Chronic trauma refers to the long-term consequences of physical injuries that persist over time, causing ongoing pain, discomfort, or mobility issues. Unlike acute trauma, which is the immediate result of a sudden injury, chronic trauma develops gradually or results from improperly healed injuries.
At Tellica Imaging, we specialize in diagnosing the effects of chronic trauma with advanced CT and MRI scans, helping patients get the accurate diagnosis they need to start effective treatment.
Chronic trauma refers to the long-term effects of physical injuries that don’t heal completely or are not properly treated. These types of injuries can result from accidents, sports activities, or repetitive strain over time.
Instead of resolving quickly like acute injuries, chronic trauma can linger for months or even years, causing ongoing damage to the affected areas.
Common forms of chronic trauma include joint degeneration, chronic muscle or tendon pain, and nerve damage. For example, a sprained ankle that isn’t fully healed can lead to joint instability, eventually causing arthritis. Similarly, untreated back injuries may result in disc degeneration or persistent nerve compression, leading to chronic pain and limited movement.
Chronic trauma can have a significant impact on everyday life. It can affect your ability to perform routine tasks, reduce mobility, and diminish overall quality of life. Over time, these injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, affecting your ability to work or engage in activities you once enjoyed. In severe cases, chronic trauma may necessitate surgical intervention.
Early diagnosis is critical for managing chronic trauma. Addressing the condition early on can help prevent further complications, reduce pain, and improve long-term outcomes.
Chronic trauma tends to develop gradually and can have a significant impact on a person's physical and mental well-being. The physical effects of chronic trauma can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, chronic fatigue, and physical disfigurement.
Additionally, the long-term nature of chronic trauma can have a psychological impact, including feelings of hopelessness or depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by flashbacks or nightmares.
Post-traumatic arthritis occurs when a previous injury to a joint, such as a fracture or ligament tear, causes long-term damage. This condition can lead to chronic pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility in the affected joint. Commonly affected joints include the knees, hips, and ankles.
For such cases, CT scans are helpful for evaluating the bone structure, joint alignment, and cartilage loss that occurs with arthritis. MRIs can detect soft tissue injuries, like torn ligaments or tendons, that contribute to arthritis.
Chronic back pain often results from past injuries to the spine or surrounding muscles and ligaments. This can include untreated fractures, herniated discs, or repetitive strain injuries. Over time, these injuries can lead to disc degeneration, spinal instability, or nerve compression.
CT scans provide clear images of the spinal bones, fractures, and alignment problems. On the other hand, MRIs excel at detecting soft tissue damage, including disc herniations, nerve impingement, and muscle injuries.
Tendons and ligaments are essential for joint stability and movement. Repeated trauma or untreated injuries to these structures, such as rotator cuff tears or ACL injuries, can lead to chronic pain, weakness, and reduced mobility.
MRI scans are the best tool for visualizing soft tissue injuries, such as tendon and ligament tears, inflammation, and scarring. Additionally, CT scans may be useful for evaluating any bone damage that might accompany these soft tissue injuries.
CTE is a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head trauma, commonly seen in athletes or people with a history of concussions. Symptoms of CTE can include memory loss, mood changes, and cognitive decline.
Diagnosing CTE requires careful imaging to detect early signs of brain degeneration. MRI scans are instrumental in detecting brain changes caused by repeated trauma, providing detailed images of brain tissue, shrinkage, and abnormal structures.
Imaging tests are essential for assessing the extent of any injury whether acute or chronic. They help guide treatment decisions for trauma cases. Our CT scans and MRIs are powerful tools that can provide valuable information about internal injuries and help determine the appropriate course of action.
We are dedicated to providing insights that can guide your healthcare provider in developing the best possible treatment plan for your condition.
We prioritize your comfort throughout the imaging process. Our team of experienced technologists and board-certified radiologists ensure high-quality scans and accurate interpretations. Additionally, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs and work with most major insurance plans.
Our wide variety of specialized CT scans are valuable for evaluating the long-term effects of physical injuries, particularly those involving bones and joints. CT scans can:
MRIs are particularly useful for evaluating the state of soft tissues within the body. This makes them valuable for assessing the long-term effects of injuries that involve muscles, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissues. MRIs can:
If you are experiencing chronic pain or other symptoms related to a past injury, don't hesitate to contact Tellica Imaging to schedule an appointment. At Tellica Imaging, we specialize in diagnosing chronic trauma-related conditions using state-of-the-art imaging technology.
Our staff is dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient. Additionally, our upfront and transparent pricing eliminates surprise bills, ensuring you can focus on your health.
Visit us at any of our convenient locations and our friendly staff will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, call us to schedule an imaging test at any of our locations.
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