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I was told at a Christmas party in 2007, while standing with my cane in extreme pain, that I desperately needed to make an appointment to see Dr. Smith before I was to meet with a surgeon in January.
Here is my story!
I had been seen by medical doctors for the past two years to treat a bulging disc that was also herniated and pressing on my sciatic nerve.The pain that I was experiencing was beyond description along with a burning sensation that traveled down my right leg into my toes. I was given different pain medications, however, nothing worked. They took x-rays and found arthritis in the joints. The Dr. then referred me to a physical therapist. After eight weeks of no improvement, they extended therapy for another four weeks. Once the sessions were over, I was told that nothing more could be done and I should look into seeing a surgeon. During this time, I surrendered myself to the use of a cane because the pain was so unbearable to walk without it. However, while utilizing the cane, I developed a scoliosis.
I met with the surgeon and he ordered an MRI where we then discovered my disc problems. Surgery was suggested, however, I wanted to seek other alternative treatments. He suggested a spine and musculoskeletal doctor because I was a candidate for cortisone injections. Over the next nine months I had three cortisone epidurals administered directly into my sciatic nerve. The first two injections gave me temporary relief for about three months, following each injection. The pain always found its way back. After the third shot was given in December of 2007, it did absolutely nothing. The pain and burning and scoliosis had worsened. After losing all hope, I returned to my doctor just to receive more pain medication and told the horrifying news that I definitely needed surgery because there was nothing else that they could do for me.
While attending a Christmas party, my daughter along with a nephew and niece, highly recommended Dr. Smith after all having received positive results. I called right away and scheduled an appointment for January 2. By the middle to the end of January, I had received the first relief in two years. I was pain free, the burning sensation was gone and I no longer needed my cane! Since I don't need my cane anymore, nor will I ever need it (BELIEVE ME, IT WAS HARD TO GIVE UP!),
I wanted to give it to Dr. Smith as a sign of my gratitude to him and his staff.My scoliosis has greatly improved, and I remain in treatment because my life would never be the same without it.
Thank you Dr.Smith!
-Kathleen M.
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As a holistic massage therapist, I am primarily interested in natural ways for the body to heal. I have never taken heavy-duty pain medications, even when in pain. I used natural alternatives, like lots of Vitamin C and loads of homeopathic topical pain gels and lotions.
Taking the steps toward chiropractic treatment started because I knew something needed to change. I knew it was not going to get better unless I went past my comfort level and searched out a more aggressive approach. I had pain and numbness in my shoulder and hands, which made my type of work awfully unpleasant, making it difficult to give clients my best.
I knew that the symptoms that I was experiencing came from a lifetime of wear and tear on my body. However, even chiropractic seemed drastic to me. I was so afraid of getting adjusted (especially my neck!) that I walked into this office with huge doubts of becoming a patient.
After a thorough examination detailing my history, I felt for the first time, that someone was listening. Dr. Smith was meticulous, and having some knowledge of how the body moves, I agreed with his assessment. What impressed me the most was how Dr. Smith explained the why of everything he did. Amazingly enough he even got me to take x-rays, something I did not want to do. At this point I almost walked out saying, thanks but no thanks, seeing that Dr. Smith looked at me and said, "Well I don't like to guess, so I will leave the choice to you." That did it! I finally realized it was the guessing of the doctors I had gone to in the past that made me afraid of seeking the care I really needed.
The changes that have come from my adjustments have gone beyond the freedom from pain and numbness, but also the trust that I have regained from being in the hands of a doctor that I could believe in. I now work pain free, and feel confident that I am on the path of complete healing.
I now sing the praises of chiropractic, and Dr. Smith's well-run office. The advice I give to skeptics, is the same as my clients, the best gift you can give yourself is visiting Smith Family Chiropractic, to learn the value of looking at your spine and its conditions and using that as a tool to judge the health of your whole body!
Kudos to Dr. Smith and Staff!
- Sheri H.
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