“It always seems impossible until it is done.”
Do these wise words about healing sound familiar?
Success without setbacks is impossible. When you first started navigating the world of providers for your chronic condition, you may have been warned about risks and side effects.
The time has come to overcome that mindset.
Read on to learn how you can best approach to tackling your chronic neck or back pain and the limitations it imposes on you.
#1. Take Stock of How Long You Have Been Suffering
You’ve heard it said that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”.
Your journey of pain might have started with one incident or injury but the weeks, months, and years since then have resulted in a number of responses by your body in an attempt to offset the problem.
Life has a sense of humor and likes to kick us down when we are already struggling, but chances are if you take stock of this journey, you will appreciate that recovery is also a journey that will take time.
Knowing that recovery will take time helps you to tamper your short term expectations and stay committed.
#2. Damage Control
Is the pain and the limitations it’s imposing on you having a broader effect on different aspects of your life?
Don’t panic or get worked up. No, seriously, this is not the time to throw your hands up and surrender.
You can take back control of your life and your body and come out of this with a deeper appreciation of health.
Top Tip: Use the impact your pain has had on your life, your comfort, your activity and use that as fuel for your commitment to get well. The process of healing is foreign in our culture. It will take time and will take a commitment from you.
#3. Accept that You Will Need Different Experts than You Have Used thus Far
I know you like to go with the familiar and trust your personal physician but if they haven’t offered you anything different and have not’ thought outside of the box, then you are only going to get more the same:
- Physical Therapy
- Medications
- Pain Management with injections
Instead, if you accept that what hasn’t work thus far and you need something different, you can explore a range of qualified providers who do something a little outside of the traditional
For example:
Before undergoing surgery for knee or shoulder issues it might be a good idea to explore whether you are a candidate for PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) or Stem Cells.
#4. Future Planning
Now that you know how to avoid the inevitable challenges and time it takes to get well, it is time to leave it behind you and create the plan for your recovery so you can get on with the rest of your life.
One thing is for sure. If what you’ve done so far hasn’t worked, it’s unlikely it is going to work.
And, if what you have done hasn’t worked you are going to have to do something very different. That should make sense.
And, if your doctor hasn’t recommended something new or different maybe it’s time for a new doctor.
Remember: Recovery from chronic pain taking time is common, and you are not abnormal just because it has happened to you. All you can control is how you deal with the process of recovery.
Just make sure to get very realistic expectations from anyone you work with.
#5. Act, Don’t React
Did a teacher or mentor tell you that one, too? Don’t roll your eyes at me! You know we’re both right.
I might add to that. Your goal is not to react but to respond.
The ability to roll with the ups and downs and to respond is a sign of a healthy nervous system.
Reaction puts you back in the headspace of disappointment and frustration.
How can Life Chiropractic help you overcome your Chronic Pain?
Are you still flailing a little or want just a bit more help to get you back on your feet after all you’ve endured in your chronic pain journey?
No problem!
At Life Chiropractic of Grass Valley, we pride ourselves on evaluating each individual and crafting a personalized program for recovery.
If we think your goals are unrealistic or we aren’t sure we can help you, we will tell you.
That means you don’t have to worry about how to assess the program of care we might recommend. That’s what we’re here for.
You can schedule your first visit here: Schedule Here
We can’t wait to meet you and help you overcome your pain.
And did you see our post on What’s the Meaning of Pain? It’s all about pain and what the body is telling us. We’d love to hear what you think of it!
About Dr. Berkowitz
Dr. Bill Berkowitz is a dedicated chiropractor who brings reliability and depth to his practice at Life Chiropractic in western Nevada County. Focused on addressing chronic issues like low back pain, headaches, and anxiety, Dr. Berkowitz delivers patient-centered care rooted in proven methods without unnecessary extras.
Life Chiropractic, founded by Dr. Bill Berkowitz, offers reliable and results-driven chiropractic care for residents of western Nevada County. With a focus on foundational health solutions, the practice prioritizes quality and effectiveness to help clients achieve relief from chronic issues without unnecessary add-ons.