Many of you have heard portions of this tale of woe, and for you this may be a repeat, but perhaps not. As a 51 year old at the time of writing this, I have had the dubious pleasure of experiencing many of the ails and tribulations that my patients have endured. And I continue to use those experiences to draw understanding and empathy for you and to be able to care for you better and more completely. And as with the reformed alcoholic the first step in any healing is to admit that you have a problem and that you need help with that problem. Well, my ownership of my failing health began the day I collapsed while driving my family on a weekend vacation in 2000 at the age of 39. At that time I had been a practicing chiropractor for 13 years and did virtually nothing that I told my patients to do. I ate too much. I drank too much. I carried too much weight. I did not exercise. I did not drink water. I did not take vitamins. And the biggest failing…I did not get adjusted weekly, or even bi-weekly, only as-needed. So my collapse and subsequent E.R. visit awakened me and enrolled me in the Hypocrites Anonymous Club. Hi, my name is Dr. Rick and I am a hypocrite. Today, these 11 years later, I continue my healing and payment for my sins.
I thought I had a heart attack that day. As a sedentary 240 pounder with borderline hypertension I was a prime candidate. But God had a different plan for me than to take me home with Him. He chose to pick me up, shake me down, and make an example of what not to do and then how to correct it. As a result of that single event I have made the following changes and transformations in my life, but sadly, there are some permanent consequences to my previous behavior.
The changes that I have made and experienced since that day that I nearly killed my family (passing out while driving a car is not a healthy practice for any of the passengers) include losing 55 pounds, drinking plenty of water, eliminating alcohol, exercising regularly, taking vitamins/supplements, eating better quality, and getting adjusted on a weekly basis.
As a result I am thinner, I have more energy, my blood pressure last measured was 106/70, I feel better, great stamina, and have control of my back, hip, and leg pain. This last item is my greatest regret, for the spinal joints, once damaged, can never heal. They can only be managed. As a result of ignoring my own spinal hygiene for the first 13 years of my career, I have three disc herniations in the lumbar spine, one of which is very large, the other two with disc tearing. While these conditions are serious, it was not too late to control the damage. I am pain-free. I have been getting adjusted weekly or more since 2000. With my chiropractors I am controlling the rate of degeneration. I just wish I had taken my own advice sooner. I hope you and your kids will.
I thought I had a heart attack that day. As a sedentary 240 pounder with borderline hypertension I was a prime candidate. But God had a different plan for me than to take me home with Him. He chose to pick me up, shake me down, and make an example of what not to do and then how to correct it. As a result of that single event I have made the following changes and transformations in my life, but sadly, there are some permanent consequences to my previous behavior.
The changes that I have made and experienced since that day that I nearly killed my family (passing out while driving a car is not a healthy practice for any of the passengers) include losing 55 pounds, drinking plenty of water, eliminating alcohol, exercising regularly, taking vitamins/supplements, eating better quality, and getting adjusted on a weekly basis.
As a result I am thinner, I have more energy, my blood pressure last measured was 106/70, I feel better, great stamina, and have control of my back, hip, and leg pain. This last item is my greatest regret, for the spinal joints, once damaged, can never heal. They can only be managed. As a result of ignoring my own spinal hygiene for the first 13 years of my career, I have three disc herniations in the lumbar spine, one of which is very large, the other two with disc tearing. While these conditions are serious, it was not too late to control the damage. I am pain-free. I have been getting adjusted weekly or more since 2000. With my chiropractors I am controlling the rate of degeneration. I just wish I had taken my own advice sooner. I hope you and your kids will.