In our practice we often hear the following: “I only just…” What follows this is something simple like, “picked up a sock” or “bent over in the shower” or “sneezed”!
What our clients are trying to convey is that a seemingly simple and non-taxing movement or action has created a disproportionate level of pain and discomfort somewhere in their body. They are trying to justify how this small thing could have created such a big response in their body. What they are saying is “the straw that broke the camel’s back” but what they are really describing is the 1000th straw!
When we think of the body and all its influences, it is too simplistic to think that one little action could create such a response.
This limited view holds many assumptions:
- That the body is fickle and easily effected.
- That the body cannot compensate and auto-correct.
- That we must be “careful” of all that we do, just in case we upset the balance.
What we know about the body is that it is in a constant state of auto-correction and compensation with its environment. This is a balance and the closer that we are to ideal health and environment the more able it is to perform this natural functioning.
What happens then to a system that is out of harmony and already carrying a great load? It becomes sensitive to even the slightest alteration and less able to adapt to its environment. Hence, the camel analogy. All the stressors or straws are loaded on it making it less mobile, agile and adaptable. These take many forms and fit into the physical, chemical and emotional realm and they can be accumulative if not removed. Then along comes the 1000th one, that is more than the system can bear and there goes the camel!
This analogy can be a great tool in explaining several concepts:
- The straws or stressors are asymptomatic until the system hits its threshold and creates a reaction.
- Spinal misalignments can act as straws and can be created by other straws.
- Chiropractic adjustments and good lifestyle choices remove straws and lighten the load.
- Your health is determined by your environment (physical, chemical and emotional).
- Health is all encompassing and your body’s ability to maintain balance is dependent on attention to multiple factors.
Reference: Powerful Practices.