The exam went through a series of steps. First, I would lay face down and the doctor would feel my spine, ask how I was feeling, and see what the status of my messed up back was. Next, he would ask me how my running was going, pain during and after, and how my hamstrings were doing (They had begun to tighten, a possible result of lower back weakness). Then he would adjust my back; first my lower back, then my shoulder area, neck, and finish with my lower back/hip area.
After the first week he added a lovely component that I have a love/hate relationship with: an impulse gun:
This gun is fierce. See that lady shooting the hamstrings? Yea, that has happened. Often. It's a bit painful to say the least, but the next day I always feel significantly better. It was also used on my back and neck to set my spine into alignment. When he used it on my hips, well, that hurt the most. My hips are in rough shape apparently, so I'm still working on those.
Analysis of progress:
Pain on a scale of 1-10 before visiting: 8. I was in pain washing dishes, and really anything that required bending or leaning.
Pain on a scale of 1-10 after visiting: 4. I still get pain, I always feel better when I go in. Case and point: I didn't go for almost two weeks while I was on vacation. My long run Monday was MISERABLE. I believe this is partially due to not feeling 100% back wise, cramped in a car, sleeping on different beds and using different pillows.
Next Step: going to an appointment only once a week. With school starting, there is NO WAY I can maintain a three times a week schedule. Nope. Not going to happen! I also want to see if my body can regulate. My doctor said the plan is to wean me eventually to only occasional visits to monitor my alignment; this means I have to STAY in alignment with less visits.
My overall opinion has been extremely positive. I have loved my doctor, I love that he respects my running, and I love that I have continually run into runners in his office. I've never felt pressured to complete all my appointments; he suggests and doesn't bully me if I can't make it or reduced it to two appointments one week. I have felt better and have gotten less headaches from my neck/TMJ, which I was getting every other week.
In other news: I'm running a race tonight! The NYRR Back to Football run is going to be out of control fun. Out. Of. Control. Costume pictures will be shared tomorrow. The question isn't what to wear, it's which Packers item to where?! I have a million things but nothing race-ish; cotton tees all around!!! Can't wait to dress up and be silly, it's been a while!
Have you been "dealing with pain"? Do you rest if you feel a pain in your body? Do you push through? How have you sought outside help for aches and pains? TELL ME ABOUT IT!!!
65 days until the ING NYC MARATHON!!!
9 comments:
Good luck on your race! And the chiropractor lol....
I just started going to a chiropractor actually...loving it so far! I'm working mainly on my posture, but hoping I get some running benefits as well :)
I'm all for resting if you are feeling pain anywhere. I had a shoulder sprain a while back and continued to lift weights. Not the best move. That actually culminated in my first time getting adjusted at a chiropractor's. It definitely felt weird while it was happening but I felt great afterwards!
Hope you had a good race. I saw them setting up for it this afternoon and was wondering what was going on.
Impulse gun?!?! OMG!!
I am glad that you are being soothed from your physical woes with the help of a chiro. And, yes, impulse guns do hurt.
It is good that you tried chiropractor care to help ease the pain that you have been experiencing. Chiropractor really helps in relieving stress and severe pain in the body. And, it is fast and safe, so you won’t worry any side effects. I think with a few more trips to the chiropractor can make all the pain go away! Anyway, how does the chiropractor work for you?
You made the right decision to undergo chiropractic treatment, Kristin. It’s nice to know that your doctor and the treatment are providing you the best results. Your pain may not disappear immediately, but, it will go away eventually. Just keep on following your doctors’ orders and be patient. Everything will soon work out for you.
Tiffani Villagomez
It’s good that you sought professional help early on, because it will be much harder when the condition gets worse. Also, for a runner like you, it will be best to keep your body and your form in good condition always. How did the ING NYC Marathon go? I bet you did well! :)
Gwen Knight
I think with a few more trips to the chiropractor can make all the pain go away! Acupuncture Kansas City
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