Take Ownership in Your Health

How many times have you heard someone say “I went to the chiropractor, but it didn’t work for me” or “I did PT for (insert any injury), but it didn’t get any better”?

Oftentimes this same person is the one who most likely began PT or went to see a chiropractor for low back pain associated with sitting too often or operating in a sedentary type job, but refused to make any lifestyle change after receiving treatment from a healthcare provider.

This type of behavior would be similar to someone who wrecked their car by driving recklessly in a snowstorm, and the second they get it out of the auto body shop, they decide to do donuts on the freeway during the next big snowfall. Doesn’t make much sense, does it?

Okay, I know that example might be a little extreme, but let’s seriously consider the outcomes and consequences of continuing to do the same thing that got you in a bad situation in the first place.

All too often I hear of people putting all of the responsibility of their rehab on their healthcare provider. I always tell people that I cannot “undo” what you are doing the other 23 hours of the day by spending an hour with you, once per week, working on you with my hands. I wish it were this simple, but unfortunately if it were, no one would have chronic low back, neck, or shoulder pain.

The fact of the matter is this: if you want to get better, and I mean seriously better for a lifetime, you are going to have to put some work in outside of your healthcare provider’s office. Whether this is performing some simple stretches, making some lifestyle changes, or undergoing a strength training program, something is going to have to change in order for real progress to be made.

And if not, expect to fall into the same vicious cycle of: experience pain, receive treatment, feel better for a little bit, do nothing, and experience the same pain all over again.

Look, I get it, pain can be frustrating. Especially if you’re someone who isn’t well versed in musculoskeletal health. It can be easy to point to the person who is responsible for guiding you to getting back to health, and pray they not only have all the answers, but can get you there quickly and painlessly. But the fact of the matter is rehab is hard work. You’re going to have to put in the effort.

Start taking ownership in your health. And for the love of god, listen to your PT or chiro when they tell you what you should be doing. Chances are, they want what’s best for you, which includes getting better long term.

Yours in health,

Team LeverEdge