Chronic pain can be caused in a number of ways. We offer here a brief overview of a number of the causes and types of chronic pain. If you suffer from chronic pain as a result of another person’s negligence, contact our chronic pain injury attorneys at The Khalidi Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.
Types of Accidents and Common Injuries Leading to Chronic Pain
- Vehicle Accidents
The most common type of vehicle accident injury leading to chronic pain is an injury to the neck or back. Neck and back injuries sustained in car accidents often lead to chronic pain. Chronic pain in the back or neck can be unpleasant and unfortunate to deal with. Seek medical treatment if you find yourself suffering from chronic pain as a result of an accident.
- Work Injuries
There are two main types of work injuries leading to chronic pain: repetitive motion injuries and occupational hazards. Repetitive motion injuries occur when a person uses the same muscle groups in the same way over a long period of time. Occupational hazards can result in more serious injuries, but both types have the very real potential to contribute to a state of chronic pain.
- Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Slips and falls often lead to chronic back pain. When these injuries lead to chronic pain, the sufferer can experience significant declines in overall well-being and quality of life. When a slip-and-fall injury takes place on an owner’s property, the owner may be liable if proper safety precautions were not taken.
- Bicycle Accidents
Bicycling can lead to chronic pelvic pain for a cyclist hit by a motor vehicle. As with the other types of accidents, back pain is one of the most common forms of chronic pain that can result from a bicycle accident. An individual suffering from chronic back pain will experience a reduced ability to move and go about his or her daily activities.
Common Injuries
- Neck Injuries
Chronic neck pain can take many forms. Some of the more common symptoms of chronic neck pain include stiff neck, sharp pain in one spot, soreness, tingling, trouble gripping objects, problems with walking or coordination, loss of bladder or bowel control, and pain that moves up into the head or down into the arms. Some forms of neck pain are easy to ignore, while others call for serious medical care.
- Back Injuries
Chronic back pain is often caused by muscle strain, injury, or spinal deformity, but it also can result from a motor vehicle collision or on-the-job accident. Some of the common symptoms of chronic back pain include dull aching, sharp pain, burning pain, stiffness, soreness, and pain that extends down into the legs, feet, or hips. Chronic back pain can be treated with aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but in some cases victims of back injuries require surgery.
- Joint Injuries
Chronic joint pain can have a wide range of causes, most of which are completely natural. The more common causes of chronic joint pain include conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and lupus. However, health conditions like obesity, or even a simple matter of over-exercise can also lead to chronic pain. These conditions can reduce a person’s ability to enjoy life and usually require lifestyle changes.
Muscle, Tendon, and Ligament Injuries
- Muscle Injuries
Muscle pain is usually localized in a small area, affecting only a few muscles. There are many potential causes of muscle pain. Muscle pain is considered to be chronic if it lasts for three months or more. Talk to a medical professional if you suffer from chronic pain as a result of an injury.
- Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries are usually caused by overuse and can often be treated with simple rest and recuperation. If you suffer chronic pain as a result of an injury, you will probably be advised to take an over-the-counter medication, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, to treat the pain.
- Ligament Injuries
A ligament is “a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone or bone to cartilage and supports and strengthens joints.” Ligament injuries frequently lead to serious chronic pain. Some of the most common ligament injuries are sprains, in which a ligament is stretched further than it can easily take.
Chronic Pain Management and Treatment
Chronic pain can be managed through medication, therapies, and alternate treatments. Mild chronic pain can be eased with over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, but more severe pain calls for opioids, which require a doctor’s prescription. Therapies for chronic pain include physical therapy, low-impact exercise, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy. Alternative therapies include massage and acupuncture, and should not be pursued without first consulting a doctor.
Contact the Khalidi Law Firm
The Khalidi Law Firm has more than 20 years of experience helping families in the Tucson area get the closure they deserve. If a loved one is suffering from chronic pain after an accident caused by someone’s negligence and the insurance companies won’t give you what you deserve, contact our compassionate and capable Tucson injury lawyers at The Khalidi Law firm. For a free consultation, call (520) 629-9909 today.
