The Catastrophic Nature of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, though often invisible, is a significant and genuine concern faced by many individuals, especially after a serious accident or severe injury. Its elusive nature can lead to skepticism from medical professionals, insurers, legal authorities, and others regarding its severity and authenticity. Unfortunately, this can make it incredibly challenging for you to receive the treatment and pain relief that you need and deserve.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is characterized by its enduring presence, persisting for over three months. It may manifest as constant discomfort, intermittent waves of pain, or episodic occurrences spanning days or weeks. Chronic pain can occur in any part of the body, it can affect your back, legs, arms, chest, abdomen, and beyond. Pinpointing and managing chronic pain can prove challenging, significantly impacting one’s quality of life and daily functioning. Consequently, individuals may find themselves unable to work, fulfill daily obligations, or partake in activities they once enjoyed. Contrary to the belief that pain diminishes over time, those with chronic pain often experience heightened levels of discomfort as time progresses.
What causes chronic pain?
Chronic pain can be caused by many different types of accidents, such as:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Collisions involving motor vehicles, whether with another car or a semi-truck, frequently lead to severe injuries and subsequent chronic pain. The disparity in size between semi-trucks and passenger vehicles increases the risk of chronic pain, particularly for motorcyclists who lack the protective measures of seatbelts and airbags.
- Construction site accidents: Construction work, whether at great heights or ground level, exposes workers to numerous hazards. For example, you may become electrocuted when working around wires and power outlets, suffer a traumatic brain injury from a falling object, break multiple bones from a scaffold collapse, and more. These types of accidents can lead to lifelong chronic pain.
- Slip and fall accidents: Hazards on another person’s property can result in slip and falls, causing injuries like pulled muscles, slipped discs, and fractures, all of which may result in chronic pain.
How is chronic pain diagnosed and treated?
Chronic pain diagnosis involves a series of tests and imaging procedures including blood and urine tests, X-rays, MRI tests, CT scans, spinal fluid tests, nerve tests, reflex and balance tests, and electromyography tests. These diagnostic tools aid in pinpointing the source of chronic pain, although it is important to note that pain may persist even without a clear cause or location.
Treatment of chronic pain typically involves addressing its underlying cause, When the cause remains elusive, healthcare providers employ various strategies for pain management. Here are some approaches commonly used to manage chronic pain:
- Medication
- Surgeries
- Occupational or physical therapy
- Massages
- Electrical nerve stimulation
- Acupuncture
- Exercise
- Meditation or yoga
- Counseling or psychology appointments
- Steroid injections
- Nerve blocks
The impact of chronic pain on mental health
Chronic pain often exacts a toll on one’s mental well-being, placing individuals at risk of various mental health challenges. The relentless and debilitating nature of chronic pain can traumatize, exhaust, and incapacitate those affected. Many individuals find themselves struggling to initiate daily activities, maintain productivity, and even find rest due to the persistent and intense pain they endure. Among the mental health issues commonly associated with chronic pain are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Inconsistent sleep patterns
- Anger
- Frustration
- Social isolation
- Irritability
In addition to mental health issues, the body can also develop physical problems due to chronic pain, such as severe fatigue, sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal issues, heart problems, and more.
How do you prove chronic pain in a Columbus personal injury claim?
In the pursuit of a personal injury claim related to chronic pain, securing the assistance of a competent Columbus personal injury lawyer is imperative. Insurance companies may attempt to undermine the legitimacy of chronic pain claims or cast doubt on their veracity to minimize compensation payouts. Chronic pain poses unique challenges in terms of evidence, as it may not always manifest in diagnostic or imaging tests prescribed by medical professionals. Therefore, enlisting the aid of an experienced attorney is crucial for gathering the requisite information and evidence to substantiate claims of chronic pain. Here are some pieces of evidence that you and your attorney may need to bolster your case:
- Medical records and reports: Even if a definitive diagnosis remains elusive, medical records can demonstrate visits to healthcare providers for chronic pain. They can outline the onset pain, ongoing treatments, and potential injury correlations contributing to chronic pain.
- Witness statements: Testimony from individuals close to you, such as family members, friends, neighbors, or caregivers can clarify the profound impact of chronic pain on your daily life. This can show the ongoing challenges you have faced due to your chronic pain. Additionally, expert witnesses may be enlisted by your attorney to provide professional insights into your condition, reinforcing its validity before a judge.
- Journal entries: Keeping a detailed journal of your pain symptoms, their frequency, and their effects on your life is important in chronic pain cases. Documenting the emotional and psychological toll of chronic pain, such as depression and social isolation, strengthens your case.
If you have chronic pain from a personal injury accident, please do not hesitate to contact the Columbus personal injury attorneys at Soroka & Associates at your earliest opportunity. Our team knows and understands the long-term effects of dealing with chronic pain, which is why we are dedicated to standing up and advocating for your right to fair compensation. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free and confidential appointment with one of our lawyers in Columbus today.