That's it. Pain.
Oh, and if the doctor thinks osteopathically, then there is more.
My reasoning actually goes right back to my diagram of the mind-body-spirit triangle.
Pain is located near the body. That is pretty much all a physician can help with. The emotions and STRESS, located between the mind and spirit, is good with counseling and perhaps psychotherapy. The bad habits we get into, such as addictions and bad sleeping habits, are between the mind and the body. The motivation and frustration lie between the body and spirit. Of all these, pain is pretty much the only thing a physician can help with.
I am biased and I simplifying this as well. But, why else do you go see the doctor? Their knowledge is their trade, for which you hand over a monetary equivalent.
As an osteopathic physician, I can help people heal themselves with a skill called osteopathic manipulation. I can also help them understand the relationship they have with their mind, body and spirit, and direct them in a path of healing. If they listen and get better, I get the credit. If they don't listen and don't get better, I get the credit. If I treat them with osteopathic manipulation and they get better instantly, or progressively, I still get the credit. I win most of the time! If all I did was throw a prescription pad at them, and entertain them until they get better, then I might get credit sometimes, probably for something I didn't even help with.
Doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of which they know less, in human beings of whom they know nothing.
I try to direct my patients and act as a coach. I cheer them on. I help with the pain. I encourage them, I give them hope and something to focus on other than pain. And they get better. I am pleased I can help them. I think that I am lucky to be able to help my patients. I am lucky to be an osteopath.
