As chiropractors, we hear phrases such as “its a flare-up” or “I throw my back out every once in a while” all the time. And while this may seem to be an ordinary part of the human experience in our modern society, living in pain is not normal, it’s a bad habit. Habits, or tendencies to settle on a behavior or act that is difficult to give up, can be attributed to physical pain when the person experiencing the pain does not actively make changes in the lifestyle that is causing the pain. Now this does not suggest that we shut down any and all activities that cause pain, rather fortify ourselves in order to be able to tolerate the activities that we enjoy. For example, people tend to stop running as adults because running causes knee pain. Instead of avoiding running, we are suggesting that those people seek out what aspects of running cause knee pain and determine what has changed between now and back when running down the Monon in Carmel was a pain-free and enjoyable experience. From there, they should be able to correct the habit and eliminate the issue.

HOW DO THESE HABITS START?

We all get injured, we all experience pain. Differently, but no one is exempt. What we do when we experience pain can determine if it will be habitual. Patients that come into chiropractic or physical therapy offices often want to understand where their pain came from. Unless it was due to a very traumatic incident, such as a motor vehicle accident, most injuries are the result of repetitive insults. It can be the habit of moving a certain way or carrying objects with bad form over and over. Sometimes its our posture or how we sleep, but it is almost always due to something that we do over and over, long before it permeates as pain. Pain is unfortunately a common experience for many people, whether it be from a physical injury, chronic condition, or even just everyday stresses and strains on the body. While pain is a natural response that alerts us to potential harm or injury, it can also be debilitating and have a significant impact on our quality of life. For this reason, finding ways to eliminate or manage pain is a top priority for many individuals. However, eliminating pain is not always a simple or quick process.

CHANGE BEGINS WITH HELP

Healing often requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root cause of the pain, as well as the underlying factors that may be contributing to it. This is where chiropractic care, dry needling, and dynamic rehab can be valuable tools in the journey towards pain relief. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the spine and musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct misalignments in the spine which can cause pain and dysfunction in the body. By adjusting the spine and restoring proper alignment, chiropractors can help alleviate pain and improve overall function. In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may also incorporate other techniques such as soft tissue therapy, stretching exercises, and lifestyle counseling to address the underlying causes of pain. By taking a comprehensive approach to care, chiropractors can help patients achieve long-term relief from pain and improve their overall health and well-being. Dry needling is another effective treatment option for pain relief that is often used in conjunction with chiropractic care. Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into trigger points in the muscles to release tension and reduce pain. This technique can help improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote the body’s natural healing processes. Dynamic rehabilitation is another important component of pain management that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and function through targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques.  By combining these techniques together, patients can benefit from a comprehensive and integrated approach to their paint. Each of these modalities offers unique benefits and can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient. The caveat, however, is that none of these are magic pills – none can be as effect as they need to be with just one or two applications. Consistent care creates the changes that are necessary to get real and lasting results.

ONCE I START GOING, CAN I EVER STOP? 

While it is important to note that eliminating pain is a process that requires time, patience, and commitment, we understand that dedicating time to visit the chiropractor 3 times a week for the rest of your life isn’t exactly feasible, nor is it necessary. The treatment modalities described above can be highly effective in reducing pain and improving function, but it is important for patients to actively participate in their care and follow their provider’s recommendations for optimal results. This means that the exercises should be tailored in a way that is applicable to the patient. The patient, in turn, is responsible for taking the knowledge and utilizing it to change the habit of pain and the cycle of injury. At that point, prevention becomes the name of the game. Prevention is the cornerstone of chiropractic care. As top rated Indianapolis chiropractors, we educate our patients on how to maintain their health and prevent future problems through lifestyle modifications, such as proper nutrition, adequate sleep, regular exercise and stress management. This proactive approach helps patients achieve and sustain optimal health over the long term.

In conclusion, eliminating pain is a complex process that requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. It is not a quick fix and it is definitely not something that will just ‘go away’. Active care, with the help from specialists like us at Integrated Health Solutions, modifying activities and staying consistent with preventative therapies are the key components of a pain-free lifestyle.

Prepared and written by Dr. Drew Hunt
Chiropractor | Acupuncture Specialist
Integrated Health Solutions Inc.
6330 E. 75th St. Suite 124 Indpls, IN 46250
971 N. Delaware St. Indpls, IN 46202
430 N. Rangeline Rd. Carmel, IN 46032

Questions on how we can help? Call us for an exam and consult today!

P: 317-449-2020
E: amie@ihsindy.com