Is an osteopath, chiropractor or doctor best for your back? Which would you go to first? What about neck pain, shoulder pain, knee problems, which health practitioner would you choose to go to first? And why? Osteopathy was the first complementary or alternative health treatment I tried. After much coaxing and persuasion from my colleagues at the time. I used to think that all osteopaths were bad for you, like the medical doctors in my family said. I used to believe them. After all, doctor knows best, right? Well, doctors are only human, and now many years on, I have just interviewed the first osteopath to work with my company, and I liase with doctors on a regular basis. Isnt it funny how things change? The first time I went to an osteopath was when I was working in my first real job as a sales rep. I say first real job because it was the first job where I lasted any real length of time. You see, I was so ill, I was making preparations for when I was going to pass away, and that company employed me on a flexible timetable basis. So I was able to be very ill and still keep my job. I had a lung condition that was getting worse every week. And then one day, I was bending down and suddenly my back just went. The pain was incredible. The doctor ordered painkillers and I took twice the recommended dose. I was in agony. Then a client said that I was literally twisted and must do something. I replied that my colleagues were trying o get me to see this osteopath they knew, but I did not want to hurt my back further with someone who was not a real doctor. But the pain just got worse and I looked awful, and I finally relented and rang the osteopath that changed my life. He took my history, explained that he did four years rigorous training, and started to work with me on the couch. A few clicks later and the pain had vanished. I jumped, literally, and did a little dance. I was a believer. I saw the same osteopath for many things afterwards, as anyone with severe breathing difficulties would know all too well. Somehow, getting help for my back and neck pain was the start of my journey of self-help and complementary or alternative therapy. Once I had broken the myth that all that strange stuff was bad for me, I started to look at other options. I was dying and now my biggest worry is that I have no pension as yet! Nice worry. So I have osteopaths and chiropractors to thank for my improved health today. If you are suffering with back pain, try your local osteopath or chiropractor. It may open up a whole new world of possibilities for you. |
