Back pain has troubled me for a long time. I can’t say when it started or how often it has bothered me, but the pain is something that has been more troublesome over the past three years. I’ve been very happy and thankful that I stopped in to a chiropractic office back in April.

Photo by Jim Johnson on Flickr

In pursuit of my New Year’s Resolution to run 5Ks, I ran the Clintonville 5K which benefited the Indian Springs Elementary School. It was in April, so it was cold and slightly miserable. At the end of the race, I stopped by all of the local business tents. One of the businesses was Artisan Dance Studio (who I love!) and another was Spine and Sports Chiropractic Center.

The Pitch

The chiropractic center was offering free seated massages to the runners. With half a bagel and half a banana in hand, I sat down for a massage. I asked if I could eat my food through the face hole, but the therapist gave me a strange laugh. (I think that was a no.) So, after the five minute massage was done, they did their sales pitch. They were offering a free consultation and x-ray as well as a free gift card worth $xxx to the Clintonville 5K participants. All I had to do was make an appointment. Free is always a good deal, so I signed up.

Persistent and chronic back pain was the ultimate motivator. I had also finished writing content for a spinal surgeon’s website, so I had done a ton of research and felt very knowledgeable. My coworker, Chad, had jokingly accused me of diagnosing myself. Looking at WebMD and the Mayo Clinic website too much may lead to that. However, I knew that I had lower back pain and perhaps a more significant problem because I suffered through it on a daily basis.

Up until that point, I didn’t know too much about chiropractors. I remember sitting in a Japanese restaurant with my parents when I was in junior high or high school, and they were talking about a friend who had gone to a chiropractor – something about a ruptured or herniated disc. I had never delved into more information on the profession. Going to a chiropractor seemed like the next step in trying to figuring out my back problem. I had been to massage therapists and the visits produced no long lasting effects. I had also been treated by my friend, Catherine, who practices acupuncture. The sessions made me feel great, but the pain would slowly creep back.

The First Visit

On my first visit to Spine and Sports Family Chiropractic, I met with Dr. Kemp. He focused on making me an informed patient and educated me about spinal health. He asked me where I felt pain, and he took an x-ray. Seeing the x-ray made me smile. I finally had a visual for what I was feeling. It looked as if two of my lower vertebrae (lumbar) were almost touching. The disc separating the vertebrae was worn down. This was causing the sharp pains associated with pinched nerves, and it also explained why it felt like my lower back was “locked up” all the time. It’s called “degenerative disc disease.”

Common Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease Include:

• The low back pain is generally made worse with sitting, since in the seated position the lumbosacral discs are loaded three times more than standing.
• Certain types of activity will usually worsen the low back pain, especially bending, lifting and twisting.
• Walking, and even running, may actually feel better than prolonged sitting or standing.
• Patients will generally feel better if they can change positions frequently, and lying down is usually the best position since this relieves stress on the disc space.

From SpineHealth.com, Retrieved 11/26/2013.

This explained why I was more comfortable lying flat on the floor than sitting in my office chair. It has also explained why running was an activity which helped my back feel good.

Well Adjusted

I had my first adjustment on that visit. Dr. Kemp asked me if I was nervous, and I told him that I had no expectations. I had never seen someone get adjusted nor had I heard anyone talk about his or her own account of getting an adjustment. So, I really didn’t know what was going to happen. I can only described it as follows: the top half and lower of my body getting twisted forcibly in opposite directions. It felt great! My back felt like it had been unlocked.

I have been going to my chiropractor once a month since April (and was there just this morning). Pain may come back between sessions, but I am encouraged to stay active. To keep the pain away, I must keep moving. Running with Eric and Porsche, Zumba with Hannah, and yoga where I can get it are now contributors to helping me maintain a healthy back and a healthy and active lifestyle.