Having a Backbone

Today I go to see the chiropractor. I used to dread it a little, like going to the dentist, because I knew that in the moment it would be a little uncomfortable. But I also looked forward to it because I knew that even before I walked out the door, I would feel better.

I first went to see Dr. Fitzgerald at the Leading Edge Chiropractic when I was about four months pregnant with my beautiful little girl. My concern was that I had broken my ribs a few times (gotta love karate) on the right side and I had a residual issue with a couple of them being out of place and my growing baby made it a little worse.

My ribs haven't bothered me since the first few visits. I wish I had gone to see Dr. Fitzgerald back in 2002 after I broke my ribs the first time. I had a struggle with my ribs and my shoulder, but I pushed through karate workouts because, honestly, I'm just a karate junkie.

After my daughter was born, I continued to see Dr. Fitzgerald for my hips. I had what is called 'pubic symphesis dysfunction,' which means that my hips were splitting in the center and moving out of place and causing me pain and discomfort. While I was pregnant, nothing could be done for it except to just keep me on the couch until I had the baby. Now I continue to go to have everything adjusted because it's amazing what moves around just during daily life.

My hips are still getting better. They stiffen up on me after most of my workouts, but it's not as bad and doesn't last as long as it used to. It's amazing to me to be able to move around. A year ago, with my hips separating and a c-section, I couldn't get on my bed to sleep at night. I had to sleep in an easy chair and have my husband slowly help me up every time I had to pee. In the moment I thought my life was over, but looking back I tell myself 'it wasn't so bad.' I know I recovered quickly due to Dr. Nolte's care and Dr. Fitzgerald's help with my hip.

I'm still a little disappointed that I lived with the pain in my ribs for so many years before I finally went to the chiropractor. Never again. It's worth the time and money to see Dr. Fitzgerald every month and have my body aligned so that everything can flow and move the way it's supposed to.

Time to go!