A Day in the Life

Wimp Whining

I've destroyed my back this week. It started in the upper back, induced by rock climbing. The chiropractor worked his magic and chased it down into my lower back, where it pulled a Bruce Banner on me and got downright brutal. Yesterday morning was gruelling. I could hardly walk, and even when motionless, spasms kept gripping my mid back and pinching a nerve. Mr. Bond (the chiro) banged on it some, and then they gave me a massage, which helped, but all in all it was miserable day. Today was a little better, but this is really putting a damper on my plans for getting in shape.

A quick word on chiropractors. I've done some research, and while I'm convinced of the principles behind the science, I don't buy into their self-promotion of being a cure-all. It makes sense to me that because the nerves for various functions run through the spine, vertebral subluxations can interfere with the body's natural ability to repair itself. Thus, it's possible that chiropractic adjustments could not only relieve back pain, but also correct a variety of other problems a person might have. There's plenty of anecdotal evidence to support this. What I don't buy is the idea that a chiropractor has a better chance of identifying and correcting such problems than a medical doctor, and, despite what the chiros will have you believe, there doesn't seem to be much statistical evidence in their favor. In the meantime, I gotta get my back fixed, so I guess I just won't let on to my disbelief.

"Sure thing, Mr. Bond. I'd be glad to come in every week for the next three years. Thanks so much for your help."