Low Back Pain

The most intense, debilitating (and scary) back pain of my life brought me into Botha Chiropractic.  I was a new patient and they got me in the same day I called (which was great - as I was struggling to even walk) and Dr. Mark was a calming and reassuring presence.  Since that first visit, the awful pain has completely subsided.  Drs. Mark & Kristi have listened to every little concern that arises (and there have been several!) and were supportive and helpful as I worked toward my goal of being able to start running again.  I'm now running pain-free.  It's fantastic :)  The whole office staff has been completely amazing and welcoming from the beginning and I look forward to working with them as I get my mess of a spine all straightened out.
 
-J. R.
 
I am writing this in gratitude to Dr. Mark and Dr. Kristi, who, despite my skepticism at the beginning of my treatments, changed my life and allowed me to resume regular life activites, such as walking standing, sitting, dressing (putting on my socks was a joke) and as trivial as it may sound – sleeping. Above all, they gave me back my feeling of well being. To clarify, I am one of those men who sees a doctor once every 25 years (maybe). We all hear stories about how certain procedures may or may not be effective, how some approaches are better than others, so in all I was somewhat uncertain to say the least. 
But back to my story…
About a year or so ago, being in pain 24/7 did not go unnoticed by my family members and one day, my sister-in-law recommended that I go see Dr. Mark botha, who was helping her at the time. With some apprehension, but desperate, I made a call and began treatments. At first, I went several times a eweek, depending on the level of pain I was in, then gradually lowering the number of visits to twice a month. Dr. Botha’s expert knowledge combined with technique or what I like to call his “MAGIC” started to produce results. At first, by relieveing the pain while increasing flexibility little by little, then, most importantly, I was able to sleep at night again. At around this time, I was lso able to go back to my workout routine and with some additional suggestions regarding diet and mental exercises I am here today virtually pain free. There is still an occasional reminder that there is more work to be done, but given the circumstances, I am ecstatic. In my estimation, the damage to my lower back/sciatica may have started perhaps 10 ears ago due to some horseback riding incidents that were never attended to, perhaps unbalanced lifestlyle for long periods of time, who know? Reasons may be many, but what is important is to realize that in my case, it took at least 10 years to cause the damage, so the fact that I am doing this well today is incrediblte and I learned a lot in the mean time.  Thank you Dr. Botha.
-D.C.

 

 

Since coming to Botha, I have been able to feel improvement in my overall well-being. My back pain, bloth lower and upper, has decreased and I have had comments on how my posture has improved. I am VERY glad I started coming to Botha!

-S.J.

 

 

Migraines

 I came to Botha hoping for some relief from migraine headaches and neck pain.  After a number of months of treatment, the migraines have almost totally disappeared.  These headaches are debilitating, preventing me from working or engaging in any other activity.  Freedom from migraines has dramatically improved my quality of life.  I have tried many medical and non-medical treatments in the past; chiropractic is decidedly the most effective.  It is inconceivable that I would do without it. I came to Botha hoping for some relief from migraine headaches and neck pain.  After a number of months of treatment, the migraines have almost totally disappeared.  These headaches are debilitating, preventing me from working or engaging in any other activity.  Freedom from migraines has dramatically improved my quality of life.  I have tried many medical and non-medical treatments in the past; chiropractic is decidedly the most effective.  It is inconceivable that I would do without it.

-D.S.

  I am so pleased to say that after 18 visits, my migraines are much less painful and less frequent.  In the past, I often had 3 a week.  Today, I am having about 3 a month.

 -V. M.

 

I read an article about Dr. Kristi in the Glendale newspaper which, for some reason, just got me thinking. Here was this person who had migraines and numb hands just like e and she fixed it by obtaining chiropractic services. I thought It can’t hurt to go get your consult. Well, within 4 months, the numbness in my hands began to dwindle and the migraines were eliminated. I was elated. Where the real services began to shine was this summer. I have an old back injury which acted up a couple of days before I was scheduled for a week long camping vacation. Now I don’t know about you, but in my past, when I reinjure my back, it can be months before it is feeling normal again. I called Dr Kristi and she said “come in immediately.”  She did some adjustments and was able to explain exactly what wsa going on with my back, which is always helpful. She asked that I not take any medicine and if I didn’t feel 100% the next day to come back. I felt MUCH better the next day, but not 100%. I went back in and Dr. Kristi had explained to D. Mark my situation. He did some adjustments, had me walk around the block, did some more and gave me some exercises. I tell you what – that very next day, I was a new person! 100% and smiling. My vacation was wonderful and I owe it all to Botha Chiropractic. The best part is it made me a firm believer in the care they give me and the way I bounced back sure shows the validity in what they’re doing! Thank you!!!
 
-K.H.

 Neck/Shoulder Pain

 Trying anything new can be exigent and challenging. When I first came to Botha Chiropractic to get help with the neck and back pain I was experiencing, I certainly had lots of questions and concerns. Right of the bat, the staff (Sasha, Michele, Mark and Kristi) made me feel extremely welcome and comfortable. I knew it would be hard to explain exactly what I was feeling, so I was pleased when I first found out that Botha tailors its programs based on a personal assessment and x-ray. It was very encouraging to know that Botha Chiropractic was concerned with taking enough time to work on my personal needs as opposed to throwing me up on a table and blindly adjusting me. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised that Botha took the time to educate me on the benefits of chiropractic work as opposed to leaving me in the dark. 

I knew that I was in the right hands once I realized that Botha really cares about the success of their patients rather than just getting me in and out of the office. 

Many years of physical activity started to take their toll on my body. As a college level athlete, I endured many vigorous practices, workouts and physical contact. It wasn’t until the fall of 2007 that I had my worst injury. Going up high to catch a ball in the back of the end zone, I got hit square in the back, lost my feet from beneath me and ended up landing on the top of my head, injuring my neck.   The pain was tremendously sharp and seemed to slow my whole body down. For months I thought the pain would go away, and that I could recover on my own even though I could barely lift my head to look up without extremely straining my neck. The day came that I started realizing this injury was affecting other aspects in my life. My energy levels dropped, my stress levels increased (physically and mentally), I was experiencing severe headaches, and I could tell that I wasn’t nearly as active as I used to be, or as I wanted to be. This was the time that I realized I needed a different solution to my problem. That is when I decided to explore the healing benefits of Chiropractic work and first went to Botha. 

Initially, I was critical of just how well chiropractic work would help, but I figured doing something was better than nothing. After sitting with Kristi and going over my x-rays, I was astonished that I in fact had a mild form of scoliosis on top of everything else my body was enduring.  At that point, I knew I was doing the right thing by getting myself involved. 

It has been about 5 months since I first began my bi-weekly adjustments and exercises, and today I feel like I’m about 95% back to normal J The headaches have subsided, my stress level has dramatically decreased, my energy seem s to be going through the roof, and I’m finally getting active again. I have rejoined all of my sports leagues, started working out again, and I’m finally able to spend a full day at work without any headaches. Along with the improvements I have felt in the area of concerns I initially had, I can tell that my entire body is feeling better. I don’t get sick as often, and all the nagging small aches and pains from years of physical activity have gone away. I can run a mile without pain in my back, I can lift weights without pains in my stomach and I can live a healthier, happier and more productive life. I can honestly attribute e all the changes I have experienced to the fine work Botha Chiropractic has done.

The next time I am sick, rather than running to the pharmacy for medicine, I am going to run to Botha to get my “POWER TURNED BACK ON”.

-M.S.

 

Before, I’ve always had neck problems for the past 18years with permanent knots in my shoulders, then when I sprained my neck 2 years ago, those knots and my neck was worse then after my recovery care from that injury. When I was in a fender bender about 3 months ago, it shook it all up again.

I thought I’d try a consult here and learned how neck problems can cause so many other health problems. So I decided to commit to really trying it and not being “skeptical” of chiro care anymore, its been since January now. The other day, a friend was talking about how his neck and shoulders hurt, then it dawned on me that I can’t even remember that I had to hold pressure on my (what were) permanent knots! Which is something I’ve been doing for 18 years! I’m amazed and not only no longer skeptical, but CONVINCED it works!

 -B.S.

Before starting chiropractic care I was a train wreck! I was depressed and in a constant fog. If I wasn’t feeling pain I was just numb. Maybe that was my body’s way to cope. I also had fluid in my ear and that caused my balance to be off. After my 3rd adjustment the fluid was gone. I went to medical doctors for 2 years trying to figure out how to get rid of the fluid. Most of the time they would give me medication that I could not take and still function in life/ since I have been coming here, my energy level is amazing! I am not as sick and I am starting to live, not just make it through a day. One more thing, of many more things, I used to have severe anxiety and that has also gotten a lot better. Thank you Dr Botha and Dr Ring. I will keep you updated :)

-S.M.

 

When I came here, I was suffering from neck pain, back pain, etc…None of it intolerable, but it was constant. In 3 short weeks – 9-10 visits – I’m a different person. I also benefitted from drastically reduced PMS symptoms: no bloating, no back pain, no water weight gain. The traction has progressed quickly…3 weeks ago I was on the 1st table for 20-30 seconds. I’ve prograessed to 5 minutes and am probably ready for the next level soon.

My chronic pain is gone…I’m thrilled with the progress and am reminded of what it’s like to be pain free for the first time in 3 years!

-K.W.

 

Recipe for change:

Start with anxiety about the assesment, the process, and the plan.

Comply with treatment in successive approximations of the goal.

Perceive, and believe when the pain you Relieve.

Be Happy.

-G.W.D

Leg Pain

I had pain in my right knee after running, walking and squatting. My friend had just undergone knee surgery and it was a very painful recovery, lasted over 3 months. I did not want to be in that situation. After a month, I could walk and do other activities without the pain. My posture has also improved. My friends have asked me if I am getting taller.

-L.M.D

 

 

 

Since starting chiropractic care in December 2007, I have observed a noticeable change in my overall health and well-being. Before receiving care, I would get out of bed in the morning hunched over due to lower back pain. It was uncomfortable to bend over to complete simple tasks such as lotioning my legs, putting on socks, or getting dressed/ Now, I can stand upright all day long and complete these tasks with relative ease. I have also seen a noticeable improvement in my balance, which had gradually deteriorated over the past few years. The long-term difficulties I have had with my neck due to a previous car accident have also improved. I have better range of motion, particularly noticeable when I turn my head to either side to see passing cars while driving.

Chiropractic care also helped relieve painful sinus headaches during a recent sinus infection. I am now convinced that my overall health is significantly impacted by receiving regular care from Botha Chiropractic. In addition, the staff at Botha Chiropractic provide a warm, welcoming and supportive environment in which to receive care and make each visit an occasion to look forward to.

Thank you for helping improve my overall health and quality of life.

-M.E.

 

After less than a month of chiropractic, I was standing a full inch taller.  It’s amazing!  I’d tried tons of things to try and fix my forward head posture – I was shocked at how quickly it changed with chiropractic.

Also, pain in my left shoulder went away!  I used to have pain in my shoulder when exercising (pressing movement s specifically).  It’s really, really cool to be able to work out without pain.

Thank you Botha Chiropractic!

-J.H.

I came in with a pain in my shoulders/neck.  The pain would get worse from doing weight training, so I had to stop working out.  Two other chiropractic offices didn’t help (even after 5-6 visits, I had no feeling of relief).

My husband recommended me Botha Chiropractic.  Everybody in the office is so friendly and personable.  From the very first visit, I felt welcomed and comforted.  I started feeling better after 4-5 visits – I’ve never actually been adjusted on those special tables before.  The traction and exercises were very helpful as well.  I just love the fact that Botha chiropractic has the same philosophy as me “treat the cause before the symptom”.

Thank you!

-L.Y.

 For 2 years, I have gone through 2 chiropractors, 3 physical therapists, 3 massage therapists and one acupuncturist.  Even with all this help and extended period of time, very little progress was made.  There was some very good progress but I felt not for the 2 years and many ‘therapists”.  Just after coming here for 2 weeks, I not only have had major progress with motion in my neck that I could see and feel, but my family and friends have noticed that I have not only had more mobility, but have been happier and able to do a lot more physically.  One person saw so much progress that she has decided to switch from her chiropractor to come here!  I have been so satisfied with the progress that I hope to encourage my parents to also switch.

-N.A.