t. There is a theory that microscopic bone chips in the inner ear cause blockage of the fluids necessary for balance and their displacement via a procedure called canalith repositioning has rumors of success. The procedure involves lying on a table with the head extended over the end. The head is then dropped back and held to the right for 90 seconds, then moved to the left and the body is then brought up to sitting position after which the patient must remain upright for 36 hours, theory being that gravity lures the chips out of the ear canals and fall down to a safer place where they will stay. If you have vertigo, I don't have to tell you how the thought of going through this scared me. The only part that sounded ok was the sitting up for 36 hours. I was doing that already because I was mostly sleeping while sitting up in a chair. However, I was desperate. Over the course of the next months, I had this procedure done 9 times. It did not work.

After that it was on to another doctor for evaluation for surgery to disable the balance system on the side that was giving me trouble. The findings were that both sides seemed to be affected and that surgery might make me worse.

I did the rest of the vestibular therapy and although it allowed me to learn to live with vertigo, it did not get rid of the eerie sensation that I could lose control any moment, the "hits" that would come over me and take every ounce of energy away, or the imbalance felt whenever a simple movement or vibration would trigger it.

I found a new chiropractor with yet another technique. She told me she could not help me and referred me to yet another chiropractor with yet another technique. He saw me for two visits before he told me he could not help me but knew who could. He referred me to a NUCCA chiropractor, Dr. Russell Friedman. Four and a half years after the spinning began I was on my way to the 14th professional. Poor Dr. Friedman. I was not a happy camper. He said he was optimistic but I told him in no uncertain terms

-Alan
Manchester, IN

This is a good time to reflect on how far I have come since my first NUCCA adjustment in July of 2002. Almost 6 months elapsed between my adjustment in May and my adjustment last week, which is the longest I have ever been able to go between adjustments. To think that I started out at adjustments twice a week, during the first month, due to the extent of my neck injuries!

One of the most meaningful changes NUCCA has brought about for me is that I have more physical strength and endurance in my 50s, almost immediately following my first adjustment, than I did at age 18, after my first car accident. Even before my second car accident, in 1988, for years I could not work at a desk for extended periods, paint a room, or lift more than one thing over ten pounds without either my right arm becoming numb, or feeling stabbing pains near my shoulder blades, or both.

In later years, my neck would sometimes become so weak after activity, it felt more comfortable to walk around with my neck at a 45 degree angle. And how much can I do now? Well, looking to the latter half of this year for examples, I spread three tons of topsoil and over forty bags of mulch in my yard, painted over half of a four bedroom house, and have spent nearly every evening on my computer without even a twinge!

Another very meaningful change from NUCCA is the complete disappearance of some breathing spasms that had developed whenever I slept on my back or stomach, due to pressure on my upper spinal cord from herniated cervical discs. That is a huge relief not only physically, but also Psychologically. If I had ever needed surgery lying on my back or stomach, I would not have been a steady target under a surgeon's scalpel.

To top everything off, I have also noticed a consistent improvement in my posture, something no amount of prodding from my mother or ballet lessons were ever able to affect for the long term when I was growing up.

I can't say NUCCA has always been a smooth road, because in my case there was a lot to corr

-Andrea

I know I've been lazy about writing how much better I feel. However, I've been so busy enjoying the freedom of pain-free living, that it seems I don't have much extra time any more! I'm doing things now that I never thought I would ever be physically able to do again!

When I first came to see the NUCCA doctor just a year ago, I couldn't even get out of bed in the morning. I dreaded the alarm. I knew that the only relief I was getting from my constant back pain was when I was sleeping. I couldn't exercise, sit, stand up, pick up a baby, or bend over to pick up a dropped item, let alone do the things I loved ... play golf, ride horses, hike, go boating, etc. I was miserable. I was gaining weight, and my muscle tone was dwindling to nothing. I ached all the time.

After trudging through over 17 different doctors, (the last being an appointment with the neurosurgeon), and taking an enormous amount of dangerous drugs (that were supposed to block the pain) and having a steroid shot in my back (not fun!} I found NUCCA.

My instincts told me that there was another option besides back surgery. Thank goodness I ended up in your NUCCA office. I felt better after the very first treatment!

With continued support from you and your staff, I gradually began to feel like my old self again. But, what impresses me most is your commitment to recovery and healing, and your genuine concern and care for your patients. I'm not sure who was happier when I started holding my adjustments for long periods of time me or you!

I just ordered a brand new set of golf clubs this week, and I've already been invited to play in a tournament in May. Last November, I bought another quarter horse, but I've been riding in the Smokey Mountains and the hills in Southern Indiana several times before that.

I've been boating, hiking, and walking the malls again (ok, that's shopping, but it counts}. I even went roller-blading a couple of weeks ago in Los Angeles with my son! Can you believe it??? Things that people take for

-Sharyn Kellogg