Car wreck injuries are the leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 5 and 29. According to the Annual Global Road Crash Statistics’ road safety facts, 38,000 people lose their lives each year in automobile crashes in the United States. Another 4.4 million people sustain serious accident injuries and property damage.
Medical care is of primary importance for car accident victims. Some opt for standard medical treatment while others turn to natural medicine for help. So what are the benefits of using natural medicine to ease pain after a car accident?Â
Natural Healing Modalities For Pain
Back pain is the number one ailment suffered from car accident injuries. With the ongoing opioid crisis, drug-free treatments are looking better than ever. Some examples to consider include:Â
- Essential oilsÂ
- Hot and cold compressesÂ
- AcupunctureÂ
- Chiropractic care or massage therapy
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of these pain-relieving ideas one by one. These statements are not to be used in place of medical advice from a professional practitioner, but can be viewed as a jumping-off point for ideas about additional ways to decrease your discomfort after a wreck.Â
Essential Oils
It may seem like essential oils are upheld as a cure-all for everything by some, but the fact remains natural substances do help alleviate irritation and inflammation.Â
Oil From Rosehips. Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Peppermint
Rosehips contain antioxidants called polyphenols and anthocyanins, a dark blue pigment found in many foods. Sometimes health practitioners recommend rosehips to replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Rosehips are especially helpful for those with stomach problems since they do not irritate the stomach lining.Â
There are contraindications, however, and you should do your homework before embarking on its use. For example, people on lithium should refrain from taking rosehips since they are a diuretic and can slow the elimination of lithium from the body and cause kidney issues.
Other essential oils that may be used include lavender to ease anxiety and help with inflammation, and eucalyptus oil has been found to lower blood pressure and help with aching pain. Some people use eucalyptus and peppermint in a warm bath.Â
Hot and Cold Compresses
It may seem simplistic, but heat and ice can both be used for dramatic pain relief. It is recommended to ice the area first, but for no longer than 15 minutes. If you hold ice to the area for too long, the cold could compromise lymph flow. For acute back pain, use an ice pack for 15 minute intervals and then apply heat afterward. A simple heating pad and ice pack kept in your freezer will work just fine.Â
Acupuncture, Massage, and Chiropractic CareÂ
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that increases blood flow to a painful area. This is accomplished through the insertion of tiny needles through which an electrical current is passed to stimulate the nerve endings and draw blood to the area. Massage helps move lymph and blood carrying healing nutrients around the body. Chiropractic care can help get your skeletal structure and bones back into alignment.
Post-Accident Medical Costs
Medical expenses are a huge concern for car accident victims. The great thing about natural treatments is the low cost. Following an accident in a large city like NY, it should be easy to find a directory of resources. Your team of professionals should include a good NYC personal injury attorney, conventional doctor, and possibly a naturopath or alternative medicine guru. People who are uninsured or underinsured may find natural remedies particularly helpful because they’re cheap and easy to use. They should be considered when to incur accident injuries.
The post Using Natural Remedies for Car Accident Injuries appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
