What causes persistent pain after a car wreck?

Of the roughly 2 million rear-end collisions in the United States annually, a significant number of men and women find themselves enduring long-term pain and disability. Some research indicates that 1 out of 5 people are still in pain a year after a crash.

Dr. Robert Ramsey sees many accident patients in our Gresham, OR office, and we regularly see individuals who have been suffering for many years and have not been able to find help. Dr. Robert Ramsey has great success in treating these patients.

What Causes Chronic Pain after a Crash?

During an accident, the ligaments of your spine can be sprained or torn. The injured area becomes swollen and irritated and transmits pain impulses to the spinal cord and brain.

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

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

We Can Help Clients Find Comfort From Chronic Pain After an Auto Accident

Dr. Robert Ramsey is able to help this kind of issue, as chiropractic care is a proven way to restore your nervous system's healthy functioning. Studies show that adjustments are successful at relieving pain from car accidents and shows that chiropractic actually has positive effects on the pain centers of the brain.

If you live in Gresham, OR and have been in a crash, you don't have to suffer with chronic pain. Give Dr. Robert Ramsey a call today at (503) 667-6744 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.