By Donna James 

My first thought when I was approached with the idea of writing about my recovery was, “Is my story really worth sharing?” I couldn’t imagine that it was particularly exceptional. But the idea of empowering others to look beyond allopathic medicine for improving and maintaining good health inspired me to look at my experience more objectively.

Not one, but two long term, chronic medical issues plagued me. Several minor back and neck injuries in my 20s had resulted in degenerative disk disease by the time I was in my 30s. Degenerative disk disease is when the disks between the vertebrae become compressed and cause pain. I followed my doctor’s advice. I took the pain relievers and the muscle relaxers, did the physical therapy. My doctor recommended more extreme measures like opioids and surgery, but I declined. And then in my early 40s I developed high blood pressure, which brought even more prescription medications. While those things sometimes provided temporary relief, the back pain and spasms always returned, and the pills for both my back and the blood pressure often caused side effects which were as bad, if not worse, than the conditions themselves!

It wasn’t until I started taking a serious look at what I could do to get away from the pharmaceutical products that I really started to see significant improvement in both my spine and my blood pressure. I had always found some relief through chiropractic care, and some decompression, but had never thought to add massage therapy until it was suggested to me by a chiropractor who had a massage therapist on staff. It was an amazing difference! Not only did this help the adjustments hold longer, but it also reduced my blood pressure. When I moved to Ohio I started seeing a chiropractor who had a full range of therapeutic services available, including spinal decompression, massage therapy, progressive rehabilitation, functional exercise, and nutritional counseling. Together, we were able to not just manage my condition but reverse the compression of my disks and virtually cure it! 

Coming to Ohio and starting with that chiropractor also lead me to figuring out what was causing the inflammation that led to my high blood pressure. Their nutrition counseling, as well as their support and encouragement, allowed me to go from taking two different blood pressure medications on January 1, 2018, to being off both completely by June. I was also able to lose 50 lbs during that time, which was highly beneficial to maintaining my healthy changes. I’ve also been very fortunate to find a community here in Ohio of folks who are knowledgeable about natural remedies and supporting health through diet and supplements. It’s been a blessing for myself and my family, as we’ve been able to eliminate the dependence on pharmaceutical products that has sadly become accepted as a part of life today.