I wanted to experience firsthand what it was like to be a patient at the practice for which I work.  I believe it’s important to see things through the patient’s (customer’s) eyes to minimize assumptions and feel the level of value that is received.  All to often organizations neglect to do this only find out too late that quality is slipping, customer’s needs are not being met, and business has been lost to the competition.  Proactive businesses take the time to organize surveys, reward referrals, employ “secret shoppers,” and actively solicit feedback from vendors, referral sources, and their employees.  So I decided to become the patient.

Upon entering Damron Chiropractic and Wellness, I was warmly greeted by those at the front desk and given a brief survey of my current health.  It included questions about my medical history, any pain I was experiencing, plus any concerns I had.  Within minutes I was taken back to the X-ray room where images were taken of my neck, back, and hips by a team member that was both highly professional and efficient.   After reviewing my X-rays, Dr. Damron met with me to go over his initial findings.

Forty five years of living had apparently caught up with me.  I had several alignment issues, in addition to having one leg that was 10 millimeters shorter than the other causing an imbalance.   Needless to say, I was dumbfounded that I could have things going on within my body that I wasn’t even aware of. Things that, in time, would eventually cause my overall well-being to be affected.  For example, having one leg longer than the other was causing my body structure to shift – my hips were slanted one way, my upper torso the opposite way to compensate for the lower half, and my neck and head leaning the other direction of my upper torso.  My body was a zig-zag, and if not addressed properly, my “golden years” will include a misshapen body full of aches and pains.

Once I was given a thorough overview of my results, I laid on an adjusting table, which is what a chiropractor uses to do adjustments.  Each adjustment to my hips, lower back, and neck was met with an audible “popping” that did not cause any pain or discomfort.  I was told that I may feel a little sore, almost like after a work out, and to drink plenty of water.  The soreness would be a result of the muscles around my spine being manipulated, but in 24 hours the soreness would subside and, if needed, I could ice the area.  At the end of my visit I was asked to set up a follow up appointment to review a comprehensive plan to get me back to wellness.

The bottom-line for Dr. Damron is that for long-term health and wellness to be successful, two things are essential – control and partnership. Each of his person should take control of their health but a partnership is also formed between himself, his team, and the individual for optimal results.

I’m happy to report that while I did get sore in my neck area it was completely resolved by the following morning.

Stay tuned for an update on my follow up visit to Damron Chiropractic and Wellness in the next blog post.