After being involved in an automobile accident, many
individuals develop chronic, widespread pain. In the past, people who described
these symptoms were believed to be overstating their injuries but, with recent
studies and research, it’s been determined that alterations which do occur on
the brain and nervous system during an auto collision may be the source of
chronic pain symptoms in many individuals.
During an auto accident, the structure and surrounding
tissues of the spine can be stretched or torn. The region around the injury can
then become irritated, leading to inflammation and swelling that triggers pain
signals throughout the spine and brain. Pain symptoms function to inform the
nervous system of complications on the site of the injury. As a result, the
nervous system relays the message for the muscles surrounding the area of pain
to contract in order to protect the area from further injury. If the injury is
left untreated for a long period of time, the body can develop an adverse
cycle. The nerves around the injured area will continue to send pain signals,
triggering the central nervous system to continue reacting. Studies have shown
that the pain centers of the brain become over-stimulated or sensitized to pain
stimuli which in turn can make the body over-sensitive to pain in general.
Radicular Pain after an Auto Injury
Medical research has demonstrated that individuals who’ve
been involved in an automobile accident and shown chronic pain symptoms are
actually more susceptible to pain in their hands and feet, often times
locations which are further from the source of their original injury.
Other research has found evidence of actual changes in brain
function for individuals with chronic pain symptoms through the use of PET
scans. Once the nervous system has triggered to the extent of developing chronic
symptoms, it may take some time for the unfavorable cycle of symptoms to revert
back to its original state.
If you’ve developed symptoms of chronic pain as a result of
an auto collision, its important to seek immediate medical attention to avoid
further complications and find relief for your symptoms of pain and discomfort.
Research shows that chiropractic treatment is an effective option for reducing
the chronic symptoms from automobile accident injuries. Chiropractic also
offers many positive effects on the pain centers of the brain as well as other
benefits on the body. A chiropractor can help diagnose the source of an
individual’s pain to begin treatment for their specific injury and level of
symptoms. Through the use of spinal adjustments, chiropractic care can help
progressively restore an individual’s original health naturally.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
