TWISTED

I began work with a chiropractor in June to re-align several twisted vertebrae in my spine. The misalignment has caused major muscle groups in my back to shorten and become knotted and the resulting pain had become intolerable. Excruciating. Incapacitating.

6 sessions into our work and I woke up one morning in so much pain I wanted to hit something. I was PMSing to boot. I felt horrible. My back was in knots, my boobs hurt, my abdomen was cramping. I was exhausted from battling the pain. I cried.

My chiropractor suggested prescription pain medication, which I considered, but it was Friday and I couldn't get to my general practitioner in time to obtain a prescription. So, I reached for alcohol. And it worked. Immediately—and with measurable relief.

Then I started to 'tease the tiger". Why? Because I wanted to. Is there really ever any other reason?

But I shut that door again. There's nothing behind it that's better than waking up free and clear of the inevitable hangover, which I abhor.

The gains I have made in these past months are far too valuable to relinquish. They are my personal, private victories and I'm just selfish that way.

In addition to the chiropractor, I've had several deep-tissue massage sessions. Brutal stuff —and expensive— but it's released those knots in my back much better than alcohol ever could, and that's all I really wanted.