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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, Universe, for continuing to bless me with recovery and health.
Can escaping the world of pain truly be painless?
This blog post covers an inspiring conversation with my Chiropractor.
He once categorically mentioned ”I’m yet to come across a perfect spine in my practice of 28 years. There is no such word as, painless”. He added ”With many of us accepting and living with little pain here and there is what makes us special”.
He shared patient stories that changed my perspective about managing pain.
My Story
In 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks.
Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. During my journey, I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema and Blood Pressure.
As you might surmise, these diagnoses altered the course of my life irrevocably.
In my experience, the resources to fight rare diseases sometimes cramp themselves. It even became challenging for doctors considering the rareness of my disease. The chronic and rare ailments had fewer studies than the common ones.
I started with symptomatic treatment. Western medicines seemed the only source of immediate relief. Over time, I took a more holistic approach toward interconnecting my body, mind, and environment.
I got introduced to my chiropractor by a friend. My Chiropractor came across as a normal-looking Asian guy with extraordinary skills. He helped fix some basic issues of my musculoskeletal system. The process helped the natural healing process of my body.
He educated me on how chiropractic treatment believes in our body’s self-healing capacity. Also, ways in which spinal malfunctions impact our nervous system and general health.
The Life-Changing Conversation
It is my ninth session on a Saturday morning. I drive for a couple of minutes to my chiropractor for the biweekly session. Till then, I didn’t have a great track record of bearing even a bit of pain. It is as if I get out of every single visit, and it doesn’t take long for my mind to start thinking about my pain and associated problems. So, as usual, there I go complaining about my excruciating pain.
After my session, he asked me to wait until he was over with other patients.
To begin with, he genuinely listens to my fears relating to the treatment and recovery. He asks a couple of open-ended questions. I could feel his comforting presence.
He mentioned that ”living without pain and being perfect is a myth”.
He gave examples of some of his clients including athletes, sportspeople, and bodybuilders. On the outside many of them seem painless but each day they all experience some kind of invisible pain within.
His renowned clients revealed that having a perfect and painless body is far from being true. Due to self-worth, societal expectations, and immense competition, they are expected to achieve abnormally high standards that are accompanied by significant drawbacks. The pressure to be perfect leads to anxiety, mental issues, body exertion, and pain.
Sometimes, sharing personal experiences can be very powerful.
If the person conversing with the patient has faced similar health issues or struggles, sharing those stories can create a sense of connection. It shows that others have overcome similar obstacles and that there’s hope.
Even in difficult situations, maintaining a positive outlook is essential. Conversations should focus on possibilities, potential solutions, and the future. Remind patients of their strengths and the progress they’ve made so far.
Inspiring conversations involve setting achievable goals. Whether it’s physical therapy milestones, mental health improvements, or lifestyle changes, having clear objectives gives patients something to work toward.
It’s important to acknowledge that no one is perfect.
Embracing imperfections can be a great opportunity for learning and growth. Imperfections are real, and everyone has their invisible struggles, regardless of outward appearance.
The chiropractor’s statement highlights a significant aspect of managing chronic pain.
Changing My Perception
My Chiropractor asked me to change my mindset towards pain as an important aspect of managing it.
1) It is important to overcome a fixed mindset about anything in particular. With a shift in focus, one starts to positively respond to medicines and treatments.
2) Be optimistic and strongly believe that even the worst of situations can improve.
3) Imbibe simple activities like walking can create a difference and try to swim at least twice a week. Simple and natural activities show positive results with pain.
4) Shifting focus away from negative thoughts can help manage pain better. Cultivating a sense of gratitude can go a long way.
A positive change in our mindset towards pain can help us and the people around us. We can influence our psychological response to improve pain management.
Embracing Pain as a Teacher
Easier said than done!! Pain can act as a teacher with valuable lessons.
1) We learn a lot through pain as adversities build resilience.
2) We discover our hidden strengths and weaknesses.
3) It strengthens our human quality of being compassionate and empathetic towards others.
4) Often, pain is a wake-up call that helps us step out of our comfort zone. It pushes us towards growth.
5) We tend to get more creative and learn to emerge from difficult situations.
It is important to remember that pain isn’t merely an obstacle.
My chiropractor believed that pain could lead to self-discovery and resilience
Generally, Chiropractors recognize the importance of both physical and psychological well-being.
Psychosocial aspects play an important role in pain management and spine care. Therefore, it is important to keep the patient’s coping mechanism positive. Also, a patient who believes in managing and dealing with pain is more positive and receptive to treatments.
Among others, he chose two stories of patients who embraced pain positively:
These little stories made me feel alive. It evoked relatable emotions of love, loss, hope, and triumph. It mirrored my life and reminded me of significant moments. Their growth and transformation, their resilience and determination helped me with lessons. The intensity and beauty of the inspiring life stories linger in my heart to live better.
1. I met Jenni in an emergency room when she came in with spinal pain. She was a professional gymnast and got injured during a practice session. She faced another setback when the Neurosurgeon confirmed the least chances of her return to practice soon.
However, she had a unique perspective on pain recovery. Despite her intense discomfort and misery, she asked me to help her get fixed up. She lived as a strong believer in leading her best life by making an effort every day. No matter how bad she felt, she got up, dressed, put on her makeup, and did her daily bit.
Her case was complex and time-consuming; however, she lived inspiring many around her.
2. James suffered a bike ride injury. His never-give-up attitude led him to an amazing comeback.
He was a cross-country biker from Australia. His life took a drastic turn when he was hit by a truck, breaking both her back and neck. It shocked the doctors that he even survived the crash. He had partial paralysis with no feeling from the waist down.
Despite all the injuries he learned to walk again. Over years of hard work, resilience, and complete determination he was able to make a comeback.
He remembered a couple of other patients who were a testament to determination, positive thinking, and the power of the human spirit.
These stories helped me change my behaviour and perspective toward pain.
Conclusion
This blog post covers an inspiring conversation with my chiropractor.
He categorically mentioned ”I’m yet to come across a perfect spine in my practice of 28 years. There is no such word as, painless”. He added ”With many of us accepting and living with little pain here and there is what makes us special”. He believed that pain could lead to self-discovery and resilience.
Embracing pain is challenging, however, often it becomes a part of personal growth. It’s important to acknowledge pain with a positive mindset. It is important to reflect on the valuable lessons of pain and shift our perspective.
Talking about, seeking support and professional help can provide relief. It is important to recall that we aren’t alone and that others have faced similar struggles. It is useful to acknowledge that pain is temporary.
So, dear readers let us not shy away from pain instead, emerge wiser, and more alive.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
