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Chiropractic Care: A Personal Review by C. Bailey-Lloyd
After years of constant pain and traditional medicine, I went
for my first Chiropractic visit at Palmetto Chiropractic Center
in SC. (Due to lesion at C1/2, bulging disc at C3, scapula
winging and scoliosis) When I walked into the door, I was a bit
astounded by the pleasant and spacious environment.
Additionally, the younger lady at the front counter doubled both
as the receptionist and the technician. She smiled, greeted me
and introduced herself as "Dana." I relayed the multiple health
issues I was having; e.g., spinal lesions, bulging disk, winging
scapula, scoliosis, parasthesia, ear ringing, vision loss, and
tremendous pain. Dana listened attentively, and explained that
these problems could definitely be addressed. After filling out
a few standard forms, and my health history, Dana told me,
"...Prepare to be amazed."
I was then escorted back to a small room where I was told that I
would have diagnostic tests by technologically-advanced SEMG
(Surface Electromyography) Scan and X-rays. In the past, I had
already had CT Myelograms, MRIs, Cat Scans, Ultrasound, Sonogram
and traditional X-rays, so I assumed this was nothing new or out
of the ordinary.
The Chiropractor knocked on the door and introduced himself to
me as Dr. Jud Heldreth. Cordially, he explained that his
practice actively engaged in "teaching" patients and encouraged
me to ask as many questions as possible so that I would fully
understand, and inevitably learn the process of Chiropractics.
As he left the room, I was asked to remove my top articles of
clothing and was draped with a clinical over shirt that opened
in the backside. In front of me, was a computerized screen with
an image of a human musculoskeletal system, including the spinal
column. Alongside each vertebra, were several graph bars. Each
bar representative of functional degrees of the motor nerves,
muscle balance, and autonomic nerves.
What I discovered was that the SEMG Scan could detect the
slightest subluxations (or misalignments) that disturb nerve
functioning. (Subluxations cause abnormal amounts of electrical
current to flow into one's muscles.) SEMG Scan, as a valuable
diagnostic tool, is capable of discovering and pinpointing these
nervous system disturbances. The slightest amount of pressure -
even pressure exerted from the weight of a dime - can cause
disturbances in the Nervous System's communications - this is
why SEMG Scan is so important. From what I was understand, White
bars depict Normal Function. Abnormalities resulted in Green,
Blue or Red Bars. Green bars were indicative of mild abnormal
function; blue bars indicated moderate abnormal function; and
red bars meant that the abnormal function was severe.
After about five minutes, Dana came inside the room and took
what appeared to be a blow-dryer gun to my backside. Slowly and
gently, she ran the SEMG gun along my spinal column. Stopping at
certain points, I could hear the computer audibly announcing
specific areas of my spine - "...C1....C2....C3....C4...C5...."
etc. Painless and virtually noninvasive, I was more astounded
that the computer spoke than anything. Judging by my own SEMG
Scan and my natural worry tendencies, my spine was in big
trouble. I had never seen so many red bars in my life - and they
were all pretty long as well.
Next, came the X-rays. Unlike traditional methods of X-ray, I
was asked to stand in different positions than what I was
accustomed. A matter of fact, the whole process lasted less than
40 minutes. After the scan and X-rays were complete, I was
scheduled for a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of
my tests.
The following Monday, I went to the Chiropractic clinic to learn
about my test results - and for my initial "adjustment." When I
arrived, I was escorted back to the original room where I had my
"thermal Scan," (SEMG Scan). Dr. Heldreth walked into the room
with me and first began to explain what all the red, green and
blue bars meant on my SEMG scan. He relayed how this (SEMG Scan)
was a diagnostic tool that informed him, along with X-rays, on
the condition of my spinal column. By merely looking at the
elongated bars on the computerized screen, I was astonished. He
pointed out several areas along my spine, beginning at the nape
of my skull to the base of my nervous system, which had
"subluxations," or nervous system disturbances. He further
explained how these subluxations could have a dramatic impact on
my overall health and well-being. He gave a detailed explanation
as to how each of these subluxations could have a negative
effect on various muscle, organ and glandular systems in my
body. However, Dr. Heldreth accentuated his positive attitude
and further went on to say that I, myself, had to have a
positive attitude about my health so that we could tackle some
of these issues.
Next, he placed my X-rays on a lit screen and with a black,
felt-tip marker, and highlighted areas on the film itself. He
showed me the two top vertebras and marked two dots from one
groove to the next. He clarified how these were not only
displaced about an inch from one another, but how they were
diagonally displaced as well. Following the first bit of
information, he went on to exhibit points below that were not in
straight alignment at all. Furthermore, the base of my spine
(tail bone) was not only completely out of alignment but even
curved to the right and then back inward. Judging by appearance
alone, the X-rays were quite scary.
At that point, I went into a rant about how I had been diagnosed
with scoliosis as a young girl, along with several injuries
along the span of my life. Looking back at me, the chiropractor
smiled, simply acknowledged my opinion about all of this and
then said, "... Let's focus on your good health and what we can
do to make your nervous system function optimally." He also
elaborated on how all of these subluxations could possibly be
causing interferences in some of my systems. Some disturbances
could impair gall bladder & kidney function, while other
disturbances could even cause vision and concentration
impairment. All of the pain and parasthesia in my back,
shoulders and neck were likely an effect by the multiple
subluxations in my spinal column.
After he thoroughly explained all of my results, he told me that
health education is important and that he was there to not only
help me as a chiropractor but to also assist me in my knowledge
base on how to better take care of myself and my health. He then
expressed that if I had any questions, I should write them down
for him. Furthermore, he told me that honesty is the best policy
and he was there to promote healthier thinking, healthier living
and truth in overall health.
Following our detailed meeting, he took me outside of the exam
room and had me to lie down (on my stomach) upon what looked
like a massage table. It was covered with thick, vinyl cushion
and had segmented areas in parts. At the head of the table-bed,
was a U-shaped opening. With my nose centered directly in
between the "U," he explained what he was going to be doing. He
told me that these beds were equipped with segmented, movable
parts that help stabilize my body while he worked on my spine.
One of the key points of the segment areas was to alleviate
pressure as he pushed down on certain parts of my back. For
example, when he placed his hands on my lower back, he slightly
lifted the lower segment so that my body would go with the flow
of his work. By utilizing these movable parts, my body was
better able to respond to the force of his pressure.
Working his way up, he got midway to my back. He asked me to
take in a really deep breath and let it all completely out. I
did as he said. No sooner did he press down and I heard this
loud, audible popping noise. At first I didn't know what to
think, but it didn't hurt at all. The next depression was on my
shoulder area. It too, made an audible pop. This time, it did
pinch for about a second, but suddenly I could move my left arm
above my head - something I was unable to do before I had come
to him. After my back, my chiropractor extended his hand and
helped me up. "Strange," I thought, I could stand up without
pain in my hips. He then asked me to lie down on my back. Lying
there, he explained how he was now going to adjust my neck.
Initially I thought, "Oh God - here goes nothing." Placing one
hand aside one-half my neck, and the other hand on the opposite
side whilst supporting my jawbone, he made a really quick
push-turn. If you've ever twisted your neck too fast, you've
obviously felt a sudden burning or tingling pain in your neck. I
experienced it for about 1/2 a second, but surprisingly, I could
also feel pressure relief from my sinuses, my ears, and even my
eyes. This was repeated one more time one click above the last,
and my session was over.
I thanked Dr. Heldreth and was set up for 4 weeks of daily
chiropractic care appointments. Leaving home, I noticed
something very bizarre. As I drove, I could suddenly see road
signs that before were blurred without corrective lenses.
Thinking that I was just imagining my newfound site, I walked
into my home, poured myself a cup of coffee and sat at my dining
room table. Not thinking twice about it, I peered up at the
kitchen wall clock. 12:15pm. I did a double take. "12:15pm?!" I
realized that I could clearly decipher the numbers on my wall
clock. Something I could not see at all before my visit. Nothing
short from a miracle, I could not believe these almost
instantaneous results!
By late afternoon, I was feeling a bit sore from the visit, but
I was told this may or may not happen due to the extent of my
subluxations. Dipping into the swimming pool, the cool water
relieved some of the soreness, but the amazing thing was that
although I was sore, I was not having the pain or numbness I had
had prior to my chiropractic visit. The next day, I went back
for a second alignment where I discovered I was a bit more pain
free afterwards. Next came a seminar on chiropractic care and
what it all entailed. My chiropractor's partner, Dr. Jason Yoder
gave an elaborate course on how important choices are in health
and what we can do to empower ourselves through education about
Human body potential, detection & correction of vertebral
subluxations through chiropractic adjustments and how true
health comes from within. Not only was it very interactive and
educational, it was positive and lively. At the commencement of
his seminar, Dr. Yoder invited Dana to hand out special savings'
coupons for friends and family - an added bonus to a great
seminar!
I still face many more chiropractic visits, but for now, I am
excited that I have finally found resolve in my condition
through true, compassionate assistance in my quest to good
health. Would I recommend visiting a chiropractor? I already
have - to my family, friends and everyone I meet. After
suffering for numerous years with several health problems, I've
decided that to improve my overall well being - not just my
health, my whole outlook on my life is enhanced through
chiropractic care.
To find a Chiropractor in your area, you may do so by searching
our Holistic Junction business directory. To learn more about
Doctors Jud Heldreth and Jason Yoder, you may visit their
website at www.palmettochiropractic.com or contact them at
palmettodcz@aol.com
© C. Bailey Lloyd © LadyCamelot © 2004 All Rights Reserved C.
Bailey Lloyd/Lady Camelot is currently the Public Relations'
Director for www.holisticjunction.com To contact Ms. Bailey
Lloyd, email her at ladycamelot@holisticjunction.com
About the author:
C. Bailey Lloyd/Lady Camelot is currently the Public Relations'
Director for www.holisticjunction.com To contact Ms. Bailey
Lloyd, email her at ladycamelot@holisticjunction.com
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