In May 2005 I submitted to a discectomy surgery at the L5-S1 level that failed to bring relief to my low back and sciatic pain. Rather than risk another sugery, I tried other methods including chiropractic care. After some investigation, I submitted to chiropractic care in September 2005. Since then, I have had more than 250 treatments by six different chiropractors.

Treatment sessions included adjustments to my lumbar, mid-back and neck. Traction. Spinal decompression. Ultrasound. Diotherm. Electric stimulation. Cold laser therapy. Nutritional counseling and product purchases (various creams, torso and neck braces) were also part of my experience.

The first chiropractor used a small spring-loaded device to adjust my neck and lower back. It felt like strong taps on my spine. When he would go no further, I began sessions with a holistic chiropractor.

She examined me and concluded my sacrum was rotated which needed traction and adjusting. One leg was slightly shorter than the other. She said it was important for my hips to be equal. I submitted to treatments three times per week for five months.

Each session consisted of biofreeze, electric stimulation and a series of neck and back adjustments. I seemed to make progress. My sciatic pain eased, but always returned. She corrected the hunch in my neck somewhat and the pain resolved over time. Supplements she prescribed: Andrenogren and Fibro-DMG were expensive and did not help me. Pro-biotics helped my stomach acid. I gained no benefits from Glucosamine chondrtin and MSM capsules or liquids. Progress stalled. I moved on.

I noticed advertisements for the DRX 9000, the SpineMed and the Extentrac Elite. The spinal decompression systems claimed high success rates (85% or better) in relieving back pain and improving herniated disks. For more information, read my blog entries:
Spinal Decompression. The Extended story Part I
Spinal Decompression: A Good Stretch Part II
Spinal Decompression: The Finale Part III

Overall, I experienced a diversity of chiropractic care. The practitioners seemed knowledgeable, kind and confident of fixing my pain, but I experienced only short-tern relief... a few hours, a day or two at most.

I have met many people who say chiropractors have saved them from pain or surgery. Others say chiropractic care is worthless. It is a controversial subject. In my judgement, it is worth trying chiropractic treatment from someone you trust.

I recommend Dr. David Cuccia in Syosset, Long Island and Dr. Alan Seigel in New York City. Both were professional, caring and knowledgeable. They tried their best to help my condition.

Below are images from my experience that may prove useful to someone considering chiropractic care.