In 2010, I started living with chronic neck pain. For over a decade, I visited chiropractors, physiotherapists, and doctors, hoping for a permanent fix. The relief was always temporary. Each time I left the chiropractor, I knew I’d be back in a month.
But something changed in November 2022. I started doing kettlebell halo workouts—simple, controlled movements that strengthened my neck and shoulder muscles. Over time, something unexpected happened: my visits to the chiropractor became less frequent. First, it went from once a month to every three months, then six months, and now, I think I’m looking at once a year. For the first time since 2010, I feel in control of my pain.
The point of this isn’t to say kettlebell halos are a magic solution for everyone. But they made me realize something important: when it comes to chronic pain, the solution isn’t just about relying on professionals. It’s about taking an active role in managing it yourself.
Pain Management: The First Step
Doctors, chiropractors, and physiotherapists are great. They know the body and can guide you through flare-ups. But most people use them like crutches—an external fix that only addresses symptoms. You go in, feel better for a bit, then fall back into old habits that caused the pain in the first place.
And here’s something important: don’t hesitate to take painkillers when you need them. Some people think toughing it out is more "manly," but there’s no point in suffering through unnecessary pain. If a simple pill can take the edge off and help you function, take it. Pain management is the first step to getting to the real solution. The key is not stopping there.
The Missing Piece: Muscle Rehab
Chronic pain is rarely just a pain problem. It’s a muscle problem. For me, weak muscles in my neck and upper back were causing my spine to overcompensate, leading to strain and pain. What kettlebell halos did was re-train those muscles to work how they’re supposed to. It wasn’t quick or easy, but it worked.
Here’s the thing: no chiropractor or physiotherapist can follow you around, making sure your muscles stay strong. They can tell you what to do, but at the end of the day, you have to do the work.
The Takeaway
If you’re dealing with chronic neck pain—or any pain, really—don’t make the mistake I did by depending entirely on professionals for relief. They’re important, but they can only do so much. You need to take an active role in your own pain management, and that starts with building strength where your body needs it most.
It’s a long-term investment. It’s not glamorous, but trust me: being pain-free is worth it.