Why Can’t I Just Fix It On My Own? Why Your Spine Needs and Deserves More

By Dr. Trina Ting

Why can’t my problem just go away on its own, or rather, why can’t I just fix it myself?

It’s a good and valid question. If we’re referring to the types of cases chiropractors typically see in the office, neck and back pain can certainly go away seemingly as mysteriously as they reappeared. The fundamental principle of chiropractic philosophy is that the body can heal itself.

You can certainly try to do it on your own. There is no shortage of exercise videos out there. There is no shortage of so-called back experts who promise you their specific exercise routine will cure your back pain. There is endless talk about the “Core” and how strengthening the core will cure all types of maladies.

Does strengthening the core really fix all the problems? Your core muscles are much more than your external abdominal muscles: it includes the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, and even the tiny muscles in between the vertebrae. While it is certainly important to have strength in these muscles, a meta-analysis (large study that compiles results of multiple studies) revealed that in the long-term management of back pain, doing specific core exercises did not make much more difference than performing general overall exercise. So don’t feel too bad if you didn’t do all of those planks: focus on remaining active. In almost all cases, any exercise is the best one.

Going the DIY route will take much longer and likely be a more difficult process. And the end results is much more mixed vs undergoing treatment that is tried and true. In addition, the question before trying to find a solution should always be, what is going on with my spine? Proper diagnosis is key, and while Google is helpful, the internet should never be used in place of a proper physical exam and intake.

So now you know what the problem is, why can’t you just do it yourself? There are Theragun devices, self-massagers, and foam rollers that are designed to try and do just that. One major reason you cannot fix spinal problems on your own, is that it’s nearly impossible to isolate the specific area and nerve of your spine yourself. Real spinal problems require targeted treatment, and it’s difficult to reach such areas on your own. The spine is a strong but sensitive structure that requires precise treatment.

Chiropractic doctors spend 7 post-secondary years in school, and 2 academic years in anatomy and neuroanatomy. We are required to pursue continuing education throughout our career and ensure our knowledge and skills are up to date. It is easier and faster to trust your spinal issues to those who deal with the same problems all the time.

I should also address self-adjusting or having a family member walk on your back, or twist your neck. First, trying to “pop” your own spinal joints often results in getting the joints that don’t need treatment and making the problem worse. Second, having someone else walk on your back could result in making the problem worse long-term, despite the short-term endorphin rush it delivers.

My recommendation when symptoms return, if they persist for longer than 24 hours, call us for an examination. You are also welcome to call us to discuss over the phone for no charge, if you are uncertain whether or not to come in.

So can you do it on your own? The answer is: Sure, but why would you want to? And would you want to leave the end result to uncertainty? The body will heal itself, but chiropractic care can help facilitate that process by restoring proper nerve and spinal function, without the unnecessary use of drugs or surgery.