When I was a pre-teen I had started for a few weeks, but then it stopped due to cost and time. Then I continued my life, and I tried again after I finished college, but my bills started to rack up quickly as my insurance misquoted my therapist.
Now in my 30s I'm BACK at it. I've even started a GOFUNDME account as suggested by a friend to try and help offset the high cost of what I need to go through to FINALLY reach a level of comfort. It's not going SO well as it won't go "public" until I hit $500.00, but I'm TRYING.
Recently I contacted a place in Lancaster that deals with scoliosis. They have a nonsurgical approved that is supposed to help if you don't have fusion and such; but I do. I've contacted Dr. Stitzel and he suggested I get an MRI of my spine to rule out a few items. I'd like to and plan to, but I need to research it well; again, cost.
In the meantime I was on GROUPON looking for a massage deal since they usually help. I saw a "deal" for acupuncture, and have heard it is great; so i thought I'd give it a try. I bought the GROUPON, and same day called to make my appointment. I got in within the week, which was today... Let me tell you, I'm SO glad that I gave it a try.
Dr. Marco DiBonaventura loves what he does, and it shows. He pretty quickly makes you feel comfortable, and enjoys when he sees results. I went in not knowing what to expect or anything, but it went well. The needles don't really hurt; it's was a slight sting. It hurt more when I'd try to move and damn little needles are IN me and my muscles are trying to move/flex. I was surprised to get poked in two toes, and then mid arm on each, and THAT helped my issues. As I played there I could feel my stiff neck getting more loose as time went by. My midsection/curvature was lessening, and I could tell as I had to adjust my cushion under my legs. I was feeling more erect and had to adjust. hmmmm. After an hour session we were done and I was on my way. I left feeling a little "off", but it's expected. My body is adjusting to what was just done. When I sat in my vehicle I was to really adjust my rearview mirror, which tells me that my back is more erect than it was previously. I REALLY had to adjust it. It was ridiculous; I was in shock and near tears. On my drive home I lean forward a bit and feel my back; no MAJOR curvature. It was a lot straighter than I have ever felt it. It's not correct and still off, but the major pain and major curve was highly lessened. WOW! Dr. D believes that my issues is not a bone issue, but a liver and kidney issue. The muscles he worked on are minor muscles that are not getting the nutrients and hydration that it needs. I will most likely be put on some regimen to help regulate the muscles so they don't keep contracting and causing this painful curve.
I am honestly very happy that I tried this. I have another session coming up on Monday unless I call to squeeze it in tomorrow. Then I have a third a few days after. We are tracking the progress and how I feel to determine if this is something that we can keep doing to help me.
The part that worries me is the cost. I don't know how much this is going to cost, and that scares me. Something besides massage that is even MORE effective than anything I've tried thus far, and there's a change I won't be able to do what I need to to just live an active normal lifestyle.
I shall keep documenting my progress. Please, if you have chronic pain and such try acupuncture and the different options out there. I took a chance, and who knows if this will change my life...
I hope and pray that this is something I can do. I'm SO tired of the pain and issues. Even my breathing is better; my diaphragm doesn't feel so tight. I can actually breath better than I normally can.
