Why Am I Hurting Now?
Many of us have faced this question. After living our life relatively pain free, suddenly (it seems), we’re struck with some kind of niggling, lingering, perhaps chronic, pain. It may be constant, or it may only rear its head at certain times, such as when performing certain movements, or especially frustratingly when trying to sleep.
Just as there are many different types of pain, so too are there numerous causes - some subtle, others, not so much. Perhaps it’s just a part of the ageing process, the various activities (work/recreational) that you have participated in, general wear and tear, or maybe you suffered an injury.
Our bodies have an optimal mode of functioning, where every nerve, muscle, bone and ligament coordinate together to perform movements or hold postures. Put more simply: the body is designed to move in a certain way. When this optimal functioning, or way of moving is challenged either through overuse, repetitive movements, poor posture, injury and the consequential compensation for the injury (for example, shifting your weight to avoid placing pressure on an injured limb), ageing or trying to do something beyond our body’s present capability (i.e. overexerting), we are likely to experience pain and/or dysfunction. To add insult to injury and further confusion, that pain or dysfunction may appear, not at the site of the original issue, but somewhere else in the body. For example, lower back pain may be secondary to the way that your foot meets the ground when you walk or run.
Unfortunately, there is not necessarily a “quick fix” or “magic pill” that will solve and cure everything in one go. Pain can often take time to develop to the point where help is eventually sought. Often, the longer the pain or accompanying issue has been endured without relief, the longer it may take to be relieved (a good reason not to leave things in the hope that they’ll resolve themselves, or until they get worse). As with any habit, our body will have adjusted to a new way, or routine for moving - a kind of “new normal”. Understandably then, this ‘habit’ will need time to be readjusted to a more functional state of being. This will likely require changes to be made at home in order to assist with the recovery process, such as practicing certain exercises or stretches, or avoiding certain activities for a time.
Understanding the way your body functions could be a key to easing your pain, and Osteopaths have worked to gain this thorough understanding. So, if you or a loved one are struggling with pain, discomfort, dysfunction or even unexplained weakness, one of our experienced Osteopaths could be the assistance you need to ease the issue; helping you to manage it through treatment and advice for improving the way you use your body.
To book an appointment, call our friendly team at Be Well Health Group in Grovedale on (03) 5244 0063, or book online.