Causes of Chronic Pain after Car Crashes

Of the over 2 million rear-end crashes in the US annually, a significant number of folks end up troubled with chronic pain and impairment. Some research shows that about 20% of people are still in pain 12 months after a crash.

Dr. Michael Wagner D.C. sees many auto accident cases in our Alexandria, KY office, and we regularly see people who have been hurting for many years and have not been able to find help. Dr. Michael Wagner D.C. has great success in helping these patients.

What Causes Chronic Pain after a Crash?

During a crash, the structures of your spinal column can be sprained or torn. The damaged 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 muscles in the injured area to contract to protect the area from further harm.

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

Dr. Michael Wagner D.C. is able to help this kind of problem, as chiropractic care is a proven way to restore your nervous system's healthy functioning. Studies show that adjustments are effective at reducing pain from auto injuries and shows that chiropractic in fact has positive effects on the pain centers of the brain.

If you live in Alexandria, KY and have been in a crash, you don't have to suffer with chronic pain. Give Dr. Michael Wagner D.C. a call today at (859) 448-0056 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.