Microtrauma is the general term given to small injuries to the body. Trauma to muscles can come in many forms and in various degrees, from something as simple as a sneeze to an event as violent as an automobile accident. Fortunately, because your muscles are so strong, resilient, and quick to react to traumatic forces, in most cases only minimal damage can occur within the body. The largest muscle bundles generally remain intact and uninjured, while the smaller muscle fibers and the internal connective tissues are subjected to minute separations, or microtraumas.
The most common microtrauma results in an extremely localized injury only to cells, the tiny muscle fibers, and the internal connective tissues. In this type of injury, the force is enough to damage cells, but not enough to damage larger bundles. The body reacts on a microscopic level, with the immune system dispatching white blood cells to clean up the damage. Some mild and undetectable swelling or loss of movement may also occur.
These microtraumas are no different than the minor bumps or bruises you occasionally get on other parts of your body. The initial swelling and immobilization will temporarily inhibit movement and thereby reduce the production of normal nerve information. The reduced flow of normal nerve information allows newly stimulated pain signals to freely enter the spinal cord and brain and initiate a cycle of pain. Once the swelling has gone down and the area begins to move freely again, the pain quickly becomes blocked and diminished. These injuries usually require minimal treatment and resolve on their own in a few days without becoming chronic or debilitating.
From chiropractic care to physical rehabilitation and massage therapy, our auto accident doctor at Auto & Work Injury Walk in Clinic will design a custom treatment plan designed with your specific health goals in mind. We work closely with insurance companies and your attorney, providing a referral to an experienced, qualified car accident lawyer if needed.
Call Auto & Work Injury Walk in Clinic at (210) 615-0400, request an appointment online, or walk right in for same-day care in San Antonio, Texas, or one of our convenient satellite locations.