Hello, lovely readers! Thanks a bunch for dropping by this month’s blog. I\’m
Catherine Quinn, from Cleve Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre and Tim Button
has asked me to have a chat with you this month.
Throughout my 11 years as a chiropractor, I\’ve encountered numerous cases where
people have ended up with neck and arm pain from seemingly small incidents like
awkward sleeping positions, or even just picking up light objects. Let me share a
story about Liz.
Once upon a time, in the BS16 area, there was Liz, a young lady immersed in her
desk-based job, spending hours hunched over her computer. She adored her work,
but she didn’t anticipate the unwelcome arrival of some worrying neck and arm pain.
Liz had always been mindful of her posture, striving to sit upright all day. However,
the extended periods spent glued to her screen gradually took a toll on her physical
well-being. Initially, there was a slight neck soreness, an annoyance she dismissed
as stress or a consequence of a restless night. But, as days turned to weeks, the
discomfort spread, encroaching down her arm like an uninvited guest overstaying its
welcome.
The pain escalated, affecting Liz\’s everyday life. Simple tasks, like reaching for a cup
of coffee or turning her head to chat with colleagues or family, became unbearable.
The persistent throbbing in her neck and shooting pain down her arm made her
worry and look for answers.
Feeling anxious and frustrated, Liz took up a friend’s suggestion to turn to her local
chiropractor (that\’s me!). Walking into the clinic, she felt a mix of hope and
apprehension but, after being welcomed by our friendly team, Liz felt instantly at
ease. She later shared her concern about becoming short-tempered due to the pain,
which I reassured her was a common reaction – pain can certainly fray one\’s
patience.
Inviting Liz into my treatment room, I listened intently to her story, delving into her
work habits, lifestyle and any past injuries. Following a comprehensive examination
which didn\’t raise any red flags (worrying signs), where I could replicate her
symptoms by applying pressure to specific areas, I came to a familiar conclusion.
I explained to her that, while I could help alleviate pain, using the wide range of
hands-on skills I use every day and the lifestyle hints and tips to help her move
more, the crucial person in preventing its recurrence was none other than Liz herself!
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is empowering patients to take charge
of their well-being. I emphasise that we\’re all human, often forgetting to keep up with
exercises, or falling into bad routine habits, like slouching on the sofa. What\’s
important is realising that a little effort can go a long way. Many, like Liz and perhaps
yourself, tend to swing between extremes – either doing too much or nothing at all.
I encourage patients to incorporate small, frequent stretches into their day,
associating them with routine activities like making tea or taking bathroom breaks.
Our patients have found great results with the Opti-Neck Balance Wedge. So, if
you\’re in the clinic next time and want a simple tool to improve your upper back, ask
us about it.
By adopting some easy lifestyle changes and topping up with our assistance, you,
like Liz, can bid farewell to those pesky aches and pains. Liz, after incorporating
more regular stretching breaks – aided by increased water intake – returned to work
with renewed vigour and a fresh appreciation for self-care.
In the end, Liz realized that her body was indeed her most valuable asset and
deserves consistent care. Thanks to her commitment to adopting better habits, she
reclaimed a pain-free life and understood the significance of self-care. But Liz is
human… and like both you and I, she slips off the wagon from time to time – but I’m
here to help her back on and to reset those good habits.
If you\’re looking to establish a self-care routine, our fantastic team at Cleve
Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre is here to chat, set goals and help you
achieve them. We look forward to welcoming you to the clinic when you need us
most. Have an amazing day!
Photo by Vladislav Klapin on Unsplash
