When Back Pain Destroys Quality of Life

I've been caring for hurting people for over 25 years, many desperate for even a little relief from their unrelenting back, neck, or head pain. They've frequently been hooked on strong medication, trying to mask their unwelcome feelings. I'm grateful for my ability to help ease their suffering and restore a better quality of life through finding and correcting their underlying condition as much as is possible.

I continue to love my work after this many years of serving thousands of patients. However, I must say that I've often been frustrated by the purposeful perversion of our health care system by those who make money keeping it stuck as a crisis-oriented "sick care" system. I'm also saddened by the vast numbers of trusting but uninformed citizens who've been misled and in their confusion can't see where the true solution to their pain and declining health lies.

In my October 26th blog post at www.AmericasHolisticDoctor.com I spoke about the "atomistic" approach that divides people into separate pieces to be treated rather than the "holistic" view that sees a person with pain or illness as a complex body, mind, and spirit being that is out of balance or harmony within itself or in relation to its external environment.

The problem with atomism is illustrated by the New York Times article of February 13, 2008 by Tara Parker-Pope entitled Americans Spend More to Treat Spine Woes. It quotes The Journal of the American Medical Association report that "spending on spine treatments in the U.S. totaled nearly $86 billion in 2005, and yet the proportion of people with impaired function because of spine problems increased."

The article concluded that "the nation is losing its battle against back pain despite the spending surge, with the biggest jump being for narcotic pain relievers."

Why must we fight?

The statement in that article about "losing a battle" reveals one aspect of our dilemma. We typically approach pain and illness as a battle to be fought and sometimes we're said to be winning and sometimes losing. We're perpetually battling the evil germs (that always live within, on, and around us and are essential for our life) and then of course there's the war on cancer. We endure many casualties along the way, and while we declare victory in some of the skirmishes, the wars never seem to end.

Have you noticed that?

In my office I know the story to be different. Hurting people often arrive appearing battle-weary, but we offer an alternate approach. The focus isn't upon trying to beat back an enemy, but rather to provide a holistically-focused opportunity for healing. The process of healing involves a return toward greater wholeness, a resolution of the impaired function mentioned in the N.Y. Times article.

The "miracles" discussed in my book Where Does It Hurt? attest to the fact that we can often simply and inexpensively resolve chronic back, neck, and head pain by gently and safely restoring lost or disturbed function without narcotic risks.

My approach, and that of many others who share my perspective, is centered upon releasing the spinal and nervous system blockages to self-healing. Once those sources of interference are adequately cleared, the natural self-healing and self-regulating design of each person is restored. Gradually vibrant well-being can become the dominant expression again.

Go to www.NortonChiropracticWellnessCenter.com or www.AmericasHolisticDoctor.com to learn more about nervous system-focused healing possibilities. You may be like so many chronic pain sufferers over the years that have miraculously recovered and said "If I'd only known it would be this easy, I would have done this a long time ago."