I Tried Chiropractic

A recurring muscle spasm in my lower back wouldn't go away so I decided to seek a chiropractor's care. Here's how my first visit went.

By Rachel Streit
Natural Health Magazine, September 2001
(Rachel Streit is editor in chief at Natural Health)

At a Glance
Rachel Streit, 31

THE THERAPY: Specific spinal manipulations to correct postural imbalances that trigger pain.

MY MOTIVATAION: To relieve the pain in my lower back that had been flaring up regularly for several months.

FEAR FACTOR: Minimal.

The First Step
I thought that with time, yoga, Epsom salt baths, and the purchase of a firmer mattress, the throbbing pain in my lower back would go away. It didn't. Chiropractic had helped my mother's bad shoulder, so I thought it might help me. I made an appointment with Laura Conway, D.C., a chiropractor who practices down the street from my office.

The Prep
When I arrived for my visit, I filled out a medical history form. In the examining room, Conway asked me more questions about my health. Once she had described the process we were ready to begin.

First, Conway instructed me to lie face down on the examining bench. After just 30 seconds of feeling for tight muscles, she found the troubled area, a spot to the right of my spine, a few inches up from my pelvic bone.

But before Conway could manipulate that area she had to loosen the muscle with a heating pad. She also stretched my right leg to loosen my hip. Then she had me lie on my left side with my arms crossed in front of me, my left leg straightened, and my right knee bent toward my chest. As Conway guided my limbs into the correct arrangement, I felt a few butterflies in my stomach.

The Manipulation
When Conway was satisfied with how I was positioned, she faced me, wrapped her arms around me in a bear hug, and told me to take a deep breath and to slowly let it out. Then with a quick jerk she pushed my right knee toward my left shoulder. I felt a tiny release of pressure in my back. But the best part was the satisfying popping noise the adjustment made (the release of compressed air, not the crack of bones like everyone imagines).
For the second manipulation, Conway had me sit up, pull my chin toward my chest, and cross my arms in front of me. Then standing behind me, she quickly, but gently, arched my back forward. This time the sound was disappointingly faint.

But the third manipulation was great. I returned to the first position, and Conway jerked my knee up even higher toward my chest. There were three or four distinct pops, like the sound of buttons popping off a shirt. Instantly my spine felt looser. She explained that this feeling meant my posture had been temporarily corrected, but that it would probably take several visits to permanently readjust my spine. Later that day, I not only still felt loose and free, I felt a strange energetic euphoria.

My Verdict
The best part: The third manipulation, which brought instant relief.
The worst part: Having to stop. I wanted more.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. I've already made my second appointment.

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