I've Got a Grudge

I've got Grudge Against Chronic Pain.  It’s why I do what I do.  I’ve seen the results of pain on human beings, and it ain’t pretty. 

• Pain has certain physiological effects on the body.  Pain closes us down, causes contraction and compression.

First, we hold our breath.  Our diaphragm contracts. It’s like we want to say “no thanks” to the experience of that pain.  We
want to NOT invite it in.  And so we stop breathing, as if to reject the very moment of life that brings us that experience.   This is understandable and we all do it unconsciously. 

• (This is why, by the way, the breath is such a great way to help reduce pain in the body.  As we consciously relax into the experience and create controlled calm breathing, we actually reduce pain!)

Second, other muscles in our body contact.  Whether it’s the specific muscle in pain that suddenly goes into rapid or continuous contraction – a spasm – or some other muscles that tend to “hold stress” – like the jaw, the neck & shoulder,  or the glute muscles – the result of pain is that these muscles tighten up.      

• ​And this, as you might guess, can actually cause MORE PAIN.  It can become a devastating cycle.  The pain causes muscles to spasm -- the spasm causes more pain -- the pain causes more spasm.  And on and on.  Nasty right?    Are you starting to understand my grudge a little better?

Third – and this may sound a little dramatic, but it really isn’t – Chronic Pain is a soul destroyer.  Truly.  Chronic pain causes problems with sleep, decreases immune function, causes depression, and limits our ability to do the things with our bodies that we love.  

• So now you’re sleep deprived, depressed, sick, isolated, and in pain. 

Sounds pretty soul crushing to me.  When it goes on long enough, it drains your energy and begins to mess with your ability to be hopeful about the future. 

• It doesn’t have to be like this.

Here’s the good news! And here’s where I see so many people get stuck.  You think that this pain you’re slowly “getting used to” is normal, natural, or an inevitable result of getting older.

             * But it is not!  Seriously, I cannot stress this enough.  Pain is not an inevitable result of aging. *

Your body is miraculous and able to repair itself of the majority of what’s wrong with it.  Sometimes things get in the way of that self-repairing mechanism and that’s when you need some help. 

           * Go get bodywork!! *

Get a chiropractor that you like.  I can recommend one.  Schedule regular massages.  Get Physical Therapy.  Get acupuncture.  Or any of the dozens of amazing therapies that are out there.  One of them (or a combination) is just right for you.

• I do bodywork that is designed to be gentle and pain free (see above for my reasons to prefer that bodywork be pain free) and help you get out of chronic pain once and for all. 

But more important than seeing me is that you see SOMEONE.  Living with Chronic Pain is a Deal Breaker if you want a happy and fulfilling life. 

• I can help.  Or I can help you find someone who can help.  Sorry if I seem a little pushy here… but did I mention I’ve got a grudge?

If you want more info about my work, or to get some recommendations on what might work best for you, give me a call at 404.222.0334.
Or email me at [email protected].