Katherine Beard
First let me say that I am grateful for being blessed with a good physical foundation and a mother that taught me the fundamentals of healthy living at a young age. As a teenager I was fortunate to participate in swimming, track & field, compete in gymnastics and horseback ride. In my 51 years, I’m thankful that I have avoided serious injury.
After a stressful period in my life, I began to feel pain in my lower back. I had every manner of medical test and following an MRI, found out that I had lumbar stenosis – degeneration of the lumbar spine. My neurologist told me that the condition was not severe, but over time I would probably need surgery on my back. He suggested that I see a functional fitness coach and work on strengthening my core to prolong the inevitable. I did as he suggested and found “temporary” relief.
In 2008 I discovered yoga and started incorporating it into my daily routine. I found true bliss in my daily yoga practice and knew that I wanted to be a student of yoga for the rest of my life. Overtime I noticed that there was reoccurring pain in different parts of my body, depending on the practice that I had completed that day. One morning I woke up, intending to complete my practice and could not stand up!! I was in tears and not sure what to do. I remembered my massage therapist, mentioning Chiropractic Care and decided to see the Chiropractor associated with the massage studio. On my initial appointment I completed a written summary of my issue, was given a 5 minute consultation and was seen for an adjustment that day. I left the office feeling like I had just risked my health by having someone manipulate my body without the full knowledge of what was really wrong. Again – I found “temporary” relief but had no clue as to the source of my pain. Was it my lumbar stenosis rearing its ugly head or a new injury? Being in the dark about the source of my back and leg pain did not sit well with me.
As the universe would have it, I was walking in Piedmont Park, in June of this year, and met Dr. Shoshana. She had an interesting machine in her booth and out of curiosity I decided to introduce myself and find out what she had to offer. Without disclosing my previous history, she told me that I was heavier on one side of my body and out of alignment. She pointed to the possible problem areas which were the exact points, on my body, where I was experiencing pain. Shoshana told me that I really needed a thorough evaluation to get at the source of my discomfort. She asked if I had gotten ex-rays before getting my previous Chiropractic adjustment and I said no. That was the beginning of many “AHA” moments from Live Well Chiropractic. Dr. Shoshana wouldn’t touch me without truly understanding the source of my back and leg pain. She took x-rays, explained the x-rays, educated me and opened up a whole new understanding on the miracle of my spine and how to keep it healthy. She provided me with a comprehensive wellness plan and I feel like a new woman! The health plan has taken a real commitment on my part, but the benefits have been well worth it! Not only has the pain, all but disappeared, but I have experienced improvement in my overall health, moods and emotions – an additional gift for a women going through menopause. I practice yoga religiously and have been able to get into postures that I only dreamed of in the past. I have more energy, improved digestion and a sense of excitement about the years to come. I can’t say enough good things about Live Well Chiropractic!
Thank-you for helping me restore my well-being.