3 Ways Therapeutic Massage Can Ease Neck Pain
If you have ever been involved in a motor vehicle accident, then you may have suffered significant neck pain. While prescription pain medications can help take the edge off your pain, they can cause serious adverse reactions and, in some cases, drug dependence.
If you are seeking a safe, alternative method of auto accident treatment for your pain, consider making an appointment with your chiropractor to learn about the benefits of therapeutic massage. Here are three ways chiropractic massage can help ease your neck pain after a car accident and how they work.
Decreases Systemic Inflammation
Therapeutic massage can help diminish systemic inflammation. If you develop systemic inflammation as a result of a car accident, your body may express large amounts of chemicals known as pro-inflammatory cytokines.
These substances can further aggravate sore neck muscles and raise your risk for spinal pain. Not only can the release of cytokines lead to pain, it may also heighten your risk for breathing and allergy problems.
Promotes The Release Of Natural Painkillers
Massage helps your body produce natural painkillers known as endorphins. Not only can endorphins dull your pain, they can also boost your mood. Also known as "feel good chemicals," endorphins may be just as or even more effective than analgesic medications in the treatment of mild to moderate pain.
Not only are the effects of endorphin release apparent both during and immediately after your chiropractic massage, you may notice a significant improvement in your level of neck pain long after your massage.
Your therapeutic massage may also include the addition of scented essential oils such as lavender and vanilla. Both of these fragrances can help promote relaxation, and in conjunction with massage, they can greatly enhance your feelings of well-being.
Enhances Restorative Sleep
When you are in pain, your sleep, especially high-quality restorative sleep, may be disrupted. Therapeutic massage can help promote deep sleep after your auto accident, and if your doctor has prescribed sleep medications to help you rest at night, you may notice that you no longer need them after your massage.
A massage can help soothe sore neck muscles, and may be especially helpful to those who have sustained a whiplash injury. Massage, especially trigger point massage, can improve the range-of-motion of your neck and help ease accompanying back pain.
If you are involved in an accident, make an appointment with an auto injury expert chiropractor who will evaluate your situation and develop an effective treatment plan. When neck injuries are recognized and treated quickly, you are less likely to experience long-term problems such as limited mobility, stiffness, and cervical pain upon awakening.
For more information on how to recover from an auto accident, contact a clinic like Physical Rehabilitation Centers.
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