It was in 2006 when my days of helping transport people and cargo came to a sudden halt. I was helping my elderly mother into the passenger seat of my minivan when something suddenly and painfully went wrong in my lower back.
I thought I had just pulled a muscle, so I began taking over-the-counter pain relievers to deal with the discomfort.
My decision not to seek treatment at the time of the injury led to serious consequences in the years that followed. I gave up activities that I used to enjoy, like bike riding, dancing, hiking, golfing, and DIY projects, because they caused too much pain – if not at the time of the activity then certainly in the days that followed.
I was missing days of work because I couldn’t stand upright without pain shooting down my legs. It even changed my appearance. Gone were any shoes with more than a one inch heel. I could no longer reach my arms up to roll my hair because it involved arching my back. Bending and reaching to shave my legs or even tie my shoes involved careful planning to avoid falling over.
With less activity came weight gain and weaker core muscles which only added to the strain on my back. I became sedentary, avoiding any destination that involved climbing stairs. I chose restaurants based on the comfort of their seating. I shopped in stores with only one level or that had escalators. The more time I spent at the computer or watching television, the more problems I had with my neck and shoulders, leading to numbness in my fingers.
I made a series of unsuccessful attempts to treat this condition over the years. I tried shoe inserts to support my arches and cushion the impact of walking. I used over-the-counter creams, sprays and patches to lessen the pain. Various doctors gave me spinal injections, decompression treatments, muscle relaxers, pain management advice and recommended stress reduction and stretching exercises. Some approaches helped relieve symptoms in the short term, but none lasted or improved the underlying condition.
To my great irritation, I realized that as of 2016 I had spent ten years, and who knows how much money, with no lasting improvement to show for it.
Then recently, while scrolling through social media postings, I saw an advertisement for Baker Chiropractic and Wellness. I didn’t think I was a candidate for treatment, because I had been told that once arthritis sets in along the spine, nothing can be done except surgery. Figuring that I had nothing left to lose, I decided to go in for one assessment visit, preparing myself to be told that I was beyond being helped.
Well, the report I received was surprising as well as exciting!
Yes there was visible arthritis, and obvious curvatures of the spine, but the x-rays also showed that a lumbar disc had slipped out of alignment, causing the vertebrae to press on nearby nerves. Before I left that initial visit, I had received my first TLC (tender loving chiropractic) adjustment.
The relief from the all too familiar shooting pains was immediate! That weekend I did an unbelievable four loads of laundry in one day without any lower back pain. Never before had doing laundry been such a joy!
I am now converted to the benefits of chiropractic treatment!
Dr. Todd Worthington and the staff of the Red Bank Road office are positive, supportive, and focused on the well-being of every patient in their care.
I have a detailed treatment plan and at-home tools to support the progress I’m making during office visits. For the first time in a decade, I have experienced real pain relief!
Words cannot express what it feels like to have actual HOPE, not just wishes, for improved quality of life in the future!*
– Monica S.
*Please note, there is no guarantee of specific results with our care and results may vary. Please contact us to discuss your specific condition.
Contact Us Any Time To Schedule a Free Consultation
If you are suffering from back pain or any other type of painful condition, please contact us to schedule a free consultation by calling (513) 561-2273