Real Experiences from Real People

Did you know that back pain affects 60 to 80 percent of U.S. adults at some time during their lives, and up to 50 percent have back pain within a given year? 26 to 52% of all golfers have lower back pain, 30% play with lower back pain at any given time.  Lastly, 49% of all work absences are due to back, shoulder and neck pain. And, we thought it was the common cold. 

Musculoskeletal disorders rank as the No.1 cause of work absences lasting three days or longer, according to a study last year by the Work Foundation in London.  These conditions include pain in the neck, back, shoulders, and arms, topping stress and anxiety in the No.2 spot and minor illnesses like headaches and upset stomach at No.3. 

The survey included all types of workers, so it wasn’t just heavy-lifting factory hands spending their sick days.  Researchers recommended ‘prevention and intervention’…. No kidding!!! 

Effective treatments for musculoskeletal problems involve treatment in a chiropractor’s office, bottom line.  The unfortunate fact is that too many individuals wait for major negative health signals to occur before moving proper spinal health up on their priority list.  Read the stories of these two individuals whose common musculoskeletal issues created enough urgency to take action. 

Meet Jacob May, son of Curtis and Sue May, an Oak Mountain High School student and football player.  He’s a young developing athlete and power house.  Playing football has been part of his entire life, as has been the injuries.  For most, no blood, guts or broken bones… you’re fine get back in it.  For those knowing Jacob, playing the game was the ‘it’. 

However, Curtis began noticing Jacob being off his game.  “He has always had great motor skills but he would appear off balance. You would see him be explosive on one play and the next play he would be hesitant and slower.  It was obvious he was struggling with his back.”  Curtis knew that college and pro level players utilize Chiropractic Services to maintain their physical ability sharp and ensure their focus is clear for every game. For his son, “Chiropractic was the logical route for us to go”.

During the consultation it was revealed that Jacob also suffered from severe headaches among other health issues.  His mom Sue being a nurse at first was skeptical about the correlation of his spinal structural compromises coinciding with Jacob’s symptoms.  However, if this could help their son, she was all for it! 

As expected, with proper corrective Chiropractic care Jacob regained his strength, agility and powerful lower body force to not only have a great competitive senior season but nail the final play of the last game.  If you ask Curtis or Jacob their thoughts about Chiropractic care for teenage athletes there comments are “I think everyone should consider Chiropractic care to resolve problems but more importantly to give your kid the chance to play at their best.”  

Next, there is Sylvia Drummond Hoehn, a vibrant and active 70 year old.  She’s a mother of four and grandmother of several more.  She could have spent her last 30 years in a wheel chair due to severe lower back pain and arthritis if it weren’t for a recommendation by a physical therapist to pursue Chiropractic care.  It is amazing to hear.

“Chiropractic saved my life” Sylvia will be quick to tell you.  In her mid 30’s after having her kids, she started losing the feeling of her left side and having severe lower back pain.  According to Sylvia, the pain became intense and debilitating.  After multiple doctor appointments, variety of tests and several second opinions, she was recommended surgery by three different doctors.  She was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis. At this time, Ms. Sylvia couldn’t afford the necessary recovery time due to the rising of her young children.  Therefore, she refused the surgery recommendations and proceeded to Mayo clinic for more acceptable answers to her health issues.   

Once there, “every test known to man was done” Sylvia recalls, “it was very unpleasant but I thought I will have an answer and be fixed”.  After four days of test including two psychological evaluations, she was told there was nothing wrong.  “I couldn’t believe it” she said. “I told them ‘You mean I am loosing the use of my left side and there is nothing wrong’”.  The reason she was given was that due to so many babies in a short period of time her stomach muscles had weakened and physical therapy would help strengthen those muscle regions.   This answer was better than surgery however she was still not satisfied. 

Once back in Birmingham at a physical therapist session, the therapist mentioned she should consider visiting a chiropractor for help with her osteoarthritis. Sylvia was skeptical.  In those days, Sylvia had not heard anything positive about Chiropractic however, “I was desperate, frustrated and decided it beats my alternative’.  She has never looked back since.

"It was a long journey to get back to where I was”. Sylvia remembers that within two months, she was beginning to feel her left side again.  After a short while longer, she was back to doing things with her kids that she was unable to do for a long time.  Throughout the years, Sylvia continued her Chiropractic care as a lifestyle habit.  “I played golf, tennis, raised my kids and traveled, which I thought would never happen again”.  

“Most of our society does not understand chiropractic, but I can assure you it works. When I think I could have been in a wheel chair for the past 30 years it is frightening.”  Sylvia is right.  Many in our community need to consider prevention and intervention from a natural proactive non invasive approach like chiropractic.  The Chiropractic approach and lifestyle is congruent with the message of prevention of health issues and intervention when present.  Like these two stories, millions have chosen Chiropractic care as a vehicle to maximize their health and live lives of significance.

Take time to ask yourself, what are your intentions for your life?  How do you expect your health to play out in the years ahead?  Decide this year to step through a wellness oriented chiropractor for a break through with your health.