Psychological Impact of Chronic Pain and Disability Resulting from Motor Vehicle Accidents

Chronic pain typically develops as a result of motor vehicle accidents and is associated with considerable long-term disability. While the initial precipitant to pain and impairment is usually physical injury, multiple psychological and environmental consequences evolve. These post-injury psychosocial factors can exert tremendous influence and maintain a level of disability beyond objective physical considerations. Litigation and compensation conflicts shift the focus of attention to proving severity of damage and thereby prolong disability.