Success Stories

What Patients are Saying:

Hello. I’m a 56 year old woman who has lived with TMJ problems as long as I can remember. About the age of 18, my jaw got so bad I could barely open my mouth. It was like tasting a sour item and puckering up with no relief. A new dentist came to town, who specialized in treating TMJ. He also told me I had DMP (Dysfunctional Maxillofacial Pain/Paralysis). The treatment consisted of cold, ice packs and some external massage of my facial “cheeks”.
Nothing really helped. Most of my dental appointments were scheduled for short breaks to “relax my jaw”. No one seemed to understand telling me to relax just does not make it happen. My dentist did order a mouth guard to wear at night to help. It did seem to help more than anything else, but I managed to bite two of them in half. I was working with my third one.
About three years ago I was sent to an Oral Surgeon. My dentist thought that I might need surgery to correct my TMJ. Basically, I was told that my TMJ was bad and I needed to take a sleeping pill consistently for two weeks and learn meditation exercises. If it got bad again, I was to take a sleeping pill for three nights only and everything should be ok.
Due to my bite/TMJ I have had loose teeth for a longtime. The practice has been to “re-cement” my loose teeth whenever I have my teeth cleaned. In December 2009, I was amazed to find that my bridge had failed. This required basically to have my upper teeth pulled. Two days later the Oral Surgeon pulled half my teeth, mostly the molars. My dentist admitted that mine was the worse case of TMJ he’d seen in his 25 years of Dentistry.
They gave me more sleeping pills to help my TMJ relax. I guess you could say it kind of worked. The pills knocked me out until I tried to turn on a side and then again the pain in my jaw woke me up. Didn’t get much continual sleep.

Two months later, I had the rest of my upper teeth removed and two bone spurs taken out from the first surgery. The lack of sleep and pain just got worse. Now, I was barely able to open my mouth one to two finger widths. Eating, sleeping, everything was compromised. When I went back to my oral surgeon, he referred me to Dr. Shirley. I was really leery about a chiropractor being able to help, but by now I was more than willing to try anything. Boy what a miracle! He said I was like someone that went through the front windshield in a car accident. At that initial consult Dr. Shirley actually did treat me. My headaches were gone till I got about half way home. That was the first time I’d realized how bad it was.
I‘ve had cold laser, massage, manipulations, etc. I‘ll admit not all of them are fun, but the end results have been great. Dr. Shirley is also making sure all the “other” contributing areas are in alignment, so “this won’t be a short term treatment”. After each appointment I’ve improved. He’s also shared exercises I can do at home to help with my recovery. It’s been an amazing process. To be able to open my mouth, eat more solid food, and to sleep without waking from jaw pain is just unbelievable. Best of all is having no headaches! Take my word-TRY IT, YOU’LL LIKE IT. I finally feel like I’ll be able to work at keeping my TMJ controlled in the future for the first time in my life.
Best Wishes!!
– R.V.

"It has improved my quality of life immensely. I am able to go about my day now pain free!”

When I first came in I had problems with my jaw (TMJ), stress and tension due to having my wisdom teeth removed and a stressful job. I had tried pain medication and liquid diets for my jaw and stress, which is what my oral surgeon wanted me to do for a few weeks, but did not work. While at Spinal & Sports care I received laser treatments on my jaw, chiropractic work on my jaw/body, and massage therapy on my upper body, neck, face, and oral massage. It has improved my quality of life immensely.
My jaw feels less tense and does not lock. I feel less tension in my jaw and throughout my body. I also feel less stress, have no more headaches, and sleep much better! I am able to go about my day now pain free!! – J.B., patient  |  6-25-09

"My personal miracle has been able to eat solid food again!”
When I first came in to SSCC I was experiencing upper and lower back pain, numbness and pins and needles down my right side and severe TMJ pain. I had previously seen numerous doctors, specialists, dentist, and two chiropractors with no lasting relief and no treatment prospects for the TMJ issues. I had given in to the idea that I would never be able to eat, laugh or even smile and talk normally for the rest of my life until I began treatment with Dr. Shirley. I have received upper and lower hip adjustments that have greatly diminished the pain and increased mobility. My personal miracle has been being able to eat solid food again and hold a conversation without being in overwhelming pain and discomfort. With Dr. Shirley’s combination of adjustments and jaw massage, I can now close my mouth naturally and my teeth are no longer shoved together.
Chiropractic treatment has greatly improved my quality of life by allowing me to be mobile again and start rebuilding my body through exercise and the ability to nutritionally support myself now that I can eat solid food. For the first time in the past year I am now able to get out of bed every day and not be confined to my home. I immensely appreciate not just the speed and quality of care, but the honesty and respect I have received. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I hope that many others with the same problems will find the help and answers that I have found as their first option rather that their last hope. – K.E.  |  8/12/2009

“After 8 treatments I am pain Free!“
I came in with TMJ, jaw pain. I couldn’t chew gum, eat anything like steak etc., due to jaw pain and my jaw popping, I had a hard time pronouncing my words clearly, and I was always biting the inside of my cheeks. I was referred here by my dentist, we had tried a mouth guard at night for over a year to help from clinching and grinding my teeth.
The treatment I received here was chiropractic work on my neck and spine. The activator was used along with stretching the muscles in my neck and jaw. After eight treatments I am pain free, can eat steak again, can pronounce my
words properly, my teeth are aligned up, and I no longer need my mouth guard. The treatment here was excellent and much better than the alternative surgery. – C.W.  Spokane, WA  |  1/08/2010

“TMJ and then some”
I had a extraordinarily difficult case for Dr. Shirley (my Jimmy Buffet Doctor). I apparently had a "greenstick" fracture from getting rear-ended by two vehicles, at the same time. This caused my jaw to close down to about 5mm where as I couldn’t even fit the tip of my finger into the space. Slowly but surely Dr. Shirley’s perseverance and resourcefulness, through his "hitting the books" again after having not seen such a case of TMJ in all his twenty years, after about three months brought my measurements to 37mm. Such a measurement may not be perfect but believe me after not even being able to hardly "eat" through a straw, I can now eat a sandwich without having to disassemble it. I feel like a human again. It is all due to Dr. Shirley’s rethinking and reinventing some of his already established treatments. I am ever so grateful for his care and his determination in helping me to get well. Furthermore, I would like to note that while being treated by Dr. Shirley I also was having to keep appointments with an Oral surgeon whom out of frustration of not having "quicker" results was definitely leaning towards wanting me to go a more surgical route. I was not comfortable with this notion and with the help of Dr. Shirley and his patience we worked through the problem and in the end I did not need to go the surgical more invasive route, which pleased me to no end!!! Thank you so much Dr. Shirley you got me my "life" back, food never tasted so good. Forever in your debt, – D.Z.  |  7/16/2010

After being treated by Dr. Choate, the popping in my knee has stopped. I have no more pain in my hip. - Debra B.

After two or three weeks, mobility was back and I was pain free. Actually relief after the first treatment. – Joan F.

I personally could not live a functional and pain free life without it. It’s much better than narcotics! I am able to garden and hold my grandbabies. - Patricia P.

My neck was originally injured from rollover accident years ago. Finally feels back in place. Hip went out and always had dull pain—now both are nearly non-existent. I greatly appreciate it! It gives us a longer life! – Nancy J.

Dr. Roz and her staff are a godsend. They have helped me so much. I will be back for sure. – Stephanie R.

Instantly I felt a difference with my first alignment. I felt the tension disappear. After only five visits my headaches completely disappeared and I no longer have pain in my neck. I support it 100%. I would come to get aligned even if I had no pain — it brings a feeling of instant relief when I’m tense. – Rebecca R.

I couldn’t walk with pain in my left hip. This condition didn’t go away til I went to Dr. Choate. He adjusted the hip and back and I was able to walk without pain. If you get hurt, it’s best to go soon to Dr. Choate and get relief. – Karen R.

My results are 100% recovery from pain. Everyone needs it to live a healthy life. – Curtis M.

I went to another chiropractor in Spokane and had no success at relieving my symptoms. I was pain free in less than six visits [to Spinal & Sports Care]. When you start your day without any pain, you automatically begin to have a positive day. Chiropractic care has made a huge difference in my day to day lifestyle. – Jeff J.

After first treatment [with Dr. Shirley], I felt like a new person. After a couple visits, I wasn’t even feeling stiff. I’m amazed at how simple yet wonderful the results have been. Lisa C.

After first adjustment and care [by Dr. Choate] I feel better. Second adjustment the next day and by the weekend I was feeling significantly better. I’m amazed! It’s very helpful! – Kimberly C.

I consulted my chiropractor due to lower back pain and sudden onset of extreme muscle spasm. I couldn’t walk without help. Muscle relaxers and pain killers only helped temporarily. I could hardly walk—within one week, I was much better, after 2 weeks, I was back to 100%!! It’s nice having alternatives to medications. – Pam S.

I couldn’t sit, lie down and could barely walk. Never had so much pain before. I was taking lots of ibuprofen and that didn’t even touch the pain. I had one more bad night after the first treatment. One month later, I felt great and 6 weeks later, no pain at all. I’m so thankful I was willing to try it. - Deborah P.

My results include more flexibility, movement and much less pain. Seem to be healing. I hold a very positive high opinion of chiropractic treatment and do recommend this to others frequently. – Mary Lou T.

After being treated, I am able to move without as much pain. I am able to sleep as well. I will always have some degree of chiropractic care for my back and hip issues. – Cheryl R.

Severe nerve pain in left hip and leg were making it impossible to stand up without bending way over in the mornings. I could not function. My long term use of prednisone, scoliosis and back fusions complicated things. Nothing was helping my condition. Dr. Choate had helped me before when I had headaches that would not go away. I decided I should try chiropractic care again. After seven visits, I pretty much can stand up and walk upright in the mornings. If one has leg, back, neck pain or headaches, chiropractic is definitely worth a try. I know chiropractic treatments can help.-Jean M.

From two car accidents, I had pretty much constant hip pain. Physical Therapy did nothing and I refuse to just cover it up with pain killers. My physician suggested Dr. Shirley. I was scared of going to a chiropractor, but it was my last hope. Should have been my first! It’s fast, painless and requires no medications. The best is, it fixes, it doesn’t just cover it up. He’s taught me not to fear chiropractic, but to enjoy the benefits. – Kathie K.

How I feel about chiropractic, now that I have enjoyed it’s benefits? One word—- wonderful!! – Mary B.

I have had a lower back condition for 10 + years. It would act up 2—3 times a year. The most current episode was the worst and most painful. The pain was so great, I laid on the floor for 2 days. I received treatment from Dr. Choate on my first visit. I then had visits every other day for a couple of weeks. I noticed great improvement after only a few visits. - Bill G.

I consulted a chiropractor because of pain in rib area and back to front pain. No previous treatments had results. Pain was so bad, I couldn’t breathe very well. I would turn to left—the pain was so bad it would almost put me to the ground. Results were great almost right away, and it only took about 2 weeks. – Delores N.

Results have been wonderful with nearly complete relief from chronic pain under maintenance program. It has given relief on a consistent basis. It is the most beneficial intervention I have experienced. – Jamie A.

Conditions which led to my seeking chiropractic care were whiplash and cervical strain, both resulting from a recent car accident. My doctor had prescribed hydrocodone and a muscle relaxer. I had been in a similar car wreck and it took almost 5—6 years of taking prescription drugs and fighting headaches and back pain. I didn’t want to be on drugs all my life I started to see the chiropractor, nervous but willing to try something different. I am more confident than when I first came in. I will definitely come in when I have trouble with controlling my headaches! – Sarah M.

I sought chiropractic care due to migraine headaches. Drugs were my only previous treatments, and they did not work. A co-worker recommended Dr. Choate. Migraines still come. However, I move better without pain and Dr. Choate has helped other problems become less. Why did I wait so long to feel better??!!! – Amy Jane L.

I sought chiropractic treatment due to ear fullness in my right ear. A general practitioner thought it was allergies, an ENT thought it was allergies and advised nothing they could do and it was a nuisance complaint. My mom recommended me to go [to Spinal & Sports Care]. Two fifteen minute appointments weekly for four weeks—I noticed immediate improvement and relief. Chiropractic has helped my back pain, allergies and sinus problems. Very positive and I would recommend it to everyone I know. – Carol M.

I was hoping to get relief from constant pain. After a move to the valley, my whole body was again in pain. I met someone who was seeing Dr. Choate and they referred me. After several treatments, I began feeling less pain. Dr. Choate is the kind of doctor I WANT to come see!! – Nancy V.

EXCELLENT results! No more pain in the shoulders. Not only did it help my shoulder, but I had my feet done, my wrist and my neck, so anything that I have had is now almost gone. – Liz L.

I came here shortly after an injury I received from a car accident….after 3 treatments of Graston I noticed a huge difference in the way my neck felt. Before the Graston technique, the muscle damage in my neck was not getting better. The Graston along with the chiropractic treatments have improved my life greatly. – Nancy B
 

Posted in | Leave a response