A chiropractor’s functional approach provides relief from my spine issues
After years of pain, my spinal health has improved dramatically
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Thirteen years ago, I finally decided to confront the neck and lower back pain, fatigue, stiffness, and vertigo that had plagued me since childhood. Endless scans and specialist visits led to vague diagnoses, typically resulting in nothing more than a prescription for physical therapy.
Over time, I accumulated a list of spine conditions, including degenerative disk disease, osteoarthritis, disk herniations, bulging discs, cervical and lumbar stenosis, and kyphosis. These issues gradually worsened, puzzling every specialist I saw. One chiropractor, upon seeing my scans, asked incredulously about the nonexistent accident that had supposedly caused such damage. The traditional adjustments that followed were intense but ineffective. One adjustment even left me in more pain than I’d walked in with!
Fast forward a decade, and even after exploring a multitude of medical therapies and remedies, my struggles persisted. Unbeknownst to me, my spinal conditions progressed alongside my IgG4-related disease. During the chaos of seeking treatment for the latter, I consulted with four neurologists and neurosurgeons, all of whom advocated for surgeries, starting with my neck and addressing the kyphosis.
From left, Jennifer Waddell and Mahsa Pazokifard smile for a photo at Waddell’s chiropractic clinic. (Courtesy of Mahsa Pazokifard)
As I awaited scans and insurance approvals for these procedures, I began treatment for IgG4-RD, receiving a combination of Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), steroids, amitriptyline, and Rituxan (rituximab). Miraculously, these not only addressed my IgG4-RD symptoms, but also slowed the progression of my spinal disorders.
With some relief in sight, I chose to delay the recommended surgeries; however, my relief was temporary and dependent on treatments. Symptoms inevitably resurfaced, intensifying in the month before my next infusion.
A focus on functional health
Six months ago, a weeklong hospital stay for sepsis left my neck muscles unable to support my head, forcing me to lie flat for days. This unexpected debilitation was more terrifying than the sepsis itself, filling me with panic and anxiety. Amid this turmoil, a seemingly serendipitous Facebook ad introduced me to a functional chiropractic wellness center that goes above and beyond traditional adjustment techniques.
Intrigued, I contacted their office and explained my situation. Chiropractors Jennifer and Scott Waddell, along with their furry therapy family member, Koa, welcomed me for an extensive evaluation that initiated a transformative spinal health journey. Initially attending sessions three times a week, I rediscovered my ability to walk upright in just 10 days and have continued my care with Jennifer Waddell ever since.
Mahsa Pazokifard pets her favorite therapy fur baby, Koa. (Courtesy of Mahsa Pazokifard)
The central nervous system controls and regulates our organ functions, which is why Waddell integrates spinal health with nervous system optimization — a much-needed approach for me. Her innovative methods, which include utilizing tools such as a chiropractic activator and an ArthroStim adjustor, might sound alarming, but they are painless and highly effective for me. Her practice not only focuses on a holistic and functional approach; it also emphasizes kindness, understanding, and flexibility — drastically enhancing my physical health in ways I never imagined.
My migraines, once constant, have completely subsided. I can now distinguish between migraines triggered by neck issues and those from IgG4-RD. Moreover, my posture and cognitive clarity have improved substantially, while my neuralgia flares and neck and back pain have greatly subsided. I’m more focused during conversations and at work, and I’m able to sit upright longer and without discomfort. This is significant for me, because I’ve struggled to sit upright, stand, climb stairs, and even run since childhood.
Persistent inflammation and muscle spasms often constrict my movements, but regular visits to Waddell — twice a week or as needed — have been a game-changer in my journey. What began as a hopeful pursuit of relief has evolved into an indispensable facet of my self-care routine. This is now a journey I am never willing to abandon.
I owe much of this discovery to that savvy ad, which led me to an essential component of my healing process. If there’s one takeaway from my experience, it’s that everyone deserves someone like Waddell to guide them to a better, pain-free life.
Note: IgG4-RD News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of IgG4-RD News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to IgG4-RD.
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