sets us apart:

On-site imaging and diagnostic tools

Comprehensive orthopedic evaluations

Regenerative and non-surgical treatment options

Personalized rehabilitation planning

Fast-track care—no need for multiple referrals


Early Action = Better Recovery

Prompt diagnosis and appropriate care within the first 72 hours can significantly reduce the risk of chronic pain and long-term dysfunction. Whether you’ve been rear-ended at a stoplight or involved in a more severe collision, getting the right care early makes all the difference.


Contact The OUCH Center Today

If you or someone you know has recently been in a car accident, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. The OUCH Center is here to provide expert orthopedic care when it matters most.


📍 Arcadia Location

51 N. 5th Avenue, Suite 301E

Arcadia, CA 91006

📍 Glendale Location

317 S. Brand, A-106

Glendale, CA 91202

📍 Palmdale Location

41210 11th Street West, Suite K

Palmdale, CA 93551

📞 Call: (818) 643-4346 or (626) 389-3893

📧 Email: info@theouchcenter.com

🌐 Website: www.theouchcenter.com


The OUCH Center – Jump Back Into Life.

Orthopedic expertise. Urgent relief. Right when you need it.