What causes chronic pain after a car crash?

Of the over 2 million rear-end collisions in the United States annually, a significant number of folks find themselves experiencing chronic pain and disability. Some studies have shown that 1 out of 5 people are still in pain 12 months after a collision.

Dr. David N. Block Family Chiropractic sees many auto injury patients in our Chesapeake office, and we regularly see people who have been struggling for many years and have not been able to find relief. Dr. David N. Block Family Chiropractic has great success in treating these patients.

The Cause of Chronic Pain

During a collision, the structures of your spine can be stretched or torn. The injured area becomes swollen and irritated and sends pain impulses to the spinal cord and brain.

Pain tells your body that something is wrong, which tells the muscle tissues in the damaged area to contract to shield the area from further injury.

If the trauma isn't treated immediately, a negative cycle develops. The injured tissues keep sending pain signals and each time, your nervous system responds. This creates a feedback loop in your nervous system that specialists refer to as "central sensitization." Your nervous system actually becomes oversensitive to any kind of stimulation, causing chronic pain.

Dr. David N. Block Family Chiropractic is able to help this kind of problem, as chiropractic care is a proven way to restore your nervous system's healthy functioning. Research shows that chiropractic is effective at relieving pain from auto injuries and shows that chiropractic in fact has positive effects on the pain centers of the brain.

If you live in Chesapeake and have been in a crash, you don't have to suffer with chronic pain. Give Dr. David N. Block Family Chiropractic a call today at (757) 436-5428 for a consultation or appointment.

• Ferrari R. A prospective study of the 1-year incidence of fibromyalgia after acute whiplash injury. Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Disease 2015; doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2014-000007.
• Stone AM, Vicenzino B, Lim EC, Sterling M. Measures of central hyperexcitability in chronic whiplash associated disorder - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Manual Therapy 2012;18(2):111-7.