Holistic Care for Bodies — and Maybe Everything Else

A story about ribs, healing, and the power of prevention.

Let’s talk about chiropractors — and what they might teach us about bigger things.

“My rib fell out of place,” said I. They recoiled in response. And I followed up with, “Well, I just went to my chiropractor.” The responses were mixed; some had forgotten, and some never went. My reaction was both shock and awe. I’m shocked by how few people outside my bubble seem to know about chiropractors, and I am awed that so few people will use this really amazing tool for the least invasive solutions to problems. Like many overlook chiropractors for more invasive treatments, our society often overlooks simple, less destructive solutions to larger problems — favoring the dramatic over the sustainable.

I started going to a chiropractor in my early 20s, shortly after I moved to Portland. Portland has a lot of choices when it comes to alternative medicine: naturopaths, Chinese medicine, acupuncture (even a “working class clinic”), chiropractors, and more. I grew to appreciate the first line of defense when my body felt off. Especially as I aged and could throw out a rib while unloading the dishwasher. With a few strategic touches, I am usually right on my way again.

I would like to know if we can use the lack of widespread use of chiropractors as a metaphor for our society at large. What do people do when they don’t have access to someone like a chiropractor? Some go to physical therapy. I am not an expert by any stretch in either. But, the little I do know, it feels like there is a crossover. I am curious about where the studies diverge. Some people go to medical doctors for relief. Some are given pills, and some are offered surgery. My experience is mine and mine alone. I do not have a physically taxing job akin to a line worker or any other occupation that puts the physical body on the line for their work. My jobs have been mainly sedentary and have their own challenges. So, I doubt surgery would be a proffered solution for whatever ail comes my way.

I’ve injured myself dancing, sitting on a plane, unloading the dishwasher, falling down my stairs, and holding my boyfriend’s hand (although that happened before I visited a chiropractor, it did aggravate bursitis, which was how I injured my hip years after). In 2007, my chiropractor observed my shaking hands during our appointment. She was the one who told me specifically to get my thyroid checked out. There was no spinal manipulation to assist that, but it was her working knowledge of the body, her desire to solve problems holistically, and her care for me that put me in the right direction. I want that for everyone.

Back to the metaphor. My chiropractor appointments are quick. I visit at least once a month, more if I have an acute problem, and I think of my appointed time (now coupled with acupuncture) as preventive maintenance. I only visit my medical doctor when we need to run blood work. And the various other medical doctors to keep my now older, womanly body in check. Aside from my chosen acupuncture, there are no other needles; there is no cutting into my body, and there are generally no pills to pop. I did get a recommendation for a Chinese herbal blend to support my allergies (and it is working to cut back on my mucous production). So, it feels like the first-tier response but with someone who has a holistic understanding of how the body works.

I appreciate my medical doctor. He is more holistic than average. And, while I was just 18, a friend who later became a doctor herself suggested I focus on DOs, doctors of osteopathy. She argued they tend to be more holistic. Here in Portland, even more holistic are naturopaths. I am grateful for the many choices I have to seek the least invasive treatment for my body. I wish everyone had that opportunity.

Back to my larger metaphor. I wish we were more holistic in our policies, how we care for our children, and more. So, I will leave this question with you: What simple solutions have you overlooked in favor of bigger, more complicated ones? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.