Pain In The Neck
April 28th, 2008 @ 2:05 pm by Mrs. Hummingbird
And shoulder and back . . .
Photo courtesy of www.dailymail.co.uk
About two years ago, for reasons that are still not clear to me, I threw my back out. I was running to work after my streetcar broke down en route, and somehow, during the run, my foot hit the pavement in a funny way and there was a snapping in my back that felt like a dozen high tension elastic bands had been released under my skin.
By the time I got to work, I was almost completely doubled over and ended up hobbling in with a good view of my sneakers. Seriously, I felt about 90 and I looked like Richard the Third (”An ice pack! An ice pack! My kingdom for an ice pack!”)
Anyway, since that happened, I have been going to the chiropractor on a semi-regular basis, but with the wedding coming up, I’ve decided to make back health a priority and have committed to going more frequently and having massages in between to help with the muscle tension in my back and neck.
It is an expense I wasn’t anticipating for sure (my health insurance sadly doesn’t cover this), but at the same time, I realize that my physical health is too important to be neglected and that it needs to be addressed. After all, what’s the point in looking gorgeous if you feel awful the whole day?
It might be an untraditional beauty regime, but it’s what I’ve got to do, so I’m wondering - is anyone else doing anything like this before their wedding? Is there any health care related issue you’re addressing before your big day? Tell me about it.
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16 Responses to “Pain In The Neck”
I have scoliosis and just recently gave up on trying to deal with it myself and self-treat with yoga and stretching, and went to a orthopedic to have it looked at. Turns out, it has gotten worse, nearly a 30 degree curvature. So I was put on physical therapy for 3 months and was taught how certain stretches and exercise movements aimed for my specific pain areas. Now I’m off but still continue to do the same routines from therapy and keep in touch with my PT on when and how I can up the exercise to tone up. The pain is literally gone now. The idea is to build up a strong core…and maybe grow a couple of inches! Good Luck!
I would avoid the chiropractor if it’s not covered by health insurance. Orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists are typically covered by most health insurance, so it might be worth it to go in for a consultation. Good luck!
I know this probably sounds silly in comparison, but as part of getting ready for the wedding, I need to buckle down and get some serious acne and acne scar treatment. I have had issues for many, many years now with both topical and cystic acne, but I’ve always been too afraid to try the more severe treatments like Accutane. I’ve tried everything from vitamins to Proactiv (actually, Proactiv made my cystic acne worse), but unfortunately nothing seems to work. I think people underestimate just how many brides deal with this degrading facial issue!
I’m sorry about your back. 
My mom has had back issues for many years (result of a combination of highschool high jumping and a Christian Scientist grandma… long story). Her insurance covers chiropractics, which I believe helped for a long time, but at the moment, she says exercise, stretches, and a very healthy diet have been helping her.
I agree with Ally about the physical therapy. My fiancee got in a truck accident at work and he got physical therapy and he actually enjoyed it. It was like a back adjustment, workout, and massage all rolled into one. I think he would still be going 3 times a week if workmans compensation would be paying for it. It also really helped his back, which hurt before the truck accident anyways and gave him exercised to do when it starts acting up again.
I was diagnosed with migraines about 12 years ago now, and while I’m much better about dealing with them than I was before, they are still an issue that can (and sometimes do) ruin a major event for me. It’s something I (and my mom, for my sake) have been worried about since I decided to have a summer wedding, since the weather in my region is pretty kooky in July, and pressure changes are one of my triggers.
So in the interest of not spending my wedding reception lying down in a dark room, drugged to oblivion, I’m “indulging” in acupuncture and massage 2x a month. I always watch my diet and excersice plenty, and that helps - But I’m with you. I can certainly justify the expense if it means I can smile and laugh and enjoy my wedding day. And I hope your treatments help you to that end as well.
Have you considered seeing an Osteopathic Physician/DO’s? Lots of people don’t know about them because there aren’t as many of them compared to MDs (Allopathic Physician). We’re like a MD+chiropractor, and the nice thing about that is it’s covered by most health insurance plans. You just need to make sure you find a DO who actively practices Manipulation. I hope your back feels better!
I agree with the PT thing as well- oftentimes, what happens when we throw out our back is muscle issues- not necessarily bone problems… the bone malalignments are a result of the messed up muscle balance, so while chiropractic is a beneficial practice for the symptom, it doesn’t correct the underlying issues.
I actually had similar issues before my wedding— due to back problems I have a mild functional scoliosis (caused by improper muscle balance from throwing out my back as well). I had a slight lean (that no one would ever notice but me) that I could see in my shoulders- look in the mirror- tons of people have a “handedness” in their posture and one shoulder is a little more built up than the other.
Anyhow, the chiropracter made the symptoms feel better, but going to a PT helped retrain my back muscles to do what they are supposed to do.
And a major plus- insurance covers PT… you can’t beat that!
Definitely see a PT if you can.
I had a seriously, SERIOUS back injury in the summer (as in, I COULD NOT GET OFF THE GROUND for 3 days and was sprawled out in my living room totally unable to even roll over to crawl to the bathroom) and just presumed it was my back.
Fast-forward 10 months, and I’m in PT for another problem, and I find out that the reason I injured my back is because my hip flexor muscles are all screwed up from problems I had when learning to walk as a child. Never ever would have put 2 and 2 together, but the answer to fixing my back would have nothing at all to do with a chiropractor, and everything in the world to do with physical therapy. And I never would have known if I didn’t have to go to PT for a totally separate issue altogether.
@LaurENors: Speaking of chiropractors, did you know that chiropractic can help migraines as well as other issues more commonly thought of when seeking chiropractic care? I used to get horrible headaches that ranged from dull all day long headaches to horrible “turn off the lights and lay down perfectly still” migraines. My fiance started chiropractic school about a year and a half ago and recommended that I try it out, and after a few months of care I had little to no headaches. It was a little change that made a huge difference and I’m so grateful that I found something that worked. Thought I’d share my secret. 
Good luck to you!
I would stay away from the chiropractor at all costs, but that is just me. I know that this is a point of contention for many people in the ongoing debate about whether chiropractic medicine is a real medicine or not—but most doctors and physical therapists will tell you that they aren’t much help at all. I tend to agree. However, it should be known that I am also a person who regular visits acupunturists and am certainly not afraid of alternative medicine so don’t assume I am biased against non-Western treatments. The thing is that when chiropractors do adjustments and you get those pops and snaps, it releases chemicals in the brain that temporarily make you feel better, kind of like an endorphin rush. However this quickly wears off and you are left longing for another quick fix (or pop/snap) to release the tension. This is why so many people swear by chirocpractors and why so many chiropractors make such a good living—you need to keep going back to keep feeling better! The truth is that they really aren’t doing much to help resolve the problem for good. Not to mention the inherent dangers in neck adjustments (stroke anyone?). Personally, I know a healthy young woman who had a stroke from a neck adjustment and I can never get over that fear.
I had a back injury and it was mostly muscular. I visited a PT for a few months to help me and ultimately, massage and exercise are the crucial components for longterm healing.
Remember that Miss Hummingbird is in Canada, so I’m guessing insurance/flex spending etc. work pretty differently for her.
I am dealing with a similar sounding problem. I have a herniated/degenerated disk in my lower back. It was originally injured 10 years ago in a sledding accident. I saw a Chiropractor for treatment for about 4 years and it never really helped the pain unless I went 3x’s a week for adjustments AND ultra-sound treatments (for the pain). After those 4 years, I stopped treatment and just did self-care. (worked on stretches/core strength) Recently my pain became so intense that I was unable to do ANYTHING for about 4 days. I went and saw a orthepedic doctor (he was a DO) and he has perscribed epidural cortisone injections. Apparently they shoot steroids directly into your spinal nerves to quiet the inflammation and pain. Sounds scary I know, but according to Doc. the results are great (at least for the first two weeks). It’s a continual process, but if it will make me able to walk down the asle….I’m all for it.
From the collective experiences of all those near and dear to me; a chiropractor is ok. But thats an expense you’ll be footing the bill for from here until eternity. They don’t actually fix anything, they just make it feel better. Physical therapy is covered by your insurance most likely and its meant to heal! Ironically, everyone I know who has run into these type of problems (my mother has back issues out the wazoo), has tried the chiropractor thing, realized it wasn’t going to fix anything, and then went to physical therapy and a massage therapist and within months actually began to heal and get better, not just feel better between visits.
I find it very interesting to read the comments about chiropractic, especially because it is a world I’ve been immersed in for the past year and half since my fiance will be one very soon. For that reason, I have to speak on its behalf. 
While many of us look for a “quick fix” to get rid of pain instantly (wouldn’t that be wonderful?!), chiropractic isn’t designed to do that. In fact, if you are going to a chiropractor that caters to “quick fixes”, I wouldn’t recommend returning to him/her. True chiropractors will tell you that chiropractic is not about fixing pain, but about keeping your body healthy. It is a lifelong process that should ideally be begun at birth, just as regular hygiene & exercise are needed to maintain our bodies in tip top shape. Can it help with pain? Sure. Is it a miracle cure? Probably not… I can’t think of too many things that are. But, with proper chiropractic care and by building a relationship with a chiropractor, you can help your body be at its best by keeping your spine (which houses all the nerves that are essential for heathy body function) aligned and in good shape. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, chiropractors are not about fixing symptoms, but finding the root of the problem, and most of them would be thrilled to see a patient who ends up coming not as often as a result of their body learning to “hold” those adjustments. There are lots of important details I’m leaving out, but I thought I’d clear up some misconceptions.
:: Stepping down off my soapbox::
Hi Miss Hummingbird! Late post, so sorry! I was in a horrible car accident a few years back which included my head hitting the front windshield and causing a crack (ouch) and so my back was damaged from that as well as my hips but I’ve started doing yoga and it helps heaps!! I recommend that you try it. I enjoy it tremendously. I go to bikrams and do the heat yoga as i find that it really helps condition my joins and bones and it helps tone and strengthen my muscles as well. they really let you go at your own speed and there’s no pressure for doing crazy postures when you’re there. do try as i find my back and posture so much better now!
Mrs. Hummingbird, Toronto
Age and Occupation: 25, Publishing Coordinator
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Videogame Designer/Cartoonist
Engagement Date: May 4, 2007
Wedding Date: June 28, 2008
Blogging Since: September 18, 2007
Venue: A garden wedding followed by a tented reception on Mr. Hummingbird's father's property.
About Me: I’m a pop culture loving, vintage obsessed foodie living in Canada’s biggest city with my fantastic fiancé and our lovable fluffy cat Bettie. I’m stoked to marry my best friend and to throw what I hope will be
the most fun and colourful party of our lives.
Do you qualify to have some sort of flex spending or health savings account? That way you can at least use that tax-deductible money for your chiropractic visits.