This past week has found me embarking on the latest series of sessions at the chiropractor. The prior sessions have consisted of spinal adjustments and deep-tissue massage. The latter is something I would recommend to anyway, way outside the subject of back pain. I literally feel transformed after them and am left in a great state of mind to face a day. Of course, the spinal adjustments are, arguably, the more important part but I view it all as a whole and is certainly something I can see myself continuing with, way after the treatments have completed.
The new sessions have added passive stretching and physio to do at home. The stretching has taught me one, vital lesson. I have little or no command over the muscles in my legs!!! For all the times I was told to ‘relax, let it go’, my leg would then be twisted and immediately, through no rational thought process, I would be pushing back against it. This is something that I will need to overcome, not only for the benefit of the sessions but also simply because it’s a good thing to do. The more I will be able to be in control of my body, the more I will understand it and be able to recognise when things are not right. Instinct is a wonderful, precious thing that keeps us alive. However, not everything is a threat and this is something I need to convince myself of!
The physio, thus far, is simple and is trying to re-establish the natural posture of my neck and head. When standing upright, my head is just starting to naturally be held forward. This is because the top of my spine in my neck has grown accustomed to leaning forward, staring at a screen for 8 hours a day while I’m doing my job. The exercises are easy, not in any way painful, and quick. However, I am still catching myself de-prioritising doing them in favour of pressing on with work which is extremely counter-productive. The aim is to adjust my muscle memory so that my head will be held in a more “normal” position. The only way that will happen is if I keep doing the exercises.
