It’s Easier to Talk About a Headache Than an AssaultBefore I had my son, I taught clinical psychology to interns at the local chiropractic college. I graduated there, as well, and was familiar with the curriculum. When students asked why they had to learn so much about psychological diagnosis, I told them it would be crucial to their practice.
When one thinks of chiropractic, sore necks and backs come to mind. In a simplistic way, that is true. However, aches and pains do more than disrupt our activities. They become our physical diaries of events in our lives. A receptive practitioner knows to investigate deeper into the history of an injury or health condition. Chiropractors not only treat a hurt back, they help a patient find insight into the cause of their distress. With gentle adjustments and empathic support, chiropractors restore a person’s energy so resolving problems are achievable. While we are not therapists or self-help gurus, we can open someone’s mind to facing serious situations with courage.
Very often a chiropractor is the first professional to see someone who is experiencing mental distress. For every headache, sore neck, or strained back there is a story behind it. People willingly seek help for their physical complaints yet ignore their emotional problems. It is still not acceptable to speak of depression, suicide, or anxiety. Emotional stress can manifest into bodily symptoms which are easier to deal with since society prefers it that way. A battered woman may seek chiropractic care because she knows an adjustment will help the musculoskeletal injuries. She can keep the conversation superficial and avoid the real cause of her pain. Because everyone has headaches, it is “okay” to complain about them as casually as talk about the weather. If the headache is caused by the overwhelming schedule of a single parent or an alcoholic’s hangover, these are topics that are too embarrassing to acknowledge. No one wants to share their perceived failings or ask for help. Within our hypochondriac culture, we can freely gripe about aging and sickness while glossing over the psychological hurts.
When I taught the clinical psychology class, I placed heavy emphasis on taking a thorough history including questions on personal safety and emotional well-being. I also advised my students to be prepared for crying and cathartic conversations. An understanding professional who takes the time to listen can be reassuring and connect the patient to an appropriate counselor for further mental health care.
I do hope people can reject the societal attitude that reinforces mental health neglect. My chiropractic colleagues and I see the results that show physical and emotional health are related. A major recommendation of my wellness education program is to take care of both. Awareness makes a difference. I urge anyone in distress to seek help and find a practitioner who is willing to listen. Attending to the mind and the body together will improve health care outcomes and prevent the development of chronic syndromes.
Dr. Lisa Ann Homic, M.Ed. D.C.
Dr. Homic combines chiropractic and life coaching to promote body-mind congruence. For more information, go to
http://www.CreatePurpose.com.
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