Pain as a Dashboard Light

Many people struggling with pain are frustrated and often feel hopeless about their conditions. Does this sound familiar?

As discussed in my last post, our bodies have an incredible power to heal.  You can read more about that here.  That said, certain conditions come and go over our lifetime.  Many patients that have experienced this ebb and flow have shared their fears about losing their quality of life - losing the ability to climb down on the floor and play with grandchildren, to walk in the park with their dog, to stroll on the beach with their significant other, to travel, to visit family, and so much more.

Recently a patient with Spinal Stenosis and low back pain that had led to an inability to get in and out her car without lifting her thigh with her hands came in for an initial appointment.  She also mentioned she was no longer able to walk up and down stairs.  She had tried pain meds, physical therapy and other options but over the previous 9 months nothing had helped and she was feeling hopeless.  After a few Acupuncture treatments she was able to get in and out of the car with ease and grace again, and she slowly regained the ability to climb stairs.  

One day she came in and she was frustrated, she had to lift her thigh with her hands to get in and out fo the car.  We discussed her weekend activities and she agreed she had over done it.  I challenged her to listen to her pain and start to see it as an indicator.  When it comes up, ask: What am I not doing to take care of myself?  Where am I overdoing it?  What have I stopped doing that has helped in the past?

Once a patient has noticed their Acupuncture treatments are providing pain relief and has experienced some healing, I encourage them to think of their pain as an indicator not unlike a dashboard light in a car.

When things are in balance, the body heals and pain diminishes.  Along with Acupuncture, a number of lifestyle factors help promote balance including proper hydration, adequate sleep, a balanced diet and regular movement.  As part of an Acupuncture Treatment Plan, I discuss all of these with every patient and also monitor daily and monthly cycles such as sleep, digestion, menstruation as this gives us a window to other imbalances that may be related to a patient’s primary pain, dis-ease or condition.