How I Am Dealing With Chronic Back Pain

I would hear stories about people that suffered from chronic pain and wonder how they dealt with it.  I would see commercial after commercial for specialists, medications, and apparatuses that promised to help.  Then, a few years later, after going through years of chronic back pain from a silly fall I realized that I am now like those people that have to deal with a varying level of pain on a daily basis.  I am the person that those commercials are addressing.

I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS

When I initially injured my back, the first thing I did was ignore it. I fell.  Everyone falls, they ache, and then the ache goes away.  My ache did go away but then reared its ugly head a few months later.

I decided it was time to be more active, allotting one of my New Year resolutions to running more.  I ran the neighborhood and loved it!  It was like a form of therapy.  I’d listen to my favorite music and clear my mind.  One day I came home from a run, super excited that I beat my best time!  Fast forward 5 minutes after running through the door – I’m doubled over and I can’t move.

A SMORGASBORD OF TREATMENTS LATER

I initially went to an orthopedic surgeon who prescribed pain medicine which I refused to take as it only made me groggy.  I went to physical therapy – two different times – in hopes that maybe I didn’t go to the “right place” the first time.  I had multiple injections in my facets (on either side of my spine) to help “cushion” where my disc decided to move out.

I tried acupuncture at two different places, hoping that the second time would be “the time” I would be rid of the pain.  Pilates has helped me a bit – the stretching and core strengthening have been super helpful.

HOPE IN AN EMAIL

When I received an email that there was a treatment that has helped so many people with chronic pain like myself, I jumped at the opportunity.

During my first visit to Carmen Care, I was introduced to Leslie Carmen, the founder.  We discussed my health history and then Leslie explained that the laser therapy treatments are effective for both new injuries as well as chronic conditions, like mine.  The deep tissue laser therapy uses your body’s own healing powers by stimulating cellular activity.

Did you know that cells aren’t technically “dead”?  I learned that they actually are just lying dormant and this laser therapy treatment “wakes them up” and gets them working to rebuild collagen and tissue that is damaged.  Listening to Leslie explain the science behind the therapy and what I would experience was actually very refreshing.  You could feel her enthusiasm and sincerity in wanting to help rid people of their pain.

I couldn’t wait to get started!

THE FIRST TREATMENT

We started with a laser energy detox treatment.  Laser Energy Detox is a method used to detoxify the body of unwanted toxins, heavy metals, and allergens that are often found in our bodies as we age.

First, Leslie energetically identified the heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, and various other toxins that my body might contain. From there, she chose the individualized detoxification support remedies, areas of toxic focus (where the toxins have accumulated), and other issues related to the toxins.

I then went into one of the treatment rooms, where I sat comfortably on a massage chair as the specialist moved the laser wand up and down my spine and lower back for approximately 30 minutes.  All I felt was some warmth (which actually felt really good!) and when she used the massage ball on the laser, I welcomed the massage!

I have completed my 6th treatment, with my 7th treatment scheduled for today.  (Since I have chronic pain, I am prescribed to go for a total of 20 treatments.)  When I did my initial assessment I was asked to set some goals.  They were to not be as stiff and in pain when I first get up in the AM as well as to be able to put my pants on without having to lift my leg in a certain way.  This may sound silly or odd to you, but little things like picking up my kids’ clothing or toys off the floor or refilling my dog’s water bowl are painful.

I see a difference already when I pivot right and left, and the pain that I usually feel (daily) going down my leg has subsided.  I can’t wait to see how I feel after the 20th session!  Stay tuned to my follow up post for the full scoop.

Carmen Care Advanced Therapy is located at 3301 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite 100 in Boca Raton. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:30m-5:30 pm. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!