Tamara’s Story - Low Back and Neck Pain

Before Align

I have always been active. Before my pain journey started I regularly bicycled, hiked, power walked, and skied. As I entered my late 50s, I was becoming less active and was not happy about it. Yet, when I would try to become active again and do the things I enjoyed, I’d often overdo it and then slide back to being inactive. I was coordinating care for my aging parents, and eventually moved my mom across the country to live near me before she passed away. I work a busy, stressful job that I love, but for years I have also been telling myself that I need to carve more time out of my day to pursue the activities that I love and take care of myself.

Where the Pain Started

The summer of 2023 was when my pain really started. I don’t know exactly what caused it, but my tailbone became very painful. I didn't know what to do to fix the problem. I have a high threshold for pain and I thought that I could just wait it out until it went away.

The pain was with me every minute, even when sleeping. I don't like to take pain medication, but I had to in order to function. I even had to have a donut pillow to sit on everywhere I went–at home, at work, in the car, visiting family, on an airplane. Even with the pillow, the pain was rough to deal with. I didn't get on my bicycle for over a year. I had to do shorter hikes, my power walks were more like strolls, and I didn’t ski as often because I was afraid of falling and hurting myself further.  

After a few weeks of thinking the pain would go away on its own, I finally went to see my doctor. The X-rays showed that my tailbone was deformed, and he told me I would most likely need surgery. In hindsight, what transpired over the next few weeks turned out to be a blessing. For weeks, I played phone tag with the back surgeon’s office, but was never able to get in touch with them (they kept calling my home phone instead of my cell). There were about six of these call cycles and I was frustrated and in pain. 

Around this time, a few people that I know mentioned that I should call Align. So, that is exactly what I did.

At this point, just sitting in the car was grueling. I was afraid that the pain was going to be with me for the rest of my life; that this was the point in time where quality of life was beginning to fall away and I would no longer be able to be active.

First Impression

I have to say that when my coach first gave me some of the exercises my thoughts were, "What the heck are these lame exercises going to do for me?” I quickly learned how those exercises (like block and belt) are both a foundation and a lifelong treasure because they are essential to keep your body "aligned.” Regularly doing these simple and straightforward exercises are what helped my pain go away!

The Journey

I can't say enough good, positive things about my journey at Align. I love that the coaches are so educated and knowledgeable about the human body and how skilled they are at applying their knowledge to each individual's needs. It felt like they were walking on the path to better health with me. My coach was always so encouraging, and the culture at Align is motivating, welcoming, and fun!

Life Now

My results have been wonderful! My pain is gone. I've learned so much about my body and what it needs to feel healthy and strong. At a time when I thought my health was declining and would just continue to do so, I've learned that I play a huge role in being healthy. These days I feel so strong! I love trying new exercises that my coach introduces. I also love staying out of doctor offices. My daily outlook is much more positive, and I am back to skiing, power walking, and bicycling.

Pass It On: What would you say to someone who is considering starting their Align journey?

From being a member of Align, I’ve gained the perspective that being healthy is not a destination, but a journey. I know now that there's no amount of working out that will cause my "exercise beaker" to be full so that I can go the rest of my life without ever exercising again. I enjoy doing something daily to take care of my health. I tell people all the time about Align. Just think what that would do to lower medical costs if everyone had access to an Align facility.