The Obstacle Is the Way: Perspective Is Key To Overcoming Your Pain.

As a seasoned chiropractor, bodybuilder, and overall health nut, I've seen countless patients struggle with back pain, injuries, and mobility issues. But here's the truth: these obstacles aren't just roadblocks – they're opportunities for growth and transformation. Let's borrow some ideas from one of my favorite authors, Ryan Holiday, to dive into how we can turn our physical and mental challenges into triumphs, both in and out of the clinic.

The Power of Perception

First things first: how we perceive our obstacles determines our ability to overcome them. When a patient comes in with chronic low back pain, their mindset is crucial. Are they seeing this as a debilitating condition, or an opportunity to learn about their body and improve their overall health?

Remember, between stimulus and response, there's always a choice. Choose to see your physical limitations as chances to grow stronger, more flexible, and more resilient.

Action: The Path to Progress

Once we've adjusted our perception, it's time to take action. In the world of spinal health and functional fitness, this means:

1. Mastering the basics: Focus on fundamental movements like squats, hinges (deadlift pattern), lunges, pushing, pulling, and carrying.

2. However, there are no "required" movements in the gym and everything is scalable up and down. (i.e. can't barbell back squat -> use the 8 different squat variation machines most gyms have, utilize leg presses, extensions, bodyweight, etc.)

• So often people don't even try because they don't think they can get away with performing the big compound movements they're familiar with or "used to do"

  • If using both extremities for an exercise is painful, try one at a time (i.e. squat vs. single squat - often very helpful for someone)

  • If putting something on your back is painful, get creative and do a similar movement with something in your hands, or with just bodyweight.

  • If a certain range of the motion is painful, just do the exercise right up until you tap that painful range of motion and then repeat.

3. Consistency over intensity: Regular, moderate exercise is far more beneficial than sporadic, intense workouts.

4. Embracing discomfort: Growth happens at the edge of our comfort zone. Push yourself, but listen to your body.

Remember, action requires courage, not brashness. It's about persistence and flexibility, not brute force.

Cultivating Will: The Ultimate Trump Card

Will is our internal power that no external force can touch. In chiropractic care, we see this in patients who, despite chronic conditions, maintain a positive attitude and dedication to their treatment plan.

To cultivate will:

1. Practice gratitude for your body's abilities, no matter how limited they may seem.

2. Develop resilience through progressive overload within your exercises, but also your mind (try to see even small wins as solid victories, and focus on what your body CAN do versus what it cannot).

3. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities.

Post-Traumatic Growth: From Injury to Improvement

Instead of post-traumatic stress, aim for post-traumatic growth. I've seen patients turn devastating injuries into catalysts for total lifestyle transformations. The key? Perception, action, and will.

For example, a herniated disc can be viewed as:

a) A career-ending disaster, or

b) An opportunity to address underlying imbalances, improve posture, and come back stronger than ever.

The Process: Your Path to Physical Mastery

Success in spinal health and fitness in general, isn't about quick fixes or magic bullets. It's about the process. Focus on:

1. Daily mobility work

2. Progressive strength training

3. Proper nutrition and hydration

4. Quality sleep and stress management

Don't get overwhelmed by the end goal. Take it one adjustment, one rep, one day at a time.

The Obstacle Is the Way: Embracing Life's Challenges

As Ryan Holiday says,

"What stands in the way becomes the way."

That nagging back pain? It's teaching you to move more mindfully. That shoulder injury? It's forcing you to address muscular imbalances you've ignored for years.

As a chiropractor, I've seen countless patients transform their lives by embracing their obstacles. Whether it's chronic pain, limited mobility, or a sudden injury, these challenges can be the very things that propel us towards better health, increased resilience, and a deeper understanding of our bodies.

So, the next time you face a physical setback, ask yourself: How can I use this as a stepping stone to becoming stronger, more flexible, and more in tune with my body? Remember, the obstacle isn't just in your way – it is the way.

Now, go forth and turn those trials into triumphs. Your spine (and the rest of your body) will thank you!

Health Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health conditions, nor should it be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new health program, making changes to your diet, taking supplements, or if you have questions about your medical condition. Your health decisions should be based on discussions with your healthcare team, not on the content you read online.