Why is it that immediately after an injury, you don't feel as much pain as hours later?

Question

I hurt myself in a scooter accident and my head was bleeding and my leg was hurting somewhat. But two hours later, my shoulder is hurting as well and my leg is hurting much more now. Is it due to the adrenaline rush?

Answer 1

This is a very common occurrence, and can even happen with (severe trauma. I was just involved in a major auto accident Though I felt alright physically that day, the pain kicked in the next day and worsened over the following week or so. It's getting better, but my neck still hurts. Yes, the third site I listed (among others) does say that adrenaline can cause you not to feel pain. But there are other factors.

The doctor says this is because swelling doesn't occur right away, but when it does, it causes pain (hence the use of ice, to reduce it).

According to the site below (painreliever.com):

A. Swelling is a natural inflammatory reaction of the body to injury. It occurs when damage occurs to the small blood vessels called capillaries which leak fluid into the surrounding tissue. The increased blood flow is largely responsible for the telltale symptoms of inflammation. The rush of warm blood causes redness, heat and swelling. At the same time, pressure from the swelling and the accumulation of immune cells, along with the destructive chemicals released by the cells, irritate local nerve endings and cause pain.

Three major events occur during the inflammatory response:

* Vasodialation-An increased blood supply to the tissue which signifies that tissue is ''in danger''.
* Increased capillary permeability- The capillaries permit larger molecules than usual to all of the cells needed for healing to get to the site faster.
* Infection Protection-The cells used to help fight infection seep out of the capillaries and into the injured tissue to start fighting any infection and cleaning up the injured sites bi-products.

These events signify the importance of the swelling process."

The first site suggests that endorphin es are released during significant events for the body (whether pleasure OR pain) and can control pain for awhile. This, too, would stop you from feeling pain until the endorphin es wore off.

There are many sites on how to treat injury and pain. Ice is key in the first day or so, followed by heat alternating w/ice, and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, or stronger Rx drugs if the injury is more severe.

Since ligaments and muscles are often torn and swelling takes place at the site, it's important to rest and let healing take place. However, this can take months sometimes.

If the pain continues, I'd see a chiropractor, to readjust the various bone that were knocked out of place during the accident. This should also relieve the pain caused by pressure on nerves.

Good luck to both of us, eh?

Answer 2

I don't know about a adrenaline rush, but just think about it. When you had your accident you probably tried to protect yourself from more injury with other parts of your body. By doing that you put strain on those muscles. Soreness usually don't sit in for at least a couple of hours. So advice to you is keep moving as bad as it hurts or it will only get worse.

Answer 3

when the body is injured your brain immediately sends signals to all sites expecting a positive response
mildly injured sites will respond promptly by allowing proper flow of blood which will carry infection fighting cells to help heal the affected area thereby lessening the pain
severely injured sites being more traumatized, receives mixed signals and is unable to respond as effectively
the body is sensing pain the whole time but these mixed signals cannot communicate causing a delayed pain reaction
in the meantime the body is trying to fight off infection on its own and not doing a good job (without help from the brain)
it battles with itself to heal causing more pain (the same way you'd experience pain when you workout; the body pushing against your determination)
the good news is that once the brain is satisfied that the minor injuries are on the verge of recovery it can then focus on the more serious ones.
your body being tired becomes acceptable to the signals the brain sends and starts the healing process
initial pain from the accident plus the "body battle" will result in more pain

Answer 4

Well when u injure something the part is warm from the strain, or bruising etc...the adrenaline rush may be a small percentage of it...one the swelling goes down or the heat dies down things will begin to hurt... (-:

Answer 5

the answer is yes...when you have an accident your body switches off so you dont feel pain...its like adreniline. basically its so your body can still function if its injured. its like when you see someone who gets knocked over and they get up and walk away ...the body goes into shock

Answer 6

This has to do with the body reaction to the strange part of the body.

Answer 7

Cause when you first injure yourself more than likely you're in shock.

Answer 8

Your body probably is in shock.