Saturday, March 8, 2008

Kind of like Linda Blair. . . .

The profession I love and the life I live have taken their toll. I won't bore you with the list of my injuries. But venture to say between work, travel, snowboarding, and wreckless debauchery, my body has been beat up pretty bad. I'm not complaining at all. I have had a wonderful life and do not intend to slow down. Three years ago I sustained a pretty significant head and neck injury at work. Since that time I have had headaches and neck pain almost daily. As I said, I don't intend to slow down. Traditional treatments have not worked. Traditional medicines have not worked. Last year they diagnosed be with degenerative spinal arthritis. The doctors say I have to give up some of what I love. I don't think I'm ready for that. I quit going to the doctor and quit taking all of their damn pills. Two weeks ago I started seeing a Chiropractor. I'm not sure if it is helping, but I'm being patient. My first visit with him fucking freaked me out. I was sitting in a high backed chair and he was behind me. He had my head in his hands and was slowly rocking my head in a round and round, side to side kind of way. We were bullshitting about useless shit when; without warning, he snaps my head to the left!!!!! I swear to god it sounded like a fucking water buffalo fell into a dumpster full of Doritos. He kind of laughed and said "Oh sorry, I should have warned you. The popping noises can be kind of loud." I replied "No shit? Ya think?" After nearly twisting my head off too the right side, I went home. I have to say, I had a good three days of no pain. I have gone back again with similar results. I am due to go back again on Monday morning. I feel like a crack addict looking for a fix! I hope this doesn't become a "must have" life long answer. I'm considering other options as well. I may look at acupuncture, acupressure, or maybe even 420 therapies. Who knows?

6 Beer Farts:

The Ex said...

i'd go 420 before I EVER let a chiropractor touch me. It's such a quack science and doesn't fix anything at all.

Jake Titus said...

You know I've heard that before. But the spinal clinic I chose came highly recomended from a number of people that I respect. I was also impressed by the fact that they utilize other treatments including electrical stimulation, massage, acupressure, etc....I am really considering acupuncture but have to find a reliable practitioner. It's a good thing I'm in Cali where I can turn to 420 if I need to. Thanks to the comment Ex.

Zen Wizard said...

I would suggest two things in addition to the chiropractor:

1) Frequent soaking in Epsom salts, like in a bath, because they suck out the toxins out of the joints, and;

2) Eat a lot of gelatin, like just pour Jello over a glass of ice water and drink it really fast--this is because human cartilage and bovine cartilage are very close in composition and you are giving the body what it needs to repair.

Anyway both of those additions are really cheap.

I am the King of Pain so I have learned all of those "tricks" the hard way.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater said...

I don't trust chiropractors either. I'm not sure if I trust the wacky tobaccy either. Go with an Asian massage. I'm a big fan.

The [Cherry] Ride said...

Glad that it seems to be helping. But as you say: be careful, that chiropractor stuff IS addicting like crack. My aunt is addicted to her chiro and pretty much can't function if she doesn't get her weekly visit.

Jake Titus said...

TD: Thanks. Pain relief; even brief, is huge. Just fearful of the whole chiro-junkie thing.

Zen: I'll try (almost) anything once, and twice if I like it. Thanks.

Dr. K: The 420 would be later if all other options fail. Wrkscomp will cover massage as needed. I'm on track to star getting those soon. Thanks.

Ride: Yes the relef is great. But I agree, at what cost? I'm using it now but if another option comes up that works... I'm jumping ship!
Thanks.