30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”
- Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill discovered one in four seniors who’ve been in a car crash are at an increased risk of developing chronic pain afterward.
- The new study also suggests individuals who suffer head, neck, jaw, lower back or leg injuries are more likely to have persistent pain.
- The leaders in Utah pain management at Southwest Spine and Pain Center discuss the results of the study, and what can be done for seniors suffering from chronic pain after a car accident or injury.
According to Annals of Emergency Medicine, car crashes are the second most common form of trauma among seniors. The study also indicates one in four seniors involved in a car accident are at an increased risk of developing persistent pain that interferes with their ability to perform daily activities.
Lead author Timothy Platts-Mills said the purpose of the study was to, “determine the frequency of persistent pain and functional decline and identify patient characteristics associated with these outcomes.” The study included 161 patients’ ages 65 and older who went to the ER after a car accident, but did not become hospitalized. Patients who sustained major cuts, serious fractures, and brain or spinal injuries were not included in the team’s analysis.
During the teams’ initial review, 72% of patients reported experiencing moderate to severe pain. After six months, 26% of these patients mentioned they were still experiencing the same level of pain (moderate to severe). Pain that was recorded as a 4 or higher on the pain scale was considered chronic by the researchers.
It’s important to note, however, that many of the patients who had chronic pain also reported poor self-rated health and had less formal education. These patients were also more likely to have behavioral health issues (i.e. depression) before the crash, and many of them expected their recovery to be longer (more than 30 days) compared those without behavioral health problems.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident and is experiencing chronic pain as a result, call Southwest Spine and Pain Center today. Depending on the location and extent of your injury and pain, the team of pain management specialists can provide corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, and other interventional pain management therapies, as well as behavioral health services to reduce pain and increase function. Call the practice today to meet with one of our pain physicians and/or a behavioral health therapist.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With multiple locations across the state of Utah, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.