I had been dealing with lower neck/ upper back pain for a while. I tweaked it in the gym and after two days of laying on the floor, I was still in constant pain, I didn't have fluid motion in my neck, and was spending less time doing the things I enjoyed.
I went my usual route of visiting the doctors. They saw that a disc was slightly swollen and two of the spinal facets were bumping into each other in a way that was prohibiting movement and causing pain. They prescribed me two rounds of steroids and told me to stretch. Sure, these helped the pain for the 5 day cycle I was on them, but a day or two after the steroid cycle was over, the pain and stiffness would return. Their next recommendation was to have a cortisone/ steroid injection in my neck or an ablation to burn the nerve end off one of the spinal facets. I was not thrilled with either option. I asked around and a few people recommended I try acupuncture. As someone who is afraid of needles, I was slow to come around to the idea; however, it's better than being in pain all the time and the needles would be in my back, so whatever, I'll give it a try.
I met Dr. Kelsey, she listened to my story and explained that an acupuncture/massage combo would be very beneficial in loosening up my neck/back. After a short intake form and chat, it was time. Coming out of that appointment, I was a different person. I wasn't in that same pain, I felt relaxation that I had not felt in a long time, and later that night, I slept like the dead.
DiAnna worked miracles. She provides a wam, welcoming environment and you can tell she really cares about her patients and getting them the relief they need. While I did have immediate relief after my first session, DiAnna explained the most relief will come after a series of 3 or 4 treatments. Since I saw such relief after the first session, I figured it would only get better and I was motivated to come back.
After my third appointment, it happened! I went over a month without feeling anything in my neck/back. I am totally hooked. Without invasive procedures, and the accompanying costs, I feel like myself. Back to running, lifting, snowboarding etc. I plan to keep acupuncture in my rotation going forward and I highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling with recurring pain.
Thank you Dr. Kelsey for getting me back to full strength!