A healthy lifestyle has been proven to improve vitality, but sometimes the unthinkable happens and even the healthiest among us get seriously injured. In the aftermath of a car wreck, pain can lead to prescription drug use and addiction.
The CDC has recognized overuse of opioids as an epidemic, and users are not only ingesting street drugs like heroin. Overdose deaths include those who used prescription painkillers and synthetic drugs like fentanyl. An astonishing 70% of overdose deaths in 2019 were attributed to opioid.use.
Why Are Opioids So Addictive?
Even short-term opioid use can lead to addiction, according to the Mayo Clinic. That’s because the drugs create intensely pleasurable feelings and a false sense of wellbeing. But when the drug wears off, users often find themselves craving that feeling again. These cravings can seem urgent and lead to repeated, cyclical use with highs and lows that feed the addiction process.
When these painkillers are used long-term, the body actually slows down the production of endorphins. These feel-good hormones create positive feelings and without them, users descend into a spiral of addiction as they become tolerant of the drugs and have to use more and more opioids to get their fix. This is most certainly a nightmare of unspeakable proportions, and it’s a sad fact that has led many toward alternative pain control methods.
Natural Pain Relief
It should go without saying that anyone seriously injured in a car accident should consult a doctor. The information provided in this article is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. That said, there is a lot you can do to ease pain naturally. From your grandmother’s remedies to newer approaches. Below, we examine ways to alleviate suffering without the use of prescription drugs. Natural pain relievers include:
- Willow bark has properties similar to aspirin
- Turmeric as an anti-inflammatory
- Cloves for headache and pain relief
- Lavender to ease anxiety and stress
Some herbs like cloves can be mixed into a carrier oil and applied topically. Good anti-infectives include olive leaf extract, oregano oil, and grapefruit seed extract, which can also be taken internally. As far as old-fashioned remedies go, a nice soak in an epsom salt bath or an ice pack can also work wonders.
Body Work
Body work is really anything that includes manipulating the physical body to relieve pain. There are various healing modalities available, and many patients espouse their success.
Acupuncture
The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture is thought to relieve pain by rebalancing the energy pathways or flow of qi in the body. This is accomplished by strategically inserting tiny needles into the painful area to stimulate blood flow. Some studies suggest acupuncture causes the body to release serotonin.
Chiropractic Care
Some people love chiropractors, but some only pass judgment. Either way, chiropractic treatments can relieve pain by putting your spine back in alignment and correcting any subluxations that cause pain.
Helpful Professionals to Aid Your Recovery
Unfortunately, if you’ve been seriously hurt, it may take a team of professionals to get you well again. But don’t lose hope. The right medical doctor, acupuncturist, chiropractor, naturopath, and good personal injury lawyers can be part of your recovery team.
Medical professionals will get your body back to normal and an attorney will help get your losses compensated. You may also be entitled to a handsome settlement for your pain and suffering. Don’t wait to put your team together after an accident. You deserve the best shot at recovery and a normal life.
