I had my very first interaction with Chiropractic was 22+ years ago. Having suffered from regular headaches which appeared to be migrainous for over 7 years and they were getting worse. Lasting 2-3 days every 4-6 weeks, where I couldn’t bear bright lights, my head was pounding, and all I wanted to do was to retreat into a dark room and lay down to sleep. I found that swimming (which I loved) became something that aggravated it. So too did driving, working on the computer, and answering the telephone all-important roles in my work. But they had played their part in making my life headache driven. I was on regular medication from the GP and the next step would be tranquilisers.

At the time I was working in a sales office of a big company based in a village in West Sussex. There was no regular bus service so driving was a must. Telephone and computer work made up 90% of my working day and I was getting desperate. My supervisor suggested I see a Chiropractor and so off I went a little nervously to find out what it was all about.

What happened next

I had a thorough examination, an in-depth case history was taken and I was also booked in for x-rays of my neck. I remember clearly being told to hold my head straight to take the films but in my mind my head was straight! On booking the next appointment and it was explained to me that my neck had undergone marked degenerative changes and was equivalent to that of a 45-year-old. Still, in my 20’s I was aghast! I had a long chat with the Chiropractor who thoughtfully explained what could be done and how, and any risks involved. Reeling with all the information I went home to talk it all over with my husband who was fed up with having a wife with a sore head more often than not! I booked my appointment and started treatment.

I admit to being very apprehensive about the treatment. Having this lovely man with very large strong hands cradle my head and neck, and then twisted everything swiftly. The noise was loud and a little shocking, but I was still alive and my head hadn’t fallen off. Afterward, I felt strange, it was as if a weight had been lifted. I was given the advice to use an ice pack regularly and recoiled at the thought but decided that I should do as I was told. It was remarkable, not realising that I had had any restrictions in my neck and that I had been recruiting the whole of my back to turn to park the car!

Gradually and with regular treatment, over about six months I got progressively better. Appointments became further apart and I was in control of my headaches. Episodes where I needed a darkened room became fewer and eventually disappeared.

Chiropractic saved me

Chiropractic really did save me from a lifetime of prescribed drugs and probably redundancy – tranquilisers really don’t mix well with driving.

The Chiropractor had suggested to me that I think about becoming a Chiro myself.  I thought he was barking initially. Then I moved area and found a new chiropractor. She treated me in a very similar way and I wouldn’t be without her treatment on a regular basis. The company I was with closed and I was made redundant, strangely this chiropractor also made the same suggestion. I didn’t think that I could do it but with her help and guidance I made an application to the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic and the rest as they say is history.

Chiropractic has become my way of life. I wish I had known about it before as a patient and followed straight from school into the profession.

Next steps…

If you would like to find out more about how chiropractic can help you keep mobile, or would like to chat about starting your own journey into practicing as a Chiropractor please get in touch.