Due to the amount of
studying I’ve done since 2009, i.e. sitting at a computer! I’ve developed
issues with my neck and shoulders. I suffer with chronic muscle tension and
reduced mobility in my neck. As I only have a few months left until I finish my
MSc I was going to put up with it but it has become more painful and is affecting
my mood. In the past I’ve visited the doctor and have been given an X-ray and
physio exercises. Whilst these have helped I felt I needed something to get me
through the last part of my studies. The obvious answer is less time at a desk
and increased exercise but that isn’t an option until Oct (my deadline).
I decided to visit a
chiropractor to see what they could do to help. As a sceptic this is something
I have avoided. The practice is not well regarded in some circles, particularly
when their claims stretch (get it?) beyond spinal alignment to other vaguer
benefits (see Simon Singh in press) and everyone has heard a horror story or
two. The placebo effect is well documented but if it provides permanent relief
then that’s a positive. The mind can be a powerful treatment for those lucky
enough to be susceptible. For example, I’m not hypnotisable. The place I
visited was highly recommended and several friends/relatives had been. As the
saying goes: I’ll try anything one, twice if I like it!
I was very nervous
beforehand and desperately wanted to cancel. I think the receptionists could
see I was anxious as they told me to relax. I’m not normally such as woss. A
friend had warned me you have to get undressed so wore my better underwear. You
do wear robes! In my case fetching 1970’s paisley. I did find this aspect uncomfortable
though. The practitioner knew his stuff and argued he treated patients as
individuals and holistically. He asked me to describe my issue without the lens
of what others had told me.
I have become so used to
keeping my neck straight the diagnostic manipulation was horrible. It wasn’t
painful I was just waiting for something to make a horrid noise. It didn’t.
Being on the ‘rack’ was a scary experience and the re-alignment itself was terrifying
although over in a blink of an eye. I must admit my muscle strength and
mobility did seem to be improved immediately after. Apparently I will need
another three treatments then there should be a decent improvement, although
not a total cure.
Afterwards I was obsessed
with whether it had made it better or worse. To the point I barely moved which
made it worse. I was a little confused what I should or shouldn’t do with
regards to stretches so will have to ask that next time. Whilst the pain is still
there is does seem more localised but only time will tell. The jury’s still out
on whether it will help. I’ll know more in a few weeks.
Any ‘complimentary’
treatment is never a substitute for mainstream medicine and I would never have
gone without first seeking a doctor’s diagnosis. Always be critical of claims
but equally don’t exclude something just because of other’s judgements. Our
minds and bodies react differently so what works for some may not for others. I
once had an allergic reaction to a medicine that was so rare it didn’t have to
be printed on the leaflet!
