Top 5 Car Accident Injuries We See Most in Summer

Summer in Ohio means road trips, vacations, and more cars on the road. Unfortunately, it also means a rise in car accidents. At Ohio Therapy Centers, we often see a spike in injuries during the warmer months, especially in busy areas like Akron, Canton, Cleveland, and Elyria. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious crash, injuries can happen, sometimes even days after the accident.

Here are the top 5 car accident injuries we treat most during the summer and what you should know about them:

1. Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a rear-end collision. It happens when your head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, straining the muscles and ligaments in your neck.

Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain or stiffness

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Difficulty turning your head

Even a low-speed crash can cause whiplash, so don’t ignore these signs.

2. Back Injuries

Ohio drivers often come to us after accidents with lower or mid-back pain. The impact of a crash can injure your spine, discs, or muscles, even if you were wearing a seatbelt.

Common back issues include:

• Herniated discs

• Muscle strains

• Sciatica (shooting pain down the leg)

Chiropractic care and physical rehab can help relieve pain and restore mobility.

3. Soft Tissue Injuries

These injuries affect your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They’re often invisible on X-rays, which is why it’s important to get evaluated after an accident, even if you feel “okay” at first.

Signs of soft tissue injuries:

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Soreness

• Limited movement

We provide targeted rehab and manual therapies to promote healing and prevent long-term pain.

4. Concussions & Mild TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injuries)

Head injuries don’t always mean you hit your head. The force of a crash alone can jolt your brain and cause a concussion.

Watch for symptoms like:

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Memory issues

• Sensitivity to light or noise

At Ohio Therapy Centers, we take brain injuries seriously. Our multidisciplinary team helps patients recover safely and steadily.

5. Shoulder and Knee Injuries

Your joints can take a hit during impact, especially if you were bracing yourself or your body twisted in the collision.

Common issues:

• Rotator cuff strains

• Dislocated shoulders

• Knee sprains or ligament tears

Early rehab can prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of long-term joint damage.

Don’t Wait to Get Checked Out

Many injuries from car accidents don’t show up right away. You might feel fine at the scene, only to wake up sore the next day—or even several days later. The sooner you get checked out, the better your chances of full recovery.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Elyria, Akron, Cleveland, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, Ohio Therapy Centers is here to help. Our team offers chiropractic care as well as physical and injury rehab tailored to your specific needs.