I have been a chiropractor for 19 years and the longer I am in practice the more I believe most people have chronic pain because there is an imbalance in their muscles. They tend to have tightness in a muscle group with weakness in the opposing muscle. They are able to get by in their day but anything that exerts their muscles causes pain. What usually happens is they continually work the tight muscles (think chest presses, bent over posture at the computer, reaching forward), which accentuates the imbalance. When patients begin stretching the tight muscles and strengthening the weak muscles they get better.
Headaches and pain in the neck and upper back can be caused from weakness in the muscles between the shoulder blades and too tight muscles in the pectorals (chest).
Pain in the lower back can be caused from weakness in the buttocks and core and tightness in the hip flexors.
Leg pain (sciatica) can be caused from weakness in the core and buttocks and tightness in the hip flexors.
I have heard every excuse under the sun on why patients can’t exercise. My job is to take away those excuses and give them reasons why they “can’t not” exercise. I know there is something that you will enjoy. I have one patient that I have been seeing on and off for years. She always told me she HATED to exercise. She came in the other day and said she tried Qi Gong and loved it. Walk, run, swim, bike, kettlebell, yoga, hula-hoop, tai chi, lift weights, chase your kids or dog around the neighborhood, mini trampoline, or zumba..I don’t care just get your body moving. You will have more energy, less pain, less stiffness, more self confidence, and you will just plain old feel good. I challenge you to have fun.
