If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and have been prescribed prescription pain relievers, you may have experienced significant side effects. Prescription analgesic drugs can lead to confusion, dizziness, urinary retention, constipation, and sometimes, dependence.
While prescription medications are sometimes needed for severe pain, they are generally only prescribed for short-term use. For long-term pain relief after a motor vehicle accident, an auto accident chiropractor can help you achieve dramatic relief from pain without the dangerous side effects of prescription pain medications. Here are some non-pharmaceutical ways a chiropractor can help you feel more comfortable after your accident.
Therapeutic Massage
Whiplash and other car accident injuries can lead to debilitating pain, diminished range-of-motion, and in some cases, permanent disability. While a short course of prescription pain medication may be appropriate in the acute stages of your pain, you may need alternative interventions from your chiropractor for long-term pain relief.
Therapeutic massage can help relax the muscles in your neck and back, and help improve blood flow and circulation to painful areas. When blood flow is optimal, the healing process is typically faster. In addition, therapeutic massage helps promote the release of endorphins, which are also known as "feel good" chemicals.
Not only can endorphin release help diminish your perception of pain, it can also help improve the quality of your sleep, which is often very elusive when people are in severe pain. Recuperative sleep may also help you heal faster and help you feel more energized so that you can increase your activity level.
Spinal Manipulation
If your accident caused spinal or back pain, your chiropractor can perform a spinal manipulation. This procedure can help realign your spine, which may help reduce your level of pain and help you regain your balance. If you have preexisting medical conditions such as poor circulation, osteoporosis, arthritic conditions, heart problems, or respiratory disorders, let your chiropractor know before he or she begins your spinal manipulation procedure.
By doing so, the chiropractor can better evaluate your condition during the procedure and be on the lookout for any abnormal symptoms that you may experience as a result of your health problems.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and are seeking non-pharmaceutical methods of pain relief, make an appointment with an auto accident chiropractor. He or she will perform a comprehensive examination and then will discuss the best treatment options for your personal situation.
Share