Why You’re Still Hurting From an Old Injury

Are you still dealing with the pain that you first experienced years ago? If you answered yes, you’re not alone.

Many forms of injuries may take longer to heal than anticipated. Furthermore, some issues arising from an old injury become chronic conditions.

If you’re still hurting, here are some reasons why.

Understanding Why Old Injury Pain Can Increase Over Time

For many people, an old injury never seems to go away. Even after it has healed, pain can still be present months or even years later. This phenomenon is known as chronic pain and can have any underlying causes, such as:

Formation of New Scar Tissue

When an injury occurs, the body protects itself by forming new scar tissue and sending inflammation to the damaged area. This new scar tissue can be less flexible than the tissue initially there.

It then makes the body use the remaining surrounding tissue to compensate for the lack of flexibility in the scarred area. This can lead to muscular imbalances and can cause more pain or worsen the existing pain.

Improper Rehabilitation

If the injury is not treated and prevented with proper rehabilitation, flare-ups of pain can occur more frequently. Eventually, a person can become “stuck” in a cycle of increased pain and immobility.

Without the appropriate attention to strengthening the affected area, muscles may become weak or tight, causing further damage. Not following the correct protocol may fail to address the underlying causes of the injury, leading to reinjury and chronic pain.

Without proper rehab, underlying issues that could be corrected with therapeutic interventions are left untreated. As with any damage, seeking the advice and treatment of a pain specialist will likely yield the best results.

Poor Posture

Poor posture can worsen the effects of an old injury and increase the risk of re-injury. When we sit or stand in poor posture for long periods, the tendons and ligaments of the injured area are put under more stress than necessary. The joints move in a way they were not designed to move, leading to increased wear and tear, causing more pain.

Over time, poor posture can cause scar tissue to form in the injured area, leading to stiffness and loss of mobility. Poor posture can also inhibit proper blood flow to the injured area, slowing healing and increasing inflammation.

Muscle Tension

Muscle tension from old injuries can cause persistent pain, even when the wound is healed. When we experience an acute injury, our body responds with a natural defense called tension. As our body tries to protect itself, pressure builds up in the area of the damage, creating strain and discomfort.

Even though the injury has healed, our body still remembers and responds to the trauma it experienced. To reduce this tension, find ways to physically and emotionally relax our body and manage pain.

This can come in gentle stretching, yoga, meditation, or massage. You can also look for pain management solutions.

Seek Help Today

An old injury can be like a heavy load, leaving you unable to escape from the aching and reminders of what happened in the past. It is important to remember that you have the strength to keep carrying this load.

Seek help from your doctor or a therapist to find ways to cope and manage the pain. Take active strides towards improving your health and well-being today–you won’t regret it.

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