In my over 20 years of chiropractic practice, I have often noticed a difference in the number of females seeking care compared to males. Many times, the significant other is the person giving the man an ultimatum to address their condition. Early on, it was easy to dismiss this as a coincidence. This was also true for many of my colleagues. As the years progressed, and I began raising two boys of my own while coaching youth sports, I delved deeper into this issue. I realized this phenomenon actually begins in youth. Many boys are encouraged to "tough it out, not complain, and fix it on their own." As a result, these same youngsters are rewarded with praise for not showing emotion when injured in a game or not complaining about minor issues. Unfortunately, these same young men become grown adult men, but their behavioral patterns have already been ingrained. As adults, many men are hesitant to seek medical attention because they do not want to appear weak, or they feel they can handle it on their own. When it comes to health, it is best to have a skilled professional address your condition rather than attempting to do it independently.
Understanding these trends and differences, men can benefit from chiropractic care in the following ways.
Low back pain: Regardless of gender, chiropractic care can help alleviate lower back pain by improving mobility and strength. This enhances any workout program and helps you get the most out of your exercise routine. Proper chiropractic care for the lower back can also enhance work performance, whether you have a desk job or a more physically demanding occupation. A little-known fact is that prolonged sitting places more weight on the lower back than standing, which can lead to low back pain in desk job settings as well. Seeking care sooner can reduce long-term health effects related to lower back pain.
Headaches: Many people attempt to alleviate headaches by taking over-the-counter pills for temporary relief, but this can cause long-term harm to the body internally. Some headaches are benign, while others can be an early sign of more significant underlying issues such as stress, hypertension, lack of sleep, or even more severe conditions. Headaches are often a sign that the nervous system is out of balance, affecting the entire body and leading to emotional and physical stress. By adjusting the spine and correcting misalignments, the body can achieve greater balance, relieving tense muscles and stress. Since stress and pain can disrupt sleep patterns, correcting these misalignments can significantly improve the quality of sleep and the ability to handle stress.
In conclusion, seeking care for low back pain, headaches, and other conditions is a sign of strength. Proper care restores strength, balance, range of motion, and mobility. The results can be noticed immediately, leading to restored confidence, and some even report experiencing a boost in immunity.
Author: Dr. Jeffrey A. Dunnigan DC
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References:
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Infertility. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.