Before my automobile accident, I never thought about my back. I was able to wrestle with my two godsons, and carry my small nieces and nephews around on my hips. I exercised daily, alternating between walking three to five miles or riding my bicycle five to 10 miles a day. I went on trips with my family and led a very active life.
In 2004, I was driving to work and was in an acuto accident. At first, I thought I was okay and went to work. After sitting at my desk for about one hour, I realized that my neck and back were stiffening up.
I spent the next four years seeing chiropractors, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, osteopaths, acupuncturists, physical therapists, massage therapists, attending pain clinic, getting injections, and taking medication.
My back pain never went away completely, it was constant, measuring six to seven on a scale of one to 10, until a spasm took my pain level to a 10. The spasms could last from a few minutes to a few days. I was resigned that I would be like this for the rest of my life and I would go from using a cane to a wheelchair.
My family doctor decided to send me to one more orthopaedic doctor who recommended Dr. Chen. When I heard Dr. Chen say he thought he could help me, I was elated! I hadn't had one doctor tell me that in four years. I was definitely willing to put in the hard work to make it happen.
From day one at the Spine Rehab Center, I knew I was in good hands. The staff provided me with the safe environment to explore how far I could push myself. I learned to relax and breathe when I became frustrated, or when the pain would start. The new stretches and exercises I learned allowed my muscles to move again and I gained strength, flexibility, and endurance.
After completing two weeks at the Spine Rehab Center, I no longer needed to use my cane. I continue to do the exercises and stretches, including using an exercise ball and specific workout tape that I was given. I can now work out on the Stairmaster, elliptical, treadmill and bicycle.
My pain level is significantly reduced, and I recover from spasms considerably quicker. I only take an occasional ibuprofen for pain. An extra bonus is that I am able to hold my seven-month old grandson! I now have a healthier lifestyle and a much brighter future.
I strongly encourage anyone who is has chronic muscle back pain to make an appointment with the Spine Rehab Center for an evaluation. With the right professionals to guide and teach you, you can learn to live your life new again, as I did. There is hope for managing your chronic back pain, so don’t give up!
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