A Register Nurse’s account of Low Back Pain. Goodbye pain. Hello LIFE!!

In 2001, I sat down in a chair and experienced the most excruciating pain in my life. I went into the doctor’s, was examined and scanned – no herniation to a disc – that was the good news. Unfortunately, I was prescribed 2 weeks of bedrest with muscle relaxants and pain medication, with a nagging ache that would never fully resolve. In fact, I would regularly get flare-ups, and at its best, it was still a constant low-level pain. It was zapping my enthusiasm for life, dragging me down mentally and physically.

To get through the day, I had my heated car seats, Epsom salt baths, and NSAIDS. I have had 4 sessions of physical therapy. Each session helped some, but the relief would only last for a day or two. I tried to increase my exercising and started going to a gym regularly, which then resulted in back spasms that sent me to the emergency department. My PCP’s only suggestion was muscle relaxants, losing weight, and stretching, but to decrease my activity levels to prevent the spasms. I even was recommended massages which helped, but once again, the relief did not last.

My daughter had started coming in to Clear Connections and was very pleased with the results she was getting. She would urge me to go in for my back pain, but I was extremely reluctant. I have worked in the medical field as an RN, so I have used the allopathic/mainstream medical model for over 30 years. However, over time my daughter wore me out and I finally took the plunge.

While I didn’t want to admit it to myself, the pain was remarkably less after the first session! Since other treatments would only ease the pain for a short time, I thought it was only a matter of time before my pain came back. Thankfully, I was wrong, and after 2-3 adjustments, I slept through the night without waking up from the pain.
I even noticed lesser symptoms resolving. Ringing in the ears and grinding noise in my neck, both started long ago, and both were gone after my first adjustment. I have not taken any Prevacid or Tums for my GERD since beginning care either.

My energy levels are up, as well as my mental state. It feels good to have my life back, and now I am hopeful for the future in continuing the activities I once enjoyed.

– Mel L.