Hindrances to the Healing Process

Factors that hinder the healing and recovery process after a motor vehicle accident:

• Smoking    -Smoking is associated with increased risk of prolapsed cervical intervertebral disc, higher risk of  spinal surgical nonunion,  block of prostaglandin E1(an antiinflammatory chemical), accelerated intervertebral disc degeneration, and higher risk of developing myofascial pain syndromes.
• Poor posture    -Poor posture puts already compromised ligaments on a stretch, forces injured muscles to work harder, and facillitates abnormal movement patterning.
• Poor diet    -Vitamin C is vital for connective tissue healing, and other nutrients are necessary to stabilize cell membranes and prevent damage from free radicals
• Alcoholism    -Alcoholism can cause vitamin B1 defiiciency and affect healing
• Caffeine overuse    -Caffeine may add to the existing neuronal hyperexcitability in damaged neural tissues
• Drugs    -Drugs such as methysergide and diphenylhydantoin may cause excess scarring in some individuals
• Diabetes   -Diabetes slows the healing process and advanced stages of diabetes can be accompanied by neuropathy
• Previous neck injuries -  Subsequent neck injuries take longer to resolve.
• Pre-existing arthritis or spinal pathology.