If you have ever even thought about going to a chiropractor, you are certainly not alone. In 2015, 35 million Americans stated that they had seen a chiropractor within the past year, according to a Gallup panel.
I know I went to see one after a little mishap spelled big time pain that I couldn’t seem to get rid of any other way.
My Story Isn’t That Unique
While it’s an amusing story, my husband likes to tell but it’s not all that unique, to be honest.
While at a family picnic, I was watching my children and a few toddlers playing in the grass when I noticed that one of the children was walking straight into the parking lot. I don’t know why he was headed that way, but my mom senses kicked in when I realized that I was the only parent close by.
I quickly stood up and took a few sprints to catch up with this fast-moving little guy when I tripped. The section I was running on was on a downward slope, so I fell head over heels at least twice before landing flat on my back with the wind knocked out of me.
Everyone came running to see me and someone must have spotted the kid I was chasing as I saw him gaping at me later, probably wondering why I was crying.
I hurt everywhere. That old saying about feeling like you were run over by a truck seemed to fit the bill, but I figured it would pass in a day or two.
It didn’t.
Getting up from the sofa or bed just to go to the bathroom was so painful! I couldn’t stand for more than a few minutes, I couldn’t sit for more than a few minutes, and I couldn’t seem to move my left arm very much either.
After 3 days of this, I went to the doctor, who told me that I probably sprained my back and that I would need two weeks of complete rest, minimum.
I don’t know about you, but I have other things to do!
Although I was lucky enough to have a work from home job, I still did not want to spend two weeks sitting on my behind, waiting to see if I got better. I did some research.
First, I tried hot baths with Epsom salts, which felt great but only felt better for about 30 minutes after I got out of the tub. Next, I tried stretching (no way!), I tried ice packs (made it worse) and finally resorted to crying out of sheer frustration and pain.
Then I read a few amazing stories about chiropractic care.
I discovered that chiropractic care has been around for more than 100 years. Who knew?
I read some stories about people who sounded like me and these unfortunate souls had tremendous success with chiropractic care.
While it’s true that many of these stories are posted on chiropractic websites, some of them sounded like they had injuries like mine. I called my resident chiropractor here in Anchorage and decided to try it.
I became my own amazing story about chiropractic care!
After answering some questions, my doctor took x-rays and told me that he agreed, I probably did sprain my back, but I didn’t have to just sit and wait.
I got the most wonderful chiropractic massage to begin with. I thought this would hurt, but I could actually feel the muscles loosening, which released the pressure in my back.
My doctor did a few gentle adjustments, which I also expected to hurt but didn’t! Now I won’t say I walked out after 1 visit and was cured, but I felt better than I had in a week! I could actually walk to the car without wanting to scream in pain.
It took several more visits and a few more massages but by the end of two weeks; I wasn’t waiting to see if I felt any better; I had never felt better in my life!
The 5 Things I Learned the Hard Way
Thing #1
Insurance Probably Won’t Cover Chiropractic Care
One of the bad things about chiropractic care and massage is that almost no insurance will cover it. I found out that if you are in a car accident, some insurance companies will pay for a few visits, but my insurance told me it wasn’t covered otherwise. It’s my opinion that this really needs to change.
Thing #2
It’s Cheaper Than Other Types of Care
If you don’t have insurance or if you have a large deductible, you will be happy to know chiropractic care is generally a great deal less expensive than your typical doctor or physical therapist. I’m not suggesting that people should avoid doctors, I only want to point out that if you have an injury like mine and no insurance, consider a chiropractor first.
Thing #3
Your Chiropractor Can’t Prescribe Medication
If you need pain medication or muscle relaxants, then your chiropractor will not be able to help you in this area. While I already had pain meds from my doctor, I don’t like taking them. My chiropractor suggested I take a few natural anti-inflammatories supplements, which I am still taking because not only did these help my back and shoulder, they seem to help with my chronic tennis elbow.
Thing #4
You Will Want to Go Back
As many times as I have been to the doctor in my lifetime, I cannot say that I ever look forward to going back. This is NOT true with my chiropractor. I always feel so good when I am finished that I look forward to my next visit. No, my chiropractor doesn’t say I must keep coming, I WANT to keep coming back!
Thing #5
I Wish I Had Known about This Before
I imagine that, like many people, I had heard about chiropractic care, but I never considered it before. It seemed like a treatment for, I don’t know, old people or movie stars or something. I wish I had met someone like me before who had benefited (and continues to benefit) from chiropractic treatment.
The good news here is that, if you are reading this article, don’t be like me. Don’t wait until you injure yourself and are in serious pain before you see a chiropractor!