I started seeing my chiropractor for a herniated disk of L3-4. My symptoms included pain running form my right hip all the way down my right leg into my foot and pain in my upper back when working too long or bending over. The pain would be quite sharp and last until I either sat down or squatted. Then the pain would return whenever I did any kind of walking or standing.
I had been treated with physical therapy for several months with no results and the only pain pills I had been taking was Tylenol (3000 mg. per day) due to the fact that I was already taking medication for the arthritis, blood pressure, allergies, menopause and an anti-depressant. My doctor then suggested a series of three cortisone shots in the lower back. The first shot gave me relief for two complete days and then the pain was back. The second and third shots relieved pain for about one day each, and then the pain would return. An MRI was then taken and it was referred to a neurosurgeon immediately. The neurosurgeon ordered a corset for me to wear for at least on month. After that, “serious talking” about surgery would have to be done. The corset did reduce the frequency of pain, but did not eliminate it… the pain was still there. My husband is very much against surgery and I wore the corset for more than two months. I did not call the neurosurgeon back.
My daughter in Virginia was seeing a chiropractor for her back. She told him about my problems and he had my daughter give me the name of Dr. Joel Vranna in Tacoma. My daughter insisted I make and appointment.
My first impression of the office was the people were coming and going so quickly. The office was decorated for Christmas and the staff seemed professional. Dr. Vranna seemed very concerned, caring and professional as he proceeded with the initial exam. The x-rays were taken and they confirmed what he had originally physically observed.
My treatment started with my second visit. Dr. Vranna stated that I had about 33% osteoporosis a stiffness in my neck and a pinched sciatic nerve and that diversified techniques and trigger point therapy should do the trick. I began care with visits every day for a little over a week, than, it changed to a visit every other day. In the beginning the relief was slow but sure. Now that I have been seeing Dr. Vranna for almost two months, the pain in the lower back down the right leg is far more infrequent and much less severe. My upper back has improved some, but still persists if I do any work bending over. As for turning my head I now can see over my shoulder.
Although I am by no means completely healed, I can walk without a cane now and seem to be increasing the distance with each session. I would strongly recommend people to see a chiropractor and I have tild all my neighbors, our ten children and my husband to do so.
