Hey there, ladies! Have you ever wondered what's going on inside your body when it comes to healing? Whether it's that pesky back pain, annoying neck ache, or the dreaded sciatica, I’m here to unravel the mysteries of tissue healing and to help you get a better idea of how long it will take to recover. So, let's dive into the fascinating world of healing and find out what's really happening during those crucial stages and how long they can take.

To give you a bit of background first, I’ve been caring for people with back problems since I graduated as a Chiropractor in 1997. I’ve seen a whole host of conditions, helped thousands of people recover from their back pain. Then is 2021, I was no longer the practitioner and bystander - I became the patient.

Navigating the clinic through the Covid epidemic was extremely stressful and took its toll on me, I became very run down. I also had 2 very sick family members to visit too (one terminal and the other life threatening). When Covid got its claws in to me, I was in a weakened state and the effect was life changing.

In this video, you can see how I was affected…

My symptoms included:

• Meningitis

• Narcolepsy

• Cataplexy

• Dyspraxia

• Dysphagia

• Hair loss

• Chronic fatigue

• Brain Fog

• Reactive arthritis in all my joints but it affected the low back and feet the most.

I’m relieved to say that at the time of writing this blog (2 years later) I’m at the end of a wonderful family holiday in Florida, visiting all the theme parks (last park is today) - 12 months ago, this would not have been possible. Yes you heard me right, my pesky back took 2 years of recovery!

As a practitioner, I understood that healing was a process that takes time - I’ve stated it countless times over the years! 12-18 months recovery is not unusual and with my additional challenges, 2 years is about right. So let me take you through the healing process…

The first 3 weeks: The Brain Takes the Wheel

In the first 3 weeks, your body's brilliant neurology takes center stage. Your brain kicks into action, assessing the new stimuli and begins to make adjustments. It's like sending out an army of tiny repair workers to investigate and formulate a game plan. So, don't fret if you don't see immediate changes in your symptoms. The behind-the-scenes work is well underway!

Stage 2: Cells Get Busy

Over the coming weeks and months, your hardworking cells step up their game. Now, we're talking about those tiny building blocks of life – your body's cells. They're working tirelessly to repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and overall starting to get things back on track. However, we must remind ourselves to stay patient because the new tissues will be immature and weak - real healing takes time, and we're not quite there yet.

Stage 3: Steady healing

Eventually, you will start to feel the changes in pain, flexibility and confidence as your back heals. The initial neurological and cellular changes are gradually translating into noticeable improvements. But remember, we're still on this healing journey, and there's more to come!

How long should it take for me?

Efficient and quality tissue repair will require you to create an environment that supports tissue healing.

Back Busting conditions include:

• Clean, nutrient dense diet - anti-inflammatory and to provide quality building blocks and weight management.

• Normal spinal function - normal body movement patterns and brain-body communication

• Posture management and regular ergonomic assessment - to minimise stresses, strains and abnormal forces and fatigue.

• Stress management - maintain relaxed muscles and minimise the slower healing caused buy the stress hormones

• Adequate quality rest - tissue recovery is accelerated by quality sleep.

• Appropriate activity levels - stimulation without damage

• Time - because healing is a process

I’ll be honest and say, I fell short at the weight management and diet level. My ‘go-to’ is food and drink when I feel low. 🙈

Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Yourself

Ladies, it's crucial to be patient and kind to yourself throughout this healing journey. Your body is an incredible masterpiece, and it knows how to heal when given the time and support it needs. Remember, you've taken the first step by making positive changes, and your body is responding in its own wonderful way.

So, as you embark on this adventure of healing, keep your spirits high, your expectations realistic, and your determination strong. Allow your body the time it needs, and soon, you'll be feeling like the amazing, vibrant, and pain-free woman again!

Stay fabulous, ladies! And until next time, take care and heal on! 😊