Frustrated with the Practice of Medicine

10/05/2007

The majority of my adult life has been spent dealing with ongoing chronic pain. Severe blinding migraines, muscle and joints to chest pain just to name a few. At one point, a few years back I began experiencing daily migraines for about six months. During that time period I was tested and retested many times over; six weeks spent off work on bed rest; still the “many” medicines did nothing to provide relief.

As my frustration with the “practice of medicine” grew I became determined that there had to be a better way. This was the beginning of my search for alternatives. Acupuncture, biofeedback therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic and diet became part of my daily life. Some methods were effective, others short term and lastly not at all.

Those that were short term or not al all effective were eliminated. But at the back of my mind I knew it might have been the timing of the treatments or the practitioner that had made the results less than desirable. With that in mind I decided at some point in the future I would try those methods again.

Like many busy people I settled for feeling “good enough”. The more I was able to return to a full schedule the less I focused on searching for new practitioners or methodologies. Recently I received one of the dreaded phone marketing calls. But instead of being put off- I recognized the opportunity. I was so busy in the day to day that I hadn’t looked for new practitioners. Here was a chance for a free evaluation of my body while giving me a chance to evaluate them with no obligation. What a perfect setup!

This was my first introduction to AlignLife and Dr. Cristina Esposito. The staff at the Bloomington office is professional and friendly. They went out of their way to accommodate me. Teaching me about their form (Gonstead) of chiropractic care to diet and vitamins they began my orientation process.

Having identified the major points needing correction a treatment was developed. This plan was explained to me in detail along with securing my commitment to the process. I believe many patients leave their wellness up to the doctor instead of taking responsibility themselves. From the start of the treatments I felt as if it was a team- everyone was interested in helping me.

My reoccurring pains began to lessen and just like an onion a new layer would surface. Each subsequent treatment has worked for solving the “new” issues as they arise. The daily headaches were on a 0-10 level (10 high) normally ran a 7 or 8. The lower back a 6 and the hip a 7 with the shoulder area an 8 or 9.

Today I am thankful to report I rarely have a headache the lower back is gone as well. On going treatment for the hip and shoulder I am sure will soon be resolved.

In short I came to AlignLife with some general ideas about the pain I was aimed at maintaining health. Being proactive in keeping the body healthy makes sense to me and is much more economical in the end. Our mentality of waiting ‘til we are hurt or in pain just doesn’t work.

I urge each that reads this to makeup their minds to accept that it is time to change. Take responsibility for being the best you can be! I challenge you to make it health.

Gwendolyn S. Husek