I don’t like to whine. I enjoy it, but I don’t like to do it.
But as you may know, I experienced whiplash in a car accident about 3 years ago. And every once in a while I do something that takes it back to where it started, with an inability to turn my head and pain at a constant 7 or 8, spiking to 11 on a scale that goes to 10. My most recent folly was driving my new vehicle for two hours with no back and neck support. I completely forgot to check that situation before heading out and I was rather tense when I drove. And I’ve paid for it all week.
That’s enough about that.
What I want is your help. Someone, somewhere knows how to heal these shredded muscles. My chiropractor does what he can and my massage therapist makes me feel better and draws healing blood to the area. I do neck stretches and I drum to keep the area moving. But there has to be something more!
I’ve heard a lot but I haven’t heard it all or I wouldn’t keep going through these bouts of recurrence. One pal recommended some sort of voodoo doctor who talks to the pain and makes it go away. Another says her naturopath could do it in one visit. (I’ve had less than ideal experiences with naturopaths but I realize not all are created equal.) I’d happily load up on painkillers but Tylenol and Advil both make me drowsy. So this is your chance to play doctor! It goes beyond icing and heating pads. I’m talking therapy. Help me?
Have you tried Acupuncture?
I have not. I did undergo acupuncture years ago and I freaked out over the needles and found the non-needle version didn’t really help. Maybe I can handle it now. Thanks!
Lisa, I suggest seeing a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor. I have been going to one for 2 years. I had chronic sinus headaches and after seeing her for a few months…..rarely have one now! My husband was a real disbeliever but I made him go for his chronic irritable bowel issues…after a month…he has been fine for 2 years. We both still go once a month for tune ups and more frequently if we have other issues. She uses a combination of acupuncture, tuina massage, cupping, and herbs. Here is the link:
http://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/
Maybe try Reiki? It’s an ancient Japanese energy healing technique that holistically treats the mind, body, heart and spirit. Rediscovered by Buddhist Priest Dr. Mikao Usai in the 19th Century, Reiki treatments are now a widely practiced healing modality in the West due to their gentle nature and powerful effects.
As someone who lived through similar pain after tearing/stretching all the muscles in my neck and upper back during a wrestling match and tore up the muscles and ligaments in my ankle which bothered me for nearly a decade, let me offer you some direction.
Think of your muscles like and elastic band, if suddenly stretched, they snap back and often will bind in a knot which can often be removed with Acupuncture
or through massage therapy. However if muscles are suddenly stretched and torn, what happens is that scar tissue develops which is non-flexible, will occasionally bind when you least expect it and will inhibit recovery and the healing process. In this case, what you need is to have an ultrasound scan to identify any scar tissue in the muscles and then have the therapist gradually break down this scar tissue using ultrasound and once gone the muscles will be able to fully heal and mend and by continuing your exercises, strengthen.
Modern medicine is great, but it focuses on symptoms not root causes of the pain or problem. Fix the problem first, then you can manage any remaining symptoms through therapy and exercise.
Dr. A, that will be 1 extra large Tims coffee for services rendered. but only if it works.
We’re having dinner tonight with some friends who just bought a magnetic mattress (I have no idea) but they’re OVER THE MOON about it. He’s a builder (Ross from the wedding) and is saying he’s now completely pain free. I’ll find out more (I know, it sounds kinda strange) but I just know he and his busy nurse wife are completely and utterly sold on this.
Wow – what a terrific response. Thank you all! Jean, I have heard of reiki and Susan, I actually used to go regularly to a traditional Chinese Dr. when I lived in Hamilton. Allan, my GP didn’t even suggest looking at the muscles when I saw her last week after one of those muscle headaches that lasted 3 days. She suggested stretching exercises for my neck which I am doing but not when I’m in pain. Erin, I heard of a magnetic mattress for the first time this week but I know next to nothing about it. I’ll look into it too! Thanks everyone. I’ve got some research to do.