Low Back Pain

My name is Chris. I am a 36 year old school teacher. I have been a patient of Dr. Christopher Michlin’s since last January (2006). My problems began at the beginning of last December with lower back problems. I’ve had minor issues in the past. However, this time, it was not getting any better. I’d had enough of the pain, and I did not want to see a doctor that was just going to “ring out” the kinks in my spine.

My wife works in the same building with Dr. Michlin. She informed me that a new tenant, who happened to be a chiropractor, had just moved into the building. I made an appointment immediately. Even though the doctor was not unpacked completely and did not yet have all of his equipment set up, he was kind enough to see me anyway.

At the time, I could barely stand up straight, and it was very difficult to walk. With this first visit, Dr. Michlin took some X-ray photos. He also spent time explaining to me the different conditions that can occur within the spinal column, as well as other issues that arise from these conditions. It was clear at that moment that he was different from other general chiropractors. That day, I left feeling very informed and optimistic.

At the next visit, Dr. Michlin showed me the analyzed X-ray photos. I was shocked to see that my atlas was tilted and several vertebrae were compressed, which put pressure on lower back nerves. The rest of my spinal column was shifting to compensate for this offset. As this was pointed out, we discussed treatment plans. One thing I can say about the Doc is that he is truly flexible and understanding with regard to appointments. He really made me feel confident that I was in good hands.

I am also appreciative of the fact that he is gentle with the adjustments, yet he can really get things moving around if he needs to do so. I coach several sports at our school, and consider myself to be a fairly stout guy at 6 feet, one inch tall and 210 pounds. Dr. Michlin has no problems adjusting me effectively, but gently.

I have been seeing Dr. Michlin for approximately seven months now. Throughout the treatment sessions, I’ve had the chance to get initial treatment, participate in maintenance sessions to ensure the correct alignment of my spinal column, and receive bi-weekly evaluations to assess the healing process of my back.

I am happy to say that I am well on the road to recovery. My back is holding its alignment, and I am healing quickly. What started as two-per-week appointments has now evolved into biweekly, and soon to be, monthly visits. I feel stronger everyday due to this intensive program. My lower back no longer hurts. I still have some minor compression in a few vertebrae, but we’re working on it. With Dr. Michlin’s help, I feel much more comfortable about the status of my back as I get older.