Experiencing a personal injury from a car accident, truck accident, or slip and fall can lead to ongoing complications, including chronic pain. For many victims, this pain lingers long after the initial injury has healed, affecting their ability to work, enjoy daily activities, and live pain-free. Managing chronic pain after a personal injury requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and emotional well-being. At Stridewell, we offer a range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Understanding Chronic Pain After a Personal Injury

Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for three months or longer, even after the body has healed from an initial injury. Victims of personal injuries, especially those involved in car or truck accidents or those who experience slip and falls, are particularly vulnerable to developing chronic pain. In these cases, common causes include:

• Nerve damage: Damage to the nervous system caused by trauma from a collision or fall can result in ongoing pain.
• Soft tissue injuries: Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can take longer to heal and may cause lingering pain.
• Fractures: Broken bones from car accidents or slips and falls can lead to chronic pain if they do not heal properly or if arthritis develops in the affected joint.

For many, chronic pain after a car accident or slip and fall injuries can severely impact their quality of life. That’s why it’s crucial to explore the most effective ways to manage this pain.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Chronic Pain

Non-surgical treatment is often the first line of defense in managing chronic pain. These treatments aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance the patient’s overall quality of life. Here are some non-surgical options offered at Stridewell:

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a common and effective non-surgical treatment for managing chronic pain, particularly for victims of car accidents or slip and fall injuries. A skilled physical therapist will design a customized exercise plan to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain.

By restoring mobility and balance, physical therapy can reduce the need for pain medication and prevent further injury. It is especially useful for individuals suffering from neck, back, or joint pain after a car accident.

2. Injections for Pain Relief

For those experiencing chronic pain after car accident injuries, pain management injections can provide targeted relief. These injections typically contain a combination of corticosteroids and local anesthetics, which reduce inflammation and numb the affected area. Common injections used to treat chronic pain include:

• Epidural steroid injections: These are commonly used to manage back and neck pain following an accident.
• Facet joint injections: These injections target the joints in the spine to alleviate pain and inflammation.
• Nerve blocks: By targeting specific nerves, these injections can block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing significant relief.

While injections do not cure the underlying injury, they can offer months of pain relief, allowing patients to participate in physical therapy or other rehabilitation efforts.

3. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is another non-invasive option for managing chronic pain, particularly for neck and back injuries. Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment, which can alleviate pressure on nerves and improve overall mobility. Many patients find relief from chronic pain following regular chiropractic adjustments, especially after a car or truck accident that has caused misalignment of the spine.

4. Medications

Non-opioid medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants, can be effective for managing chronic pain after a personal injury. While medication does not address the root cause of pain, it can help patients manage their symptoms, especially in combination with other therapies.

Opioid medications are generally avoided due to their addictive potential, but in certain cases, they may be prescribed for short-term relief under close supervision. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a balanced pain management plan that minimizes the risk of addiction.

Surgical Treatment Options for Chronic Pain

When non-surgical treatments are not enough, surgical intervention may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of chronic pain. Stridewell offers advanced surgical options to help patients find relief when other methods have been exhausted.

1. Spinal Surgery

For patients suffering from chronic back or neck pain, spinal surgery may be required to relieve pressure on nerves or correct a structural issue. Common spinal surgeries include:

• Discectomy: This procedure removes part of a herniated disc that is pressing on nerves, causing pain.
• Spinal fusion: In cases of severe instability in the spine, fusion surgery can help stabilize the vertebrae, reducing chronic pain.

Surgical intervention is often considered only after conservative treatments have been tried, but it can provide significant relief for those suffering from chronic spinal pain after a car or truck accident.

2. Joint Replacement

In some cases, chronic pain after a slip and fall or vehicle accident may be caused by severe joint damage. For example, individuals with persistent car accident knee pain or shoulder pain may benefit from joint replacement surgery. During this procedure, the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one, restoring function and eliminating pain.

This surgery is commonly recommended for patients with chronic pain due to joint degeneration, fractures, or arthritis that developed after the initial injury.

Combining Treatments for Optimal Results

Many patients require a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments to effectively manage their chronic pain. For example, physical therapy may be used before and after surgery to strengthen muscles and improve the outcome of the procedure. Injections can be administered to provide temporary relief while other long-term treatments are explored.

At Stridewell, we take a comprehensive approach to treating chronic pain, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored plan to meet their unique needs.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Chronic Pain Control Your Life

Living with chronic pain after a personal injury can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain after car accident injuries or the lingering effects of a slip and fall, it’s essential to seek the right treatment to regain control of your life.

Stridewell’s team of specialists is dedicated to helping patients manage their pain and improve their quality of life. With a wide range of non-surgical and surgical options available, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your pain. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, don’t wait—contact Stridewell today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward relief.

Contact Stridewell: Your Go to Clinic for Personal Injury Pain in Phoenix, AZ

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