My first treatment with a chiropractor occurred in middle school after finishing a cross country running race. Portions of the course on this particular day were set on the side of a hill at an extremely unlevel angle. By the time I crossed the finish line, I felt my stride was considerably imbalanced, to the point where I was struggling with sharp pain in my pelvis and lower back. I made my first ever appointment with my mom's chiropractor and learned that my sacroiliac joints were out of alignment and causing a leg length difference of approximately two inches. I was treated 2-3 visits for my sacroiliac pain and pelvic alignment problem, and then returned to cross country running at 100% within 1-2 weeks.
Four years later in my junior year of high school, I developed a strep infection that required a course of antibiotics to resolve the infection. I was unaware at the time of how antibiotics may disrupt the delicate balance of intenstinal bacterial flora that may lead to digestive problems; especially if you aren't proactive in replacing the intestine with probiotics to re-establish beneficial bacterial flora in the gut. I went on to develop a malabsorption disorder in the intenstine and lost 30 lbs, most of which I couldn't afford to lose! I was evaluated with a comprehensive systems health questionnaire to discover which system of my body was most affected and most likely leading to my health problem. It was determined that my digestive system had several key imbalances. My chiropractor treated me from a nutritional standpoint through medical detoxification and the 4R's principles to gut restoration, which are still employed today in modern functional medicine practice. I learned how to support my digestive health through nutrition classes, a modified elimination diet, and specific supplements and probiotics to help rehabilitate my digestive system. What was amazing is that I recovered within several weeks to a few months from my digestive health concern. I gained back all of my weight, but with improved body composition.
My next experience occurred during my freshman year of college after feeling my lower back "lock up" after forward bending to pick up a heavier item out of my trunk and then attempting to stand back up . Once again, I called my chiropractor who was 20 minutes away from Bethel College where I attended for my undergraduate studies. I can recall being treated only 2-3 times before I recovered from my first severe lower back pain episode.
My experience as a chiropractic patient taught me that doctors of chiropractic are gifted with an ability to ease pain and suffering from spine conditions quickly and cost-effectively, and are able to address many systemic problems with nutrition and lifestyle changes in order to create health and wellness for many non-musculoskeletal issues.
Thanks for allowing me to share about the path that led me to my vocational calling as a doctor of chiropractic! I hope this gives you insight about my passionate pursuit to bring about healing and recovery in each of my patients, and why I am motivated to bring about positive change in your health should you chose to entrust me with it.
