PTSD Tied to Chronic Pain After Auto Injury

 (A review of the latest studies from Dr. George Cluen)

Post traumatic stress disorder, although typically conjuring images of soldiers in shell shock, is becoming an increasingly documented concern after auto accidents. Unfortunately, it doesn't take a major car crash to forever alter a patient's psychological health. Research shows that even patients with mild injuries can show signs of PTSD. Now, a new study from the journal of Rheumatology indicates that PTSD is the biggest predictor of poor quality of life after an auto collision.

Prior to adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, these results showed that 56% of whiplash patients reported non-recovery one year after the accident, compared to 43% of patients with other mild injuries. Whiplash patients were also more likely to report their symptoms negatively impacted their occupation status (31% versus 23%). These differences were not considered significant however after adjusting for socio-demographics such as gender, family, age, and education level.

What did hold true after adjusting for other stress factors, was the effect PTSD has on chronic pain. Patients with PTSD reported a two-fold increase in residual pain 12 months after the accident and a subsequent reduced quality of life.

These findings demonstrate that identifying and treating PTSD in auto injury patients is vital for preventing persistent pain. Finding healthcare providers that are both sensitive to the emotional needs as much as the physical needs is imperative for relief. At Auto & Work Injury Center we strive to educate our patients about approaching healing in way that addresses all three planes of the injury (the physical, emotional and energetic plane) and we offer supportive programs for this.



Reference

Hours M, et al. One Year After Mild Injury: Comparison of Health Status and Quality of Life between Patients with Whiplash Versus Other Injuries. Journal of Rheumatology 2013.10.3899/jrheum.130406