Begin With The Deepest Structures
In my chiropractic practice, I am commonly asked by patients in pain if their condition is caused by "tight muscles." My answer is: "yes and no." You might say that "yes and no" isn't a very good answer and I'd reply it's the best I have for that question.
Pain can be caused by tight muscles, but we must ask: "Why are the muscles tight?" We can't forget that the muscles are on the surface of our body. We also must remember that our spinal and pelvic bones and joints are deep and underneath the muscles. If the deep pelvic and spinal bones are in good alignment and moving properly then the surface muscles will be relaxed. However, if the spinal and pelvic bones are misaligned and irritating the joints and pinching nerves the muscles will get tight and go into spasm to protect us so that we don't hurt the spine further. We dislike that spasm, but we must respect that our muscles are protecting us and keeping us from further injury. It is important to examine the deepest structures first. If we correct the spinal and pelvic misalignments with chiropractic care the muscles will then relax naturally.
This brings up another commonly asked question: "Should I get a massage?" My answer is that massages will help temporarily. I'm all for massages but they won't fully correct the problem unless the spine is adjusted by a chiropractor.
Likewise, we want to utilize a physical therapist at the proper time. If there is a misalignment and physical therapy exercises are directed at a misaligned spine all we do is injure it further. So, we must do our chiropractic adjustments first, then exercise will be fantastic. Of course, the exercises you've learned here at our office are low risk and can and should be performed daily.
When we are having a musculo-skeletal problem of the spine, seeing the proper health care specialist in the correct time sequence will keep us from delaying healing and bring relief of pain sooner. I commonly like to refer patients to physical therapists and massage therapists after I patients have had the underlying spinal and pelvic joint conditions corrected with their chiropractic care.
Remember, chiropractic care helps restore balance and allows our bodies to heal and function well - naturally, without drugs or invasive surgery. It is important to check the deepest structures in our body first to address the underlying cause of the condition.
I remember hearing about a book titled "The Anatomy of an Illness" by Norman Cousins, which is supposedly based on a true story regarding the author's battle with cancer and how he was able to heal himself.
Cousins receives his prognosis and decides to "live" his last few months in joy and happiness. The time frame passed in which the doctor's expected Cousins to pass but something strange happened. After additional testing and workup, Cousins went into remission and was completely healed from his cancer!
The doctors, nurses and his care team were all shocked and surprised because they "knew" he was a dead man walking (laying in this case I suppose). What the doctor's hadn't known was Cousin's decision to enjoy his "last" days by laughing everyday! Yes, one of the key factors that contributed to Cousin's miraculous healing was him laughing every single day. This raises the question, if a man dying from cancer can find ways to appreciate and enjoy life, why can't we?
As children, we often approach life simple and with ease without a seeming care in the world. As we grow older and our cognitive function develops, we begin to form perceptions and unconscious beliefs regarding life. One of these debilitating beliefs is, life is always hard. Work, Work, Work and if time is left, maybe Play.
However, science is now proving how important play actually is in our mental and physical health. Dr. Neil Nedley in his groundbreaking book "The Lost of Art Thinking" mentions this in regards to recreation: "... true recreation rejuvenates, replenishes, and restores... hiking by lakes, streams, or the ocean surf is a great way to receive life enhancing negative ions, rejuvenating heart and mind while building muscle as well." Everyone may not be able to get near lakes or streams, but everyone can at least get outside.
It's important to realize the six days of work, one day of rest as noted in the biblical tradition as of key importance. However, you don't have to subscribe to any particular religion or belief system to benefit from it. It's a universal law that applies to all!
Charles Rivers is a freelance writer, podcaster and life coach. He has a passion for learning and growing and helping others do the same. You can follow Charles on anyone of his social media profiles:
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