After hearing the word "torticollis" for the first time, I honestly thought turtle, turtle (if you know the Dana Carvey reference, you know!). I had no idea there was even a medical term for what I had.
The X-rays they did on my whole body were eye-opening. Not only did I have torticollis, but my hip was out (which I already knew) and my tailbone was twisted. I’ll never forget the first time they adjusted me and pushed my hip back into place; it was a strange, unforgettable feeling. That chiropractor really knew what he was doing. If he hadn’t, I probably would have given up on the profession entirely when he moved away a few years later.
That first day, I walked in in total agony—my hip, back, and left knee were all screaming. I walked out with zero pain. He set up a treatment plan for my neck involving a weighted helmet I was supposed to wear at home and a machine in the office. Honestly? I thought, There’s no way they can fix my neck after 30-plus years, so I wasn't as diligent with the helmet as I should have been. But I did stay consistent with the adjustments.
After he moved, I spent the next 8 to 10 years in a cycle of frustration. I went through three or four different chiropractors who simply wouldn't listen. I know they have the degrees, but that doesn't always mean they know what’s right for my body. I would explain exactly what worked in the past, and they would ignore me and do what they thought was best. Eventually, I’d just stop going until the pain got so bad I had to try someone new.
Finally, about ten years ago, I found a chiropractor who actually listens. She knows there’s no "magic fix"—we are in maintenance mode to keep the pain manageable. But between getting older and the physical demands of my job as a caregiver, this past year and a half has been a struggle.
Even twenty years ago, there were days I could barely walk. When my hip goes out, it’s a domino effect from my lower back all the way up to my neck and down to my left knee. Salonpas, ibuprofen, and my TENS unit have become household necessities. And fyi: when you smell something like Salonpas or Biofreeze, don’t say it "smells like old people." I finally understand, overnight I went from a carefree kid to a woman who needs that relief just to get through the day. There are pros and cons to getting older, and these aches and pains are definitely on the "con" list, but I also know getting older is a blessing. Not everyone gets that experience.
Stay tuned for Part 3 next week. Hope my journey is helping someone.
