Post-Traumatic Pain Symptoms Auto Injury

Being in a car accident can leave accident victims with chronic pain long after the collision. Even if there are no obvious injuries or broken bones, the physical trauma of the crash can cause lingering muscular, nerve and joint pain. At Shingle Creek Medical Group, we help patients identify and treat post-traumatic pain after auto injuries.

What is Post-Traumatic Pain?

Post-traumatic pain refers to pain that persists long after the original injury has healed. Even though the body tissues are no longer damaged, the nervous system gets stuck in a cycle of sending and receiving pain signals. This leads to ongoing discomfort and pain that can greatly impact quality of life.

Common Post-Traumatic Pain Symptoms

Some of the most common types of post-crash pain include:

• Headaches – Chronic tension headaches or migraines are common after whiplash injuries.
• Neck and Shoulder Pain – The muscles and soft tissues of the neck and upper back are vulnerable to injuries that cause lingering pain.
• Back Pain – Disc, muscle and ligament strains in the spine may fail to fully resolve after an auto collision.
• Nerve Pain – Pinched nerves or nerve injuries can result in chronic neuropathic pain or numbness in the arms or legs.
• Widespread Muscle Pain – Auto injuries can trigger complex pain syndromes like fibromyalgia which cause diffuse muscle pain.
• Joint Pain – Damage to structures like cartilage and ligaments in joints may lead to recurrent pain and arthritis.
• Abdominal Pain – Internal organ strains or bruising can refer pain to the stomach or pelvic areas.

Causes of Post-Traumatic Pain

There are several reasons why some accident victims develop chronic pain while others recover quickly:

• Pre-existing conditions like arthritis or old injuries make the body more vulnerable to new trauma.
• High impact collisions may cause more extensive tissue damage that is slow to heal.
• Delayed diagnosis and treatment can allow pain patterns to become entrenched.
• Psychological stress reactions after accidents can amplify and prolong pain.

Treatments Offered at Shingle Creek Medical Group

At our auto injury clinic, we use an array of treatments to help patients overcome post-crash pain, including:

• Pain relief medications – Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can help reduce musculoskeletal pain.
• Physical therapy – Specific exercises can improve strength, mobility and function.
• Chiropractic care – Spinal adjustments and mobilizations alleviate back and neck pain.
• Massage therapy – Massage and trigger point therapy loosens tight, painful muscles.
• Acupuncture – Fine needles are inserted into specific points to reduce pain signals.
• Biofeedback – Patients learn to control involuntary body processes like muscle tension.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy – CBT and mindfulness help patients change thought and behavior patterns around pain.

Auto Accident Injury Clinic for Every Patient

Left untreated, post-traumatic pain can lead to depression, disability and reduced quality of life. The key is getting an accurate diagnosis and customized pain management plan. At Shingle Creek Medical Group, we are experts at helping auto injury victims overcome chronic post-crash pain and get back to enjoying life. Call us today if you are suffering from lingering pain after an accident. Our entire team is dedicated to your recovery. Call 763-244-8022