Name of condition: Chronic pain, scoliosis, recovering from knee surgery
Symptoms: Pain, low energy, no motivation for physical activities, restless sleeper
Location of pain: Hips, back, neck, shoulders and feet.
Duration: Eight months, and up to two years depending on stress level.
Severity: Chronic, non-stop discomfort. On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being excruciating pain, my pain was an eight.
Describe previous treatment and results: In the past, I had seen a physiotherapist for my neck and back, which helped for a while, but the discomfort came back over time.
Indicate which drugs and/or medication you were taking, if any: Tylenol, muscle relaxants (Robaxacet), and an anti-inflammatory (Celebrex).
What led to your decision to try chiropractic? My friend suggested it because I was always complaining of being in pain. Also, I read that it was beneficial for people with scoliosis.
Had you been to a doctor of chiropractic previously? Yes, for a short period of time.
Did you have any doubts that chiropractic would help you? No
What were your first impressions of chiropractic, this office, and doctor? Excellent. The initial assessment is very thorough, caring, and conscientious for your well being, both physically and psychologically. The staff help you feel special in a really good way. They are positive, and seem to encourage you and the fact that you are taking care of your body. There was no pressure to listen to their recommendations. They are very accommodating to your schedule and your financial situation.
What recommendations were made by Dr. Rodwin? She put me on a program to start to relieve the pain that involved adjustments in my neck, mid-back, low back (sacrum) and feet. She did the Active Release Technique (ART) on my gluteus muscles to help with my sacroiliac adjustment. She also suggested I try massage therapy.
Describe your results, including your time involved with the treatments: When I started at the clinic, I would go from my desk at work to the couch at home to my bed. I had always been active in sports, but I was unable to do anything, and had no motivation to resume sports. I went there twice a week for four months, and by the end of that time I was spinning once a week and could walk up five floors at work, three times a week. During my fifth month, I started going for treatments once a week and took spinning classes twice a week. I was able to walk up seven floors five times a week by my ninth month of treatment and cycle to work every day. I regained my energy and my motivation, my ability to deal with stress improved, my digestive system functioned better, I slept more soundly, and I felt all-around healthier and happier. I started massage after four months of treatment, and it, along with my adjustments, has helped me increase my activity level tremendously.
Is anyone else in your family a chiropractic patient? If yes, for what conditions? Yes, my sister-in-law referred me to this clinic. She had back problems from a car accident.
How has chiropractic helped him/her? Relieved her pain and increased mobility.
What would you recommend to others who are sick, suffering, or in pain? Visit the Back to Health Wellness Centre for a chiropractic assessment to see if it would help them the way it helped me.
How many others have you told about chiropractic? Several people.
How do you feel about chiropractic now that you have enjoyed its benefits? I would recommend it to everyone; it has helped me get my life back on track.
