How to Fix Back Pain

Is Back Pain Controlling Your Life?

Does any of the following sound familiar? You might not be able to play with your grandkids, you begin skipping trips with a spouse, or you gradually stop working in the yard, something that you enjoy. Perhaps you are no longer able to play golf, work, or even sit in the car for a 30-minute drive. It’s almost impossible for anyone around you to understand how you feel. You can’t remember the last time you even had a restful night’s sleep. Nothing’s worse than feeling great mentally, but physically feeling held back from life because your strained back or sciatica pain in your leg hurts and won’t go away! Your husband, your wife, your kids—they don’t understand the sudden catch that can drop you to your knees.

They don’t know about turning over in bed every five minutes and then sleeping in the recliner or couch the rest of the night when you can’t get comfortable. They don’t have a clue about trying to get up the next day and facing the world when you’re totally exhausted and still in pain. You are slowly turning into a grumpy person (and no one wants to be around that). You might feel embarrassed or disgusted with the same old back pain or, worse, perhaps you minimize your complaints and think you just have to live with it. You realize that no one really understands what it feels like, as they might secretly think you are faking it. Or they know you hurt but think it can’t be that bad.

Maybe you have seen other doctors or professionals who don’t seem all that concerned with your back health. I can speak from personal experience on this case. I want you to realize the opportunities that can be missed in life if your pain is preventing you from your life goals or your ability to help secure your life, your family’s life. I am truly passionate about helping back-pain sufferers find relief, but more important, helping them to an improved life by alleviating a burden that might inhibit the true quality of their lives or families’ lives.

Help Me Help You!

Help me help you! Help me help you!

—Jerry Maguire

It’s crucial to value your health and, if you’re reading this book, you probably understand this concept. Think about it—without your health you really have nothing. Pay more attention to your health since, as you age, it might become more difficult to find the time to exercise, watch what you eat, nurture your mind, or follow doctors’ recommendations. This is sometimes due to life circumstances or the belief that you have other more important priorities, such as spouses, kids, or loved ones, who might take your time and attention because you know they depend on you and need you to be healthy. Most people have priorities, and many have others who depend on them, so no more excuses. Make a commitment to your health, knowing that it’s difficult to serve others—and yourself—if you’re in poor health. The smallest decisions or slightest changes every day can either move you toward or away from better health. The choice is yours—you always have a choice. Many people know they should improve their health, but the large majority never take action.

The majority of patients I work with—and, likely, most of the population—generally want one or more of these three things:

1. Sleep better
2. Improve energy levels
3. Decrease pain to maintain physical independence and to continue sharing life’s experiences with loved ones

I am here to help you achieve success in all three areas of concern. And I’ll need you to…help me help you.

You Must Love Yourself First!

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.

—Joyce Meyer

I am reminded of a patient named Pat, a 55-year-old lady who works from home. She sits at a desk, working on a computer for 8 to 9 hours a day, and suffers from chronic lower back pain. She is a good and caring person, but the fact is she cares for everyone but herself. Pat has not given herself permission to take care of her own needs. In your upbringing you were probably taught to share and think of others, both good qualities but if you are physically unable you are limited in what you can do. Pat was a single mother who raised three kids and always took care of their needs, financially, health-wise, and in relation to extracurricular activities. She has battled a number of health issues, including back pain, digestive issues, complications from diabetes, but has really done nothing proactive to combat these conditions.

The harsh reality is that Pat even takes better care of her dog than herself. She told me how she noticed her dog limping and immediately took her to the veterinarian. The dog had a hip condition and underwent a surgery, or maybe multiple surgeries, that cost over $7,500. Pat said she did not think twice about spending the money to help her dog. There is nothing wrong with that—she loves and cares for her dog. The dog still has a limp but seems to be feeling better. Yet, when I suggested Pat invest in a chair that better supports her lower back while working and possibly an ergonomically correct work desk to decrease the frequency of her neck and back pain, she responded with, “I can’t do that. I am getting new carpet for my house; it will be too expensive right now.” The items might cost her $500 but could potentially save her multiple thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars in future health-care expenses, lost time at work, decreased years she is able to earn an income, not to mention the benefits such as enjoying life’s moments with her kids, free of pain and suffering. Now, I have a professional and moral obligation to help her…but I can’t help someone who doesn’t care enough about her health to make an investment in herself. You must love yourself first! Make a commitment to love and care for yourself. Give yourself permission to do what’s best for you.

Make sure and check out our next blog on What You Should Expect from Any Doctor Treating Your Pain.

If you would like to know more information on how we may help or how you can treat your own back pain, please visit our website at www.abileneadvancedchiro.com or call 325-695-9355 to receive a free copy of our 21st Century Back Pain Solution book.