He Cried on the Table and His Back Finally Let Go

From Dr. Tran at Color Chiropractic

 Hi Color Chiropractic Family,

I’m glad you’re still with me on this journey. In this email series, I’ve been sharing some of the pivotal lessons I’ve learned as a holistic chiropractor — not just in terms of technique, but the personal growth and powerful patient experiences that continue to shape how I practice.

Last time, I talked about what it really means to be a holistic provider — not doing everything for everyone, but knowing where I fit in the healing process.

Today, I want to share one of the most profound stories I’ve experienced in practice. It’s about the body, the weight of emotion, and how sometimes… pain isn’t just physical.

🔵 Story: When He Let Go, Everything Shifted

He was a big guy — strong, solid, and clearly used to the “no pain, no gain” kind of care. The type of person who expected to be cracked hard and fast, and walk out without saying much.

But when he came into my office, something told me to slow down.
To listen.
To ask a few deeper questions first.

That’s when I learned his wife was battling stage 4 cancer.

This wasn’t just physical stress — this was a man carrying grief, fear, and responsibility deep in his body. And it was showing up in his back, shoulders, and posture… locked in tight like armor.

Instead of jumping in with a forceful adjustment, I shifted gears.
I turned to a tool I’ve found powerful in cases like this: Neuro Emotional Technique, or NET.

You can learn more about NET here: netmindbody.com

NET is a mind-body technique that helps identify and release emotional stress that may be stored in the body. Emotional stress can trigger tension, alter posture, and even create pain or hinder the healing process.

As we began the NET process together, something broke open.
Tears started to fall. His body softened. His breath deepened.

And when I finally adjusted him — gently, respectfully — it was as if the spine finally had permission to release. The adjustment held. His pain decreased. But more than anything, his spirit felt lighter.

That day reminded me: real healing happens when we treat the whole person — not just their spine.

🔵 Pain Isn’t Always Just Physical

“Chiropractic care treats the whole body and believes that what affects one part of the body affects the other parts.”²

Many people think pain is just mechanical — poor posture, muscle strain, old injuries. And yes, those are real factors. But pain is often a messenger, pointing us to something deeper.

• Emotional grief can settle in the low back
  

• Anxiety can stiffen the neck and shoulders
  

• Unprocessed stress can trigger chronic tension
  

“It is the belief that you cannot just treat the symptoms, you need to treat the root cause of the pain or illness inside the musculoskeletal system.”²

And if emotional stress is what’s keeping your nervous system in fight-or-flight… no adjustment, stretch, or supplement alone is going to fully resolve it.

That’s why, at Color Chiropractic, we offer a more integrated and compassionate approach — not just to reduce pain, but to restore balance at every level of the body.

🟢 How to Start Listening to Your Body Differently

If any of this hits home for you, here are some practical ways to explore the emotional side of physical pain:

1. Reflect on What Was Happening When the Pain Began

• Were you going through a difficult season in life?
  

• Did you experience a loss, big decision, or major change?
  

• Is there a pattern to when the pain worsens?
  

2. Pay Attention to How Your Body Responds to Stress

• Where do you feel tight when overwhelmed?
  

• Does your pain flare when emotions are running high?
  

3. Be Open to Holistic Tools That Address More Than Just Structure

Whether it’s NET, breathwork, or intentional journaling — giving your emotions a place to go can be just as healing as stretching or adjusting.

Final Thoughts from Dr. Tran

This work has taught me that sometimes what we need most isn’t another adjustment — it’s a moment to feel safe enough to release.

“The body can heal itself when it is working correctly and this can be achieved without medication.”²

If your body is holding something heavy, I want you to know this: you don’t have to hold it alone. You’re not broken. You’re just carrying more than your body was designed to carry without support.

And support is what we’re here for.

In the final email of this series, I’ll tell you about one of the most impactful lessons from a mentor early in my training — and how it redefined what I thought pain meant entirely.

Until then,
Dr. Tran
Color Chiropractic

📩 Coming Next: “What My First Mentor Taught Me About Listening to Pain”

Pain is not your enemy — it might just be your body’s most honest way of asking for change. We’ll explore what that really means next time.