I consider myself very lucky to have a great job, where I can make a difference to some one’s life. Even better if you get a little thank you note, hence I will share it with you….

Subject: Fwd: Thank You

WARNING, you may find the following a bit controversial. I do not mean to upset anyone, but I am just highlighting a possible connection between back pain and the “superwoman” of today. So if you have a weak constitution, or get easily offended, you may choose to stop now and come back later!!

Over the years I have seen a number of cases of low back pain suffered by ladies who have been married for many years to, dare I say, “non-house-trained” husbands. Husbands of the generation who expect that the wife does EVERYTHING for them.

Now, I am not in any way, shape or form, saying that the wife is “putting on” the back pain. But, the mechanical pain, is a way for the wife to get a bit of time-out, to recover, to regain some strength.

The pain is very real, often caused by something relatively minor, and it needs proper chiropractic treatment. An aspect the husband will find very frustrating, as he expects her to be better instantly.

So, to you Husbands who may recognize yourself from this little piece. Give her a hug, some help and let her get better in her own time.

To you wife’s, who will be nodding in unison. Tell him you would like another cup of tea, and a bit of peace.

I often see patients who come in with an undefined hip/lower back pain. The first question they almost always ask is “Do I need a new hip? Is it time for a hip-replacement?”. Most of them I can re-assure and say “No” to.

Over the 16 years of being in practice I have gained a lot of knowledge regarding hip joints and when they need to be replaced. A few simple orthopedic tests can often give the answer more of less instantly.

The lower back can give you a pain down into the “bum” area, before it radiates into the thigh. It will often be at the back of the thigh or towards the actual hip itself.

A worn out hip joint is commonly associated with groin pain. A deep nagging pain into the groin especially when you walk. You may feel like you tilt to one side, as the affected leg will seem shorter.

So ASK if you suffer any of these pains. I can quickly give you a very good idea of the state of your hips. I will also be the first one to send you on to the GP if I suspect that it needs further investigations.

In today’s busy world it does not have to be an injury that will put you out of action. STRESS can do it! Yes, that feeling, when you are just about to lose your temper because you have so many things to do. A pain so nasty you have to stop the hectic life and just “be still” for a few days.

Nonsense I can hear you say.”Stress is a mental thing. That does not give me a physical pain”. “YES IT CAN” would be my answer. Any mental stress you may be feeling will aggravate what ever weakness you may have in the skeletal system, hence you get a REAL physical pain.

A real life example:

Mr. C called the office yesterday for an urgent app. He is a school teacher. Over the weekend he had started with some chest pain and pain in the left arm. It became gradually more severe to the point, where his wife called the ambulance sunday afternoon, and off he went to Arrow Park Hospital! They did a complete check on him, and ruled out a heart attack, so he was out of hospital again monday morning. He then called me!

I checked him over and told him his neck and upper back was very tight and tense. Immediately after the treatment, the numbness of his left arm eased off and the chest pain was gone by the time he left the Clinic. Another happy customer!

So, think about how stress can affect you. And do call if you have a pain, you are not sure about. I will be the first one to send you to the GP, if there is ANYTHING I am not sure about.

In the meantime: CHILL and enjoy life.