Back pain is the worst! If you have ever suffered from back pain, you know it is not just an ache, it is a life-altering, stop-you-in-your-tracks kind of pain. About 20 years ago, I learned this the hard way while on vacation. Out of nowhere, BAM! it hit me like a lightning bolt.
As a nurse, I had cared for countless patients dealing with crippling back issues. Honestly, I didn’t fully understand what they were going through—I thought maybe it wasn’t as bad as they described. Let me tell you: I was wrong. Back pain is real, it’s brutal, and it is definitely not in your head.
Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen and Tylenol
I tried to push through the pain, relying on large amounts of Motrin (also known as Advil or Ibuprofen—they are basically the same thing) and, Tylenol was no help at all. The truth is, when you are dealing with back pain, it does not just stay in your back. It creeps into every part of your body, your legs ache, your neck stiffens, even your head feels heavy. After finally giving in and visiting my primary care physician, I was prescribed a muscle relaxer. That provided a bit of relief, but the flare-ups still came without warning and would literally stop me in my tracks.
My doctor ordered an MRI, and that is when I learned I had six different degenerative issues in my lower spine. No surprise there, I had spent years lifting patients as a nurse without always using proper body mechanics, and now my back was paying the price. From there, I was referred to a Neurosurgeon. After reviewing my scans, he told me surgery was not the answer in my case. Instead, he prescribed rounds of physical therapy and strongly recommended that I see a Chronic Pain Specialist. My first thought? A Chronic Pain Specialist? Me?!
Chiropractor
I did not want to become one of those people who depended on pain medication just to function and live a somewhat normal life, but eventually I gave in and made the appointment. To my surprise, the physician I saw was absolutely FABULOUS!! The combination of medications he prescribed gave me the first night of peaceful rest I had in months. That alone felt like a miracle. Still, the relief was short-lived, and the pain always found its way back. I went back to my Neurosurgeon and asked him about trying chiropractic care. He did not recommend it, but to be fair, he did not discourage it either, so I decided to explore it for myself.
A friend referred me to a doctor about 25 miles away, and this man quickly became unforgettable in my journey—let’s call him Chiropractor #1. During my first visit, he ran a scan along my spine and, without hesitation, started listing potential issues I could face if I didn’t take control of my health: diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney problems, hip pain, and more. I was blown away—how could he see all of that just from scanning my back? It fascinated me and, honestly, made me pay attention.
What I learned was that every single nerve in the body connects to the spine, and when the spine is out of alignment, it can interfere with the function of virtually everything else in your body. I began treatment with him three times a week, eventually tapering down to once a week. He also encouraged me to take very warm baths with Epsom salt to ease muscle tension. About a month into treatment, I had a breakthrough moment. While waiting in the exam room, I suddenly realized, Wait a minute—I’m breathing easier! When I shared this with him, he just smiled and said, “Yes, that’s exactly the intent of our treatments.”
Back Pain is the Worst
Needless to say, I stuck with him until my back pain was no longer the dominating problem in my life. For a few wonderful years, I felt absolutely fine, even though I still relied on daily medication. Eventually, though, the back pain returned. Knowing what had helped before, I restarted my routine, which of course included chiropractic care. Sadly, I could not return to Chiropractor #1 because he had closed his practice and taken work in the oil field.
So what I learned was that all nerves comes off your spine and if your spine is not in line then it interferes with basically the function of your entire body. I saw him initially three times a week then I decreased to weekly. He also suggested that I take very warm baths with Epsom Salt. On one occasion after seeing him for about a month, I was sitting in the exam room waiting for him to come in, and realized, “Wait a minute, I am breathing easier.” Just then he entered the room and I told him, he smiled and said, “Yes, that is intent of our treatments.”
Acupuncture
After my first chiropractor closed his practice, I went searching for another option. I asked around and eventually reconnected with a doctor I had gone to grade school with. To my surprise, he had taken a holistic approach to medicine, and he was the one who first introduced me to acupuncture. I will admit, I was skeptical at first, needles are not exactly my favorite thing, but I quickly learned that acupuncture is far from scary. In fact, it was calming, and after a few sessions, I began to notice subtle but steady improvements in my back pain.
Around this same time, I also discovered a phenomenal massage therapist whose work was less about relaxation and more in the realm of medical massage. He had a way of targeting the problem areas and loosening the tension that had been holding my body hostage for years. The combination of acupuncture and medical massage turned out to be powerful. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was reclaiming control of my body.
As I kept up with this weekly routine, my mobility increased, my pain decreased, and I was able to function without constantly dreading the next flare-up. Then, during one of my chiropractic visits, my doctor suggested I try something new: stretch therapy. Curious, I went upstairs to the therapy office, and that decision turned out to be another life changer.
The process was simple, you lie on a table while a trained therapist carefully stretches all your major muscle groups. Over time, the results were incredible. Not only did my back feel stronger, but my entire body seemed lighter, looser, and more energized. It was as if my body had been locked up for years and was finally free again.
This combination of treatments, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and stretch therapy, was not just about managing pain. It was about restoring balance, health, and quality of life.
And here is my challenge to you: If you have been living with back pain or simply ignoring the signs your body is giving you, do not wait for it to get worse. Explore your options, be open to holistic therapies, and do not be afraid to try something new. You just might discover, like I did, that real healing comes from a combination of approaches, and that your best days can still be ahead of you.
Again, If you are looking to join an incredible community of people who care and support each other every step of the way in this phenomenal journey and are genuinely happy to be a member of this community then we are here, join us here, CLICKING HERE to Contact Us.