I view it as an alarm system, definitely not something to be covered up.
However, looking into the current research on pain you will see it is far
more complex than this:
- A pain can be a sign something is wrong within a joint or muscle, yet at the same time could be a false alarm set in place at a time when there was an issue which is now gone, yet pops up when the joint or muscle is challenged.
- A pain can range from DOMS (delayed onset muscular soreness)after intense
exercise to a needle like, electric bolt such as in sciatica.
- A dull ache can always be present in a healthy back, yet no pain in a back with several issues.
So, is it bad?
When listened to and addressed with action, no..
When ignored, absolutely..
Any time I get asked why [INSERT BODY PART] hurts whilst [INSERT FAVOURITE EXERCISE]......my standard answer is to stop
said activity and find out why.
If out walking or running, in the gym and a pain arises, stop IMMEDIATELY and stretch, if it goes quickly and doesn't come back, carry on.
If it comes back, STOP, get home, hang up those trainers and get a pro
to have a look.
Be sure to apply this to ANY pain during ANY activity.
We should not be in pain, and it is your duty to your body to find out what is causing it and remedy
it.
Dan John, the Sensei of the fitness industry sums it up here:
You may have one more injury in you but do you have one more recovery?
You may have one more missed season but do you have another season?
You may have one more 'hold my
beer and watch this', but do you have one more escape from the alligators jaws?
So, whatever pain we have, physically and mentally, can be covered up, forgotten about or 'fixed' this time but have we got to the root of the problem and addressed it?
Finishing that run with a weird knee 'twinge' could mean 6 weeks of physiotherapy....or even never to run again. Stopping and finding out what caused it will make you stronger.
That odd niggle in the back may be the last time you ever squat.
Stretching your hip flexors
daily, as any good PT will tell you, MAY hurt like hell, yet your hips may NEVER need that replacement in 30 years or so.
So...
Good pain = the kind of hurt from that last squat
with perfect form as the body goes up a level, the pain from a therapists thumbs as they finally free that knot in your shoulder or the ache from a foam roller as you go after those tight calves.
BAD pain = a niggle or twinge from a slight postural
issue to the debilitating pain of nerve damage, bulging discs or a trauma injury.
Become interested in pain, question whether you are feeling something residual from the past, and get a second opinion every time.
The body and mind holds on to all sorts of pain, it is a price we pay for being so intelligent. However, our body is FAR more intelligent that we are and will let us know when we are out of sync, causing an issue.
Your body will also respond and adapt to correct, focused, diligent and
patient corrective exercise and therapy in a way that will surprise you.
You just have to stay the course, trust the process and open your mind.
There is nothing quite like that extra rush of
energy we get when we work through a pain, however small. Sometimes it is what is holding us back in ALL aspects of life and we will only know this to be true by its absence.
Move towards pain..get to know it and use it to your advantage!
J
