The 3 Ms
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My 3 Ms are Manipulate, Modify, Maintain – necessities for continued progress.
Manipulate. When I left the chiropractor after my first visit, I noticed an immediate improvement. For the first several weeks, my appointments to the chiropractor were three times per week. During this time, he recommended NO strenuous activity, no squats, no bending at the waist, and LOTS of rest. If he had not recommended these, I would have thought I was going crippled. The spinal manipulations were improving the condition of my spine, but the muscles and nerves felt like they were taking a beating. I went from a very active, home-schooling, yard tending, flower and garden growing, ceiling painting, grass cutting, fence and gate building, horse tending, hay bale carrying, feed bag carrying, lumber hauling, ATV riding mom and wife to one who could NOT:
- dress myself without assistance
- put on my socks and shoes
- attend Church
- raise my arms above my head to put away laundry or dishes
- cut up meats while preparing meals
- stir cake or brownie batter with a spoon
- ride in a vehicle comfortably
- wear clothing that was snug
- mop or vacuum
- …You get the idea...
Because I am a very independent person, this time was a very discouraging one. My level of determination turned out to be bigger than the symptoms. I refused to give up. I did what I could when I could (which was very little). I followed the recommendations of my family doctor and my chiropractor. I also began deep tissue massage therapy. By the time the MRI was taken, I had already begun to increase my activities and was doing much better.
While hearing the MRI results, my courage went to level zero. The activities mentioned earlier were those which I enjoyed. Most of them were now going to have to be scratched off of my “to do” list. They were now no-nos. No lifting of more than 20lbs. No riding the mower. No horse riding. No shovel. No hoe. It was like the door to my life had been shut right before my eyes. Sure, there was still plenty that I would be able to do, but the fun stuff was being removed faster than I could say, “I don’t want this!” Want it or not, I’ve got it - herniated discs. In order to avoid more severe damage to the discs, I had to make changes.
Modify. I didn’t really define it as that until recently, but changes and modification ideas began to be implemented so that I could be more comfortable while doing things that normally required no thought. Some of those are:
- My bed pillow is now one that is therapeutic. It holds the neck and head in proper position while sleeping.
- A pillow is positioned under my knees when sleeping on my back and between them when sleeping on my side.
- Asking for help - Before, I rarely asked for assistance from anyone for anything. Now, I have learned that instead of over exerting myself in unhealthy ways, I wait for help and ask for it. This required, and still requires, a great amount of discipline for me.
- I have purchased and/or made pillows which provide better sitting positions in vehicles and furniture in our home.
- I use a step-stool to get in and out of the truck.
- Our garden is now in planters. This requires less bending and weeding. It is also greatly reduced in size.
- We added a heavy layer of mulch to my flower beds to, hopefully, prevent the need for weeding. I see that they have begun to sneak in, but I can now get low enough to manage them.
- My patio swing was adjusted for easier sitting and better posture.
- I mop more frequently so that the task requires less force. I have to do so in a way that does not tilt the hips. I have found that a back and forth motion works better than a side-to-side motion.
- I vacuum, but must do so without extending my arms and hips. My elbows are at my side, both hands are on the handle, and I step back and forth instead of leaning in and out to move the vacuum cleaner back and forth.
- The dishwasher is a huge helper.
- I prepare smaller meals more frequently.
- When mixing cake batter and other mixes, I use the electric mixer whenever possible.
- …You get the idea…
Maintain. On this day, May 16, 2008, I am nowhere near where I was before the symptoms appeared. Maintenance will be an important part of my life. I will have to consciously maintain:
- Routine chiropractic care
- Routine massage therapy
- Regular exercise (walking)
- Proper posture for the spine and muscles
- Careful bending
- Careful lifting
- Balance and moderation in house keeping tasks
- A positive attitude
- An acute awareness of signs that my physical body sends to me and an acute awareness of God’s guidance in every moment of my day for both my physical and spiritual benefit.
Psalm 92:12-15 “The righteous shall flourish….shall grow…They shall still bear fruit in old age. They shall be fresh and flourishing….He is my rock…”
Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”
