I started seeing a chiropractor while I was still on active duty in the US Navy. I am over 6 feet tall which is not conducive to being aboard ship, I constantly banged my head into the various things that hung from the overhead (ceiling) aboard ship. I had countless bumps, bruises, cuts and the like while I was stationed aboard ships. The other thing I experienced was constantly cracking my head into low hanging objects which caused me severe neck pain. \r
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On one occasion I stepped around a corner and fell through a hatch I had previously closed. I only stopped because as one leg went through the other prevented me from going all the way down to the next level. As a result I broke several ribs, hyper-extended my lower back and unknowingly caused damage to the lumbar area of my back as well. As time went on I began to experience pain in my legs, it became difficult to stand or walk. Slowly I became difficult to get comfortable in a chair while sitting or lie down at night to get any rest, at times sleep was impossible.\r
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When I retired, it became all too apparent that I needed serious help. My right shoulder was centered over my hips and pelvis, I had difficulty standing for any period of time and sleep was sporadic. I sought a chiropractor that was willing to help me and my situation. The DC is found took x-rays, did an exam of sorts and promptly proclaimed I was a prime candidate for back surgery. My reply was a very profound NO, back surgery was not an option then any more than it is now. So to make a long story short, his exam showed me how bad my back really was at the time.\r
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After 8 – 10 months of bi-weekly, then weekly then every other week etc., he was finally able to get me upright and my shoulders square over my hips. I continued seeing him for several years and then I found Dr. Sweet through a friend of mine who was also experiencing back problems.\r
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Dr. Sweet took x-rays, did a spinal exam in more detail than done previously and then we sat down and mapped out a course of action. It was at that time “The Atlas” was explained to me and the part it played in the grand scheme of things. My reply was something like “Hmm, really, and how does that relate to my lower back problems?” It didn’t take long, because after a few adjustments it became all too apparent what was happening and how it all related and worked for the better good of my situation.\r
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I continue to see Dr. Sweet though not on a regular basis though I do see him nevertheless. Being a truck driver I can’t just pop in when the need arises. Though a phone call away, it is comforting to know he is there when I desperately need his service.\r
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