My x-ray photo above is from 2009. I have scoliosis, and while it was not severe enough to warrant any medical care 5 or 6 years ago, you can clearly see that the health of my spine is pretty compromised. You can also see that my shoulders in the x-ray are not set squarely over my hips.
The consequences of having even a minor spinal curvature can be pretty detrimental to everyday life and activities. This is where the story starts today.
Driving an hour to work and back each day for the past two years definitely took a toll on my back. That was apparent during that time, but I didn't really start to feel any pain until late September. I was waking up with severe back and chest pain, feeling a limited range of motion, and I couldn't do anything to help it. I didn't like to take any over the counter pain meds, just because more damage can be done to areas in pain when you can't feel the pain. But I didn't have a clear solution for what to do about the pain itself, or how to make it go away. I also felt sad that I had let it happen for so long, and not done anything about it. Why bother now?
Enter, my boss and coworkers.
Our shop happens to be located next door to a chiropractor's office. While I had never been to a chiropractor, Chris has been before, and loved it. This was years ago, before I met him. Nobody in my life had ever suggested going to a chiropractor for help, and I never really explored it as an option, But there came a day where I was having trouble just standing. It hurt a lot, to say the least. I was desperate, and told to just go next door, that he'd fit me in and to take my time coming back.
And it was awesome. I go for an adjustment once a week, and am completely pain and discomfort free. The nerves in my spine were being crunched, and my muscles and organs were (and kind of still are) out of whack. But it's better and doesn't hurt anymore. And it's amazing.
Self-care. It's important. And it's important to maintain. It's not necessarily enough to leave a situation that makes you unhappy. Sometimes there are other things you've been ignoring, and other areas of your life that are also unhealthy, but in a more covert way than not eating enough vegetables. I ignored an uncomfortable medical issue, very successfully, for two years. Two years! But I had learned to ignore it, and just be complacent in it.
Not long after going to the chiropractor, I went to the dentist. And what an adventure that was.
I am not a fan of the dentist. As a child, I had a bad experience with a dental hygienist, and I still feel nervous about getting my teeth cleaned. As it turns out, I had three cavities. Ugh. Not what I was hoping for, for my dental situation and wallet. Yet another area I had been neglecting. But I do not want to repeat it, so my habits have changed.
There are some other changes we've made here too, but I mostly just wanted to talk about where I've been. But I am really happy that I feel like writing again! I'm not even sure who reads this, but I appreciate it regardless.
Take care of yourself today. I think that's what I'm getting at. Take care of yourself today and every day.
Love and light,
Alyssa
