The "Shovel" Misconception

Our patients often tell us the shovel wasn’t the problem. The real problem was that no one ever taught them how to use their body. For years, when they felt a "tweak," they were told to just rest. To ice it. To “be careful next time.”

But "being careful" isn't a strategy—learning how to move is. At E3 Chiropractic + Wellness, we show you why the pain happened and how to move so it doesn’t happen again. That’s the difference between a temporary fix and breaking the pain cycle for good. To get there, we look at Stability vs. Mobility through our 3 Pillars of Health.

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1. Movement: Stability vs. Mobility

In the world of back pain, "mobility" (stretching) gets all the attention, but "stability" (control) is usually what’s missing. When you're out in a Saskatoon winter, your spine doesn't need to be more flexible; it needs to be more secure.

  • The E3 Approach: Dr. Kurtis, Dr. Zach, or our newest team member, Dr. Layne, perform a full-body assessment to find where you are moving too much and where you aren't moving enough.
  • The Goal: We restore motion to restricted joints, then coach you on how to "stiffen" your core to protect your spine while your hips do the work.

2. Fuel: Quenching the Inflammation

Physical stress from winter chores creates a chemical response in your muscles. If your "Fuel" pillar is off, that inflammation lingers, turning a one-day ache into a weeks-long "niggle".

  • The E3 Approach: We discuss how to support your increased activity with the right nutrients to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery.
  • The Goal: To give your tissues the resources they need to heal faster after a heavy day of movement.

3. Mindset: Breaking the Pain Cycle

The most common mistake people make with back pain is stopping all movement out of fear. This "fear-avoidance" mindset actually makes the cycle worse.

  • The E3 Approach: We help you understand the 3 Stages of the Pain Cycle and empower you to keep moving safely.
  • The Goal: To move you from "I can't do that" to "I know exactly how to do that safely."

Don't Wait for the "Pop"

Maintenance care is always cheaper and more effective than emergency care. If you’re ready to learn how to use your body so you can stop fearing the next snowfall, our team is ready to coach you through it.

Click HERE to book a discovery call with us today and take the first step toward a clearer, pain-free future!

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The information in this article is for educational purposes only. Always consult a professional at E3 Chiropractic + Wellness for a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan.

Dr. Kurtis Gryba

Dr. Kurtis Gryba

Chiropractor | Owner

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