Stop Taking Painkillers Take Massage Instead

Stop Taking Painkillers Take Massage Instead

This is my story.

But I hear a similar story from the people we train on a daily basis. In one way or another, we all experience the same type of situation before we finally take action that turns things around and actually improves our life:

Tomorrow would be my 1 year anniversary of being on sick leave. I had a heavy concussion and a whiplash – a suitcase had fallen off the overhead luggage rack while the airplane I was on moved to the airstrip, ready for departure.

My life was not as I had imagined. I was using painkillers to suppress the enormous headache. I was in bed all day. I could not bear any sound. Nor could I handle any stress. Even grocery shopping was too much.

It was my seventh concussion and fourth whiplash. And I had done a lot of tests: X-ray examination – when I found out I was allergic to contrast agents and had a near-death experience, but that’s a different story – ultrasound, EEC, CT-scan, MRI and neurological examination. They could not find anything.

I had tried all kinds of treatments and therapy to get rid of my pain and symptoms. Physiotherapy. Shockwave therapy (sound waves). A neurologist even paralyzed a nerve for a few days. Neck-traction device at the hospital. I wore a neck brace. Tried a brand-new head pillow that had been custom-made for me. I even changed my diet. Nothing worked.

The only thing that had decreased the worst pain to some degree was treatment from an orthomanual therapist. The only other alternative was to just lie down in a dark room with painkillers, although that was more pain suppression.

That day, my neurologist asked me if it would not be better for me to resign: quit my office job.

Quit? But then what would I do?

I gave her a hundred reasons not to quit my job. Like being pregnant – perhaps not the ideal timing to resign when I was about to have a baby and being ill as well. No job? Then what? What about my future? And what about my baby that was on the way?

As all these reasons went through my mind, my neurologist gave me one reason – an incentive really – to resign.

She told me that I would get better if I gave massage treatments. I was overwhelmed. I thought it was weird. However, I was also curious. She told that she had seen the same scenario in her practice for years: “We take too many pills, Nicole. We have stressful jobs and just keep taking pills. Not good for people, like you, with headaches.” She was a fan of therapeutic Thai massage. It helped her relax. It also helped many of her clients who suffered from headaches. “And then you have a relaxed job!” She laughed when she left.

The seed was planted. I started doing some research. I booked massage treatments, so I could experience it myself.

Guess what? She was right!

  • I had a therapeutic Thai massage every three days for three weeks in a row. The treatments were specifically for headaches and whiplash pain and injuries. My headaches disappeared.

  • I had dealt with my headaches and pain for so long, that I just could not remember how good, free and relaxed it felt without a headache.

  • I threw away my painkillers. And more importantly, I turned my life around.

  • I started giving massage treatments and classes full-time. All of a sudden my workspace was no longer an office with computers and deadlines, but a nice space with soothing music and lovely essential oils.

Every day, I make people happy with my massage treatments. Do you know how much energy that gives me? I schedule my own time. I work when I want to. I even meditate during treatments. My body became stronger. My life changed completely. Without headaches.

I love sharing my story. Because I want everyone to have a happy and healthy life. To feel appreciated. Without stress.

Create a happy,  healthy and stress-free day!

Nicole (& Manel)

PS: Do you know others who like to know how to become healthier without taking too many painkillers? Feel free to share this post by clicking on the Social Media link below.

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