Liz Riddell 24 years old

Clinical Assistant at the Ideal Spine Centre

Herne Bay

 

" I am happy to say that after the initial few months my headaches have practically disappeared and I only get one on the rare occasion. What a bonus, I never saw that when I took the 'job'. " - Liz Riddell

 

LIZ RIDDELL (Clinical Assistant) – Age 24

I came to the Ideal Spine Centre for a job. That was all. I wanted a change of direction and a new challenge but I certainly didn't think I would need the free care that came with the position. I just went along with the new patient appointment because I'd better learn the procedure for patients coming in from now on. Therefore my x-rays were quite a shock when I saw them. I guess I always knew my posture wasn't brilliant but I thought that was normal, who doesn't slouch!?

When I had been studying for my degree my headaches had become more frequent. Nothing major of migraine proportion but still enough to regularly put me in a bad mood and get snappy. I just put it down to stress and studying over books or at a computer for hours, there was nothing that could be done for that though!

So my x-rays did shock me as I thought I was quite 'normal'. In fact, I had a reverse cervical curve in my neck and my thoracic spine was out of alignment by 50mm – major! My adjustments started straight away and I did not enjoy it! I suffered headaches more regularly than ever in my first couple of months. Barely a day went by without one. All the while trying to reassure patients and learn my job I was doubting myself if this was actually helping at all.

But as I learned more and heard other patient testimonials I realised this was a normal reaction. My body was experiencing changes, going through movements it hadn't been through before and a healthier alignment that it hadn’t been in for years. As I took new patient histories and thought of my own, I realised I'd had neck/shoulder pain for well over 10 years. As I told patients that correction was not a quick fix, I learnt that applied to myself as well.

I have just had my 12 month re-exam and I was really pleased to see some big changes in my posture and x-rays. It is by no means 'fixed' but I now firmly believe I am on the right track. I am happy to say that after the initial few months my headaches have practically disappeared and I only get one on the rare occasion. What a bonus, I never saw that when I took the 'job'.

Best of all, I can talk to patients with confidence now that I truly believe having one's spine checked is the best thing anyone can do in life and while some people may experience some negative reactions, the goal of achieving wellness care is well worth it. I now no longer say I have just had a job for the last year, it is so much more than that. I can now say 100% that I'm glad I have discovered the wellness movement and I look forward to more people realising the benefits they can receive.

“I truly believe having one's spine checked is the best thing anyone can do in life.”
The Future…

I have now been at the Ideal Spine Centre for over a year and what a year it has been. Dr. Farthing has shown me so much and I have learnt so much about something I knew absolutely nothing about previously. But best of all I have met so many people and heard so many positive stories that I know staying in this profession is really worthwhile and there are so many people that I can help.

I will not be in the Ideal Spine Centre as much in the near future. With the skills Dr. Farthing has shown and developed within me, I have been given the amazing opportunity to help the wellness movement, not just in our community, but in Europe. I am excited at the prospects ahead of me, not just for my own development but for the changes we will see as more and more people become aware of the many benefits of spinal healthcare.

For myself, the immediate future involves travelling to many different practices, working and training with other teams that do what we are doing here in Canterbury. Dr. Farthing has definitely created a special place here for you all, and I want to be able to help other doctors do the same for their communities. You will still see my face now and again at the Ideal Spine Centre, as it will be one of the teams I am working with, and obviously, I need to keep up with my adjustments!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say how much I will miss every single person here. I have made so many friends and I know you will all be just as welcoming to whoever is working here as you were with me. Our team becomes part of your family for life because you know how much we really do care about you and your future health. And as I say this, it isn't really goodbye as you are bound to see me here and there popping in to say hello, so you had better keep up with those exercises…I'll be asking!

A word from Dr. Farthing

Well, this is always the hardest part of training and developing the team. Liz has been the constant amongst all variables over the past twelve months as we searched high and low for the best and most committed team to serve our community. Believe it or not, it takes a special kind of person to be a Clinical Assistant – a person who truly loves people and enjoys helping families, from newborn babies to some of you who have hit the middle age of 80+ years old. The hours can be tiring and demanding, but I know that there is nothing more fulfilling in life than making contribution beyond oneself and making a difference. Being gifted with the ability to help people is something I have always been grateful for, but having the committed and selfless team to help with our mission, leaves me speechless. Watching and listening to the Clinical Assistants helping someone towards optimal health and wellness is the most satisfying of all.

Liz has given so much to improve herself and unconditionally help all of you. She will be missed, but I am always excited to see someone grow, develop and achieve their God-given potential. She will now be able to assist those practices who need her help so they can better help their community. As the practice continues to grow and our team grows to help you, we will always have special memories of Liz. Thank you Liz, you have truly made a difference!

".best of all I have met so many people and heard so many positive stories that I know staying in this profession is really worthwhile and there are so many people that I can help."

" Our team becomes part of your family for life."

Liz Riddell