Consistency: The key to feeling better
Many people over the age of 40 suffer from frequent bouts of neck or back pain and headaches. Their pain flares up for a few days or weeks; they seek care; the pain goes away; they go back to “normal” and wait for the pain to return later. I see many of these patients. They call to say that they had been doing great for the past few months, but then bent over, and their pain returned. Once again, they come in for a few visits and feel great but don’t continue with the recommended maintenance care. Therefore, the pain eventually returns, and the cycle starts all over. Now, if this is what the patient prefers, I will continue to treat them in this way. However, some patients will eventually realize that if they had simply continued with periodic maintenance care, they would not have had the pain return.
By correcting and then maintaining proper alignment, flares ups become few and far between. Adding some simple stretching at home, making changes to their ergonomics and, if needed, getting to a healthier weight all add up to feeling a whole lot better. But it takes being consistent to see the best results. For many of my patients, a quick check-up every two to three months, plus a little at home stretching, keeps their pain at bay. Just as with your car, maintenance is a lot easier than repairs.
Don’t feel bad if this sounds like what you do, but instead strive to make the changes required to break the cycle and feel your best. Give your chiropractor a call and schedule an appointment. They will be happy to see you and even happier that you are taking the steps to make lasting improvement.
