Matt’s chiropractic story started about six years ago when he got hurt at a gym while working out with a personal trainer. The day he got hurt, Matt couldn’t move and had to be taken into an emergency room by an ambulance straight from the gym.
He developed a herniated disk which caused an acute pain in his back and sciatica. He was prescribed a strong painkiller, recommended bed rest and referred to a Rapid Access Spinal Clinic, which provides acute spinal patients with neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon specialist consultations.
Unfortunately, Matt’s appointment was 11 months away. In the meantime, his condition improved to a point where he was able to function relatively well, so he cancelled the appointment. Around then, his pain came back at a full force, and he had to go back on the wait list.
“I think I went into an emergency room about four times over the five years when the pain was just too horrific to deal with. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t work, I couldn’t pick my kids up.”
Due to his severe pain and frequent emergency visits, Matt was put on an expedited list at Rapid Access. During his appointment with a neurosurgeon, he learned that he was a candidate for discectomy, a surgical removal of abnormal disc material that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord and was scheduled for a surgery.
One of Matt’s friends he hasn’t seen in a while saw his struggle and pain and suggested to visit his chiropractor. Matt was skeptical at first, but his friend convinced him otherwise. At his initial visit, his chiropractor explained the treatment plan along with anything that was happening to Matt’s back.
Before the first session, Matt would describe his pain as being an eight on a scale from one to ten. After the first session, he was at three. By the fifth visit, it went down to two.
“Now, I have absolutely zero symptoms of sciatica and no lingering issues with my back. I have full mobility and no pain. Most importantly, I have avoided the surgery.”
Matt is very excited about his care and says he can’t stop recommending chiropractic to others. “I’ve got three kids under six. I’m throwing them up in the air and giving them piggyback rides. I’m not worried about going to work, getting on flights and leaning over to pick up my wallet. It’s unbelievable!”
