Sally Winters

Age 52

"I have taken various pain killers, antacids, muscle relaxants, to name but a few.

Life was getting difficult and not very joyful."

My problems started at the age of 2 years, when I used to wake up at night screaming in pain, and at that age not able to say where it hurt, but just that I hurt. In fact I have had chest pains all my life and throughout my childhood it was fobbed off by doctors as wind, growing pains, etc. At the age of 16 I was unable to swallow properly and was diagnosed with a "malfunctioning" oesophagus. I have taken various pain killers, antacids, muscle relaxants, to name but a few - Trinitrate and Amylnitrate (both had very nasty side effects).

In 1972 I had a skiing accident, after which I saw an osteopath about 4 years later who roared with laughter at how crooked I was. I have ridden horses for over 40 years and in 1983 I had a serious show jumping accident whilst in Saudi Arabia. X-rays at that time showed that I had snapped the 1 st , 3 rd and 5 th lumbar transverse process (the wings of bone either side of the vertebrae). I used to have to wear a back brace when doing anything physical and started to see various osteopaths, from locally to Harley Street in London on a regular basis. One of them performed a "two-man" (yes a two-man manoeuvre) to attempt to straighten my hip - it was agony. Some were good and others not to good, but I could better describe one of my experiences as being manipulated by an "organ grinder", which I was twisted up like a cork screw so that I could hardly walk.

Before seeing Dr Christian at the Ideal Spine Centre I had continual pain down my right leg and cramping in my right foot while driving. I had also developed agonising migraines as well as back pain and general weakness. I put a lot down to the menopause and in fact I was given beta blockers to try to prevent the headaches - they did not work. My general energy was depleted and I was becoming depressed. I have been hospitalised twice within an 18 month period with acute anaemia and again subjected to lots of tests. Life was getting difficult and not very joyful.

Quite by chance on a Sunday in November 2003, I paid a visit to PC World in Canterbury where I happened to see a spinal screening available by Dr Christian Farthing - I read the literature and was in two minds of whether or not to give it a try. Thankfully I did and it was no surprise to find out just how crooked I was. I booked my first appointment to take place the very next day. Initially, I was quite sceptical but was impressed by the time and trouble taken to diagnose my problem in such a caring atmosphere. My x-rays showed severe subluxation in my thoracic area (directly relating to my digestive problems) and lumbar spine. I had a rotated pelvis and an unusual "S" bend in my neck. Not surprising I was experiencing such discomfort and symptoms.

Previously no other health professional or specialist had x-rayed to see what was happening before they touched me. It fills me with horror to think what might have happened and very nearly did in the past.

I have now been seeing Dr Christian Farthing for two years and have just started on my third year of adjustments. At my recent results, I was totally amazed at how much my neck had improved since the last x-rays. I know that over the next year my health will continue to improve as it has done for the past 2 years with spinal correction and wellness care.

Over the last couple of years the changes have been progressive. I am now riding regularly and thoroughly enjoying it. The headaches are far and few between, and the pain down my right leg is not so persistent. Perhaps I don't help matters with all the heavy lifting and work I can now do with the improved strength and energy I have gained since starting spinal adjustments. Before I met Dr Christian, this was something which was becoming all too much. You really don't realise how much better you are until you think back to what life was like before regular adjustments. I now realise how important the exercises are to support and make the most of what Dr Christian does for us. In the light of my recent results, I am very happy and am now even more determined to be more vigilant with my exercises.