How Managing Stress Made Neck Pain Go Away: A Success Story

This is such an inpiring story of why not only finding the root cause of your pain - not just treating symptoms - is key to getting rid of it for good, but also why stress and time management impacts pain too.

If you have ever felt like you struggle to find enough time in your day to fit in your physio exercises (or any other form of self-care for that matter!), then this story is for you...

Thank you so much Jo for sharing this wonderful story, you have acheived so much!

"Before coming to the HealthHub I had issues with my neck for around 4 years and was visiting a chiropractor every 3 months to keep on top of it. After my visits the pain would go, but would gradually creep back in and sometimes I had to go more frequently. I felt pretty down about it some days, especially in the mornings because I would always wake up with a stiff neck. When I was driving I turned my whole body to look right at a junction rather than make my neck feel worse and worried a lot that it could `go ` at any time. The pain was impacting the quality of my sleep – I often woke up feeling that my head hadn't been supported through the night and I wasn’t rested. I didn't realise that I wasn’t tackling the cause of the pain.

But then, one day I spotted an article by Vic on long term pain and realised that rather than dealing with the pain, I should be looking at the problem. I booked straight after I saw the blog.

When I arrived at the HealthHub I expected to do some work on my neck to free it up and advice on sitting at my desk, the right pillow to use etc. But, it was an epiphany!! I discovered that my issues were to do with my core and because I had spent so long not moving my body properly in case I hurt my neck, I had little movement in my core and rib cage, which was affecting my neck.

My neck pain is almost gone after only 6 sessions - which after so many years is a miracle! I especially liked the way Vic and Naomi listened to my needs and personalised the exercises to what I could manage at the time and they were both so encouraging. During one session with Vic I was particularly stressed and we had an amazing chat about time management and self care which has frankly revolutionised my life!

I told Vic how stressed I was and we chatted through what might be causing my stress.  I was overwhelmed with everything that needed doing at work and at home and also felt that I couldn`t find time for self care and especially to fit in my physio exercises.  Together we looked at what might be causing the stress and worked out strategies to help, such as closing my office door for a couple of hours in the morning to prevent interruptions, which made my day much more productive.  I was upset that I had stopped meditating and Vic suggested that this was something I could do when I walked the dog.  She also gave me some great recommendations on helpful podcasts to listen to on my commute. 

It was so nice to chat through the problems I was having and be able to see solutions that actually work and fit into my life.  I was hugely grateful as Vic was kind enough to send me a diary which has made planning and managing my time so much easier and I look forward to Sunday evenings when I can plan the week ahead. 

I feel able to exercise properly again and my work days aren't as sedentary as they were before – I have a standing desk and get out for a brisk walk every lunchtime which makes me happy and my sleep has improved a lot! I'm really looking forward to the summer when I can go sailing and not have to worry about my neck! Plus, I feel so much less stressed and thanks to that chat I now get up early every weekday morning to have half an hour of self care time, just for me, and it’s made a huge difference in my life.

If you’re thinking of booking an appointment with the HealthHub, don’t hesitate!

So there you have it, managing stress and time can free up space in your week to give you that extra bit of room to do your physio exercises - vital for getting that pain to go away for good, and not just come back again! Who would have thought such a little thing could have such a big impact?

If, like Jo was, you're experiencing neck pain and would like to find the root cause of the pain and make it go away for good, you can give us a call on 01548 852 355 and request a FREE call with a physio, or book yourself in for a FREE Discovery Visit.

For those of you who struggle with time management, or feel overwhelmed and stressed, but dont know what to do, we offer a FREE Lifestyle Review with Abbie. During this complimentary visit, Abbie will help you identify which areas of your life you need some help with, and come up with a plan of action on how to tackle those things. So, if you struggle with finding time for self-care, or no longer have time to do the things you love, and want help to free up space in your week to look after YOU, give us a call and book yourself in, or contact [email protected]

With love,

Vic

and the HealthHub Team

P.S. Don't forget to book yourself in for a FREE Lifestyle Review by calling 01548 852 355 or contacting [email protected] and finally find the time to do your physio exercises