The reason why this happens and whether everyone or just some of us can develop this type of pain is unclear. Many people could be frightened by the car crash, by the collapse of the backrest or by any other threatening circumstances associated with the accident. In fact, some of the victims have described the fear of death after the accident. Fear can be imprinted on the memory in the same way it is in soldiers who, without being physically wounded, develop a post-traumatic stress syndrome which derives from their wartime experiences. Pain and fear are interacting psychic phenomena which relate to and intensify each other.
Chronic pain can alter a human being's whole life.
Nevertheless, there are diagnoses that do not cause as much suffering from chronic pain as others. Rheumatoid arthritis is one example. Pain may perhaps be easier to bear if you know the cause, such as a visible physical handicap. Pain without an apparent reason seems to be more difficult to accept. If you are also not really believed by the doctor or by the insurance company's claims adjustor, you can easily collapse.