With Chiropractic Adjustments I Could Have Avoided Surgery

I first met Dr. Burford 10 years ago. I came to him after being treated with traditional methods for neck and shoulder pain by my family physician. After just a few chiropractic treatments I got more relief than I had after several months from my physician. Dr. Burford took x-rays and saw some degeneration between the vertebrae in my neck. I continued my chiropractic treatment until I was better and then I stopped.

Over the next 10 years I had several “flare-ups” would seek treatment from Dr. Burford. As soon as my symptoms got better I would stop treatment.

February of this year I began to have tingling and numbness in my right thumb, hand and arm. I first went to my family physician. He used the same treatment as before, rest and medication. After little change in my symptoms I returned to Dr. Burford. Finally I got relief. My discomfort was greatly relieved. Unfortunately after 6 months there was still persistent tingling and numbness.

An MRl showed the degeneration of the discs had progressed into the development of bone spurs on 3 of my vertebrae. These bone spurs put pressure on surrounding soft tissue and was causing inflammation. A rather large bone spur was pressing on a nerve causing the tingling and numbness on my right hand and arm.

After much thought and research I decided to have surgery. I got immediate relief from the bone spur being removed and relieving the pressure to the nerve.

The price I paid was the fusion of 3 vertebrae and a metal plate to stabilize my neck. This will put pressure on the rest of my spine that it was not designed to take. I will also have limited mobility in my neck.

I allowed limited insurance coverage to hinder the treatment of my neck. I regret this decision. Had I listened to Dr. Burford and taken care of my degenerating discs I may have avoided surgery and the long process of recovery.

- R. C.