So I saw Doc on Friday. That was a memorable visit to say the least. He said, "So last weekend, I learned and got certified in a new technique." "Ok. Cool." "I believe you are the perfect candidate for this so we're going to scratch the old plan I had for you. If that's ok with you." I said whatever because I had a week of pure hell pain-wise. Something had to give.
That new technique hurt just as much (sometimes more) than the Active Release Therapy did. Can't really describe what he did, because it was such an odd sensation. Sure did hit a lot of the most painful areas though. Towards the end he began pressing (I guess) on my upper back, but not to adjust it -- although my back did pop/crack a couple of times. I wasn't sure what he was doing; all I knew is it made me cough a lot and that whenever he released the pressure, a lot of the pain was gone.
He said we were out of time and that he wanted to see me again very soon to continue, so I asked if Monday was too soon. (I have Monday off from work, so it's easier to make the drive down there.) He said that would be perfect. He told hop up so that I could go to micro-current & ice therapy in the next room. (He always ends with electric-stim or micro-current with heat or ice.) I was still flat on my stomach, so I tried to move to sit up. Couldn't move. Very odd feeling. I forced myself to move and a sudden wave of excruciating pain zapped through my upper back. So I stayed face down on the table. Doc said, "Come on. Get up." "Ummmm... I can't. Hold on." I forced myself to roll to an angle and sit up. I tried putting my hoodie back on and the pain came back. Anytime I tried to contract the muscles he pushed on, the pain returned. It also felt like it had turned to stone. Couldn't budge that area at all.
He helped me to the next room and told the nurse to keep an eye on me during the micro-current w/ice treatment. He told me that he would check on me at the end (which he normally doesn't do). My back seized during the treatment and then the spasms started. A different nurse disconnected me from the machine when the timer went off. "Ok! You're done!" I laid there. "I said you're done. Let's go!" I said, "I know. I'm trying." Every time I tried to push off with my arms, the spasms got worse and that wave returned. Doc helped me get up and took me to another room.
He tried adjusting my back a bit, but nothing. He tried massaging out the problem area, but nothing. He got an "activator" and checked up my spine, found a bad spot, and tried to release that spot. Helped a bit. I just laid on the table shaking all over from the pain and the spasms. He thought I was cold and asked if I wanted a blanket. I told him I wasn't cold (which was true). He told me he couldn't release me; I was in no shape to drive. At one point, I think he figured out that I kind of wanted to be left alone. He went to go work on his next client for a bit.
I don't know how long I was in that room alone. But eventually the spasms calmed down and I was able to stretch and sit up a bit. When he came back in, I was stretching and sitting up more normally. So we talked for a few moments. I told him that the pain, seizing, and spasms were frequent in my lower back (Has been happening since my injury in 2001), but that it was the first time it occurred in my upper back. He looked pretty concerned when I gave him that information. He said he wants x-rays soon.
He also said he felt responsible for what happened. He said he felt a "bubble" and was trying to flatten it out. He believed that my body just reacted to the correction, but he still felt bad. Doc mentioned that the worst thing I could do that day is go home and lie in bed. He also said something about making certain shakes that I've never heard of to flush the inflammation out and make my body more alkaline. I told him I heard about that sort of thing, but didn't know what to do. I always get confused when thinking about a nutrition plan, which is why I never bother with them. He said he was a nutritionist as well so he'd help me out next week and walk me through it.
All I know is that 20 minutes after leaving the office I felt totally normal and all the pain I had during the week was gone. In fact I felt better than I had in years. My body obviously doesn't like change. I went swimming a couple hours later and it was AMAZING. I tried inline skating and felt great. I taught a private lesson and went to bed tired, but relatively pain-free.
Yesterday, I went swimming (AWESOME!) and walked the dog. However, after giving the dog a bath and some housework, that same pain returned to my lower back and then my neck started hurting pretty bad. Obviously because of my actions that day. It's still a little sore in my neck, but better. I'm going to take it easy today.
I see Doc again tomorrow. I'm rather excited to finally have some help in setting up a nutrition plan. These doctor visits have become the highlight of my week for some reason.
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