The doctor spoken of in the following excerpt (written by Sarah Martinez, D.C.) is John Hawes, D.O.
"Chiropractic treatments are still considered an alternative form of therapy; a last resort. However, due to changes in mainstream medicine, and the public's want for natural healthcare, chiropractic is becoming more widely recognized. And while many people think chiropractic treatments are all about relieving pain, it is much more than that. Chiropractic treatments tap into the central nervous system, and the body's innate ability to heal itself. While there is no comparison to the all natural, drug-free pain relief provided through chiropractic, patients can experience a decrease of symptoms they may not have thought related to the spine. Remember, the spine houses your spinal cord which connects to the brain. Nerves come off of the spinal cord through the vertebrae, to communicate with the rest of your body. Everything that occurs in your body is transmitted via nerves that then go back through the spinal column to the spinal cord and up into the brain. If a bone, or bones, are not positioned correctly, they can put minute amounts of pressure on nerves which can dim the impulses traveling through them to the end organ/organs. A chiropractic adjustment allows for the vertebrae to re-align and move properly, thus allowing for the body to thrive; much like flipping a circuit breaker re-disputes power to a home, a chiropractic adjustment re-sets the nervous system and allows for the power of the body to flow normally again.
When I decided to go to chiropractic school I thought it was all about pain relief, too. I was a competitive gymnast for a large portion of my life, which meant I was injured a lot. I saw a medical doctor who continually gave me medications such as valium and vicodin to "treat" the pain I was in. Mind you, I was taking these medications at only 10 years of age. Furthermore, during a time in my life when I was at peak athletic performance, I developed many illnesses involving my lungs and sinuses, and was on steroids and antibiotics often. I was just told that my immune system wasn't very strong; that my body had difficulty fighting off disease. For several years I endured bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia. I did not know there was any other way.
After tiring of taking heavy pain killers, and not being able to function, my mother took me to an osteopath who performed adjustments to treat the conditions associated with my gymnastics injuries. Though not a chiropractor, this Doctor tended not to use medication as a form of treatment. I decided at that point that I wanted to be able to "pop people's backs" so they could feel better too.
Once I started chiropractic school however, I realized that there is much more to it than just pain relief. Once in school I began getting adjusted regularly. I read research about the increase in immune function with adjustments, and about how each segment of the spine correlates to different areas of the body due to the exiting nerves. I was counseled on what vitamins, minerals, and supplements I should be taking, as well as what nutritional choices I could make to improve my symptoms. I was given exercises to fix postural balances within my spine that attribute to my need for adjustments.
After several weeks of continuous care, and following my exercise and nutritional plan, I made the decision to start weening myself off of all my asthma and allergy medication, which, at this point included a daily steroid (which brings a whole slew of side effects, but can be discussed later). Over the course of the next three weeks, I systematically lowered my doses until I was free of all drugs. I was nervous about this choice, and kept my rescue inhaler close at hand. Imagine my surprise when I realized that adding in chiropractic and healthy lifestyle choices eliminated my need and dependence on medications. Even as a top athlete, I would need my asthma inhaler once I started exercising. I am happy to say that I don't anymore.
Chiropractic has changed my life, and I hope to be a part of changing others' lives through chiropractic!"
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anaheim-Hills-CA/Dr-Sarah-Martinez-DC/94745317012
