by Dr. Kevin P Lewis | Nov 14, 2023 | Pain Relief
Curtis Parker, a husband, father, and commercial insurance salesman, was often in pain and uncomfortable. He was in the car hours upon hours every week for his job and could never get comfortable. Pain was constantly on his mind.
Here is his story of how he decided to give Dr. Kevin Lewis a shot at using tried and true methods to give Curtis back his life from pain.
Constant Pain
Curtis was always athletic growing up, playing baseball and football throughout high school and college. He would see a chiropractor if his back or neck was giving him pain but never much more than once or twice and never with any consistency.
In fact, when he would see the chiropractors, he often ended up feeling worse than he did before he went in. Needless to say, he wasn’t fond of using chiropractic services but after seeing Dr. Lewis, he realized he had no idea about how it was supposed to work.
“I just didn’t know how it should be done,” said Curtis. “Ultimately, you don’t know what you don’t know.”
From then on, he stayed away from chiropractors for seven or so years until he felt he was at a breaking point. He had moved to Greenville in 2017 and was suffering from a herniated disc, back pain, and other discomforts. He was traveling in the car for several days a week for five to six hours a day.
“My body was so stiff and I was always uncomfortable,” he said. “I tried stretching and some other things but nothing worked.”
Finding Dr. Kevin Lewis
While Curtis doesn’t exactly remember how he found Dr. Lewis, he does remember he did a lot of research to find the best chiropractor in Greenville. Dr. Lewis’ name kept coming up so he made an appointment.
Curtis went into the appointment with an open mind. He wasn’t set on treatment at all. He just wanted to get an opinion and see what the options were.
“I met with Dr. Lewis and we went through a lot of issues. Instead of trying to earn a couple hundred bucks for an appointment, he wanted to talk about all the details of my life and all the issues I was having. He then laid out a detailed plan of attack to fix those issues.”
Curtis started treatment by seeing Dr. Lewis twice a week and doing a set of exercises at home plus icing at the office. It was a comprehensive and individualized treatment program, formulated for Curtis’ exact issues.
“With my schedule, his office was able to accommodate me due to his longer hours and has since been able to see me when I’ve injured myself doing my normal, fun activities like water skiing or hiking,” said Curtis. “I’m his perfect patient.”
Getting Results
Curtis saw Dr. Lewis twice a week for six weeks and then cut back slowly as he started to feel better for longer periods of time. Now, years later, he goes twice a month and more if he starts to have any discomfort.
“Now, I rarely have major issues so it’s more of a maintenance plan,” said Curtis. “I don’t want to go back to where I was when I started seeing Dr. Lewis. Continuing in his care has really become second nature.”
Curtis works out five days a week and is very active, mostly due to his 20-month-old son who keeps him moving. And there is hardly ever discomfort anymore. It’s become a huge weight off his shoulders not to always be thinking about the pain or if he will hurt himself further by moving a certain way or playing with his son.
Advice to Others in pain
The biggest piece of advice Curtis can give to those considering chiropractic treatment with Dr. Lewis is this: “consistency is the key.”
This is a thread woven through Curtis’ entire story from his days as an athlete in high school and college to his time spent recovering and correcting his alignment as an adult.
“You learn fast that consistency is the key,” he said. “If you only see a chiropractor once or twice, you’ll realize it’s not working or you will feel worse. Consistency is the biggest key until you can get the structure right in your body over time. It doesn’t happen overnight.”
As for where Curtis would be today if he hadn’t taken that step to meet with Dr. Lewis and decide to jump into the treatment plan?
“I would have spent a lot of money on short term solutions and have been in more pain,” he said. “ If you’re uncomfortable, you’re the only person who can make up your mind to do the things to fix it.”
Curtis and his wife are expecting their second child and thanks to Curtis’ work with Dr. Lewis, he’ll be ready to play tackle for a long time to come.
Ready for your transformation story?
If you’re ready to take that next step in fixing old injuries, healing your immediate aches and pains, or just maintaining your overall health, give us a call at Greenville Spine. We would be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss treatment options. Call us at (864) 631-1420 and let’s get you started on accomplishing all your health goals.
by Dr. Kevin P Lewis | Oct 4, 2023 | Pain Relief
Morgan lived with round the clock debilitating pain and nothing was helping. She was taking Ibuprofen every six hours every day, couldn’t sleep or sit for long periods of time, and was seeing a chiropractor who just cracked her back and sent her on her way.
This is her story of how she found Dr. Kevin Lewis and how he was able to figure out the root cause of her pain and treat it successfully.
Finding Dr. Lewis
When Morgan and her husband moved to Greenville, she wanted to see a chiropractor who could hopefully put her on the right track towards a pain free life and get her out of her constant reliance on over-the-counter pain medication.
Like any modern day American, her husband Googled “chiropractor” and Dr. Lewis’ office popped up – with all five star reviews no less. She figured to give it a shot.
Figuring out the root cause and treatment options
Morgan sat down with Dr. Lewis at that first consultation and noticed right off the bat he was different.
“When he listens to you, you feel seen and heard on a personal level. No other chiropractor has sat me down and truly listened,” she said.
She had a lot to talk to him about. Her symptoms included pain in her entire upper back, shoulders, neck, skull, arms, hips, eyes, and hands. This kind of pain was stabbing, shrieking, and deep seated. She had double sided TMJ, vertigo, her fingers were going numb and she couldn’t sleep or sit for long periods of time.
That initial consultation included speaking to Dr. Lewis and telling him her story. His assistant, Miranda, took x-rays and photos of her whole body, which calculated many different angles of her hips, shoulders, neck, back, etc. She simultaneously stood on two different scales to determine if she was holding more weight on one side of her body than the other, creating an imbalance.
“This thorough analysis impressed me!” said Morgan. “I have never had any chiropractor do any more than a massage and some quick adjustments. Dr. Lewis personally sat down and in great detail explained the results of my tests and x-rays, which concluded in a treatment plan.”
Treating Hump Neck
Hump Neck, also referred to as Dowager’s Hump, is a curvature of the spine at the base of the neck that can cause all sorts of problems: migraines, headaches, back pain, and extreme fatigue. It’s often due to constantly looking down at your laptop or phone, a common behavior in our modern day and age.
Morgan suffered from a version of hump neck, as her neck had no natural curve in the spine. For her, it started in college due to looking down at her books and computer to study. It only worsened during her fast food job where she looked down at ordering screens all day, and peaked at her desk job where poor posture was unavoidable, even at a standing desk.
Dr. Lewis immediately began adjustments to focus on Morgan’s neck to create and maintain correct alignment. He also instructed her to use a Denneroll, which is a hard “pillow” used by chiropractors to force the curve back into the neck. Morgan followed Dr. Lewis’ instructions and laid on it for 15 minutes every day. Both her work and Dr. Lewis’ paid off as she has seen great results and relief through this treatment.
Working Through Treatment
Committing to a lengthy treatment plan can be a shock for some but for others who have been in pain for so long, they are ready to try something promising. But healing does take time.
“Dr. Lewis told me from the beginning how long it will take until I start seeing improvements,” Morgan said. “You are not popping pain pills and feeling completely better tomorrow. You might feel relief tomorrow, but remember this: your bones are used to falling out of their correct spot. They will default to this. Give your body time to learn how to hold your adjustment.”
And Dr. Lewis’ method is completely different from other chiropractors who just see patients for adjustments and then send them on their way. Morgan had already tried that and she knew it didn’t work. She wasn’t seeing any relief.
“Dr. Lewis’ office is not a ‘one and done’ place,” she said. “They have a whole therapy bay where you are taught and encouraged to stretch and use their equipment before your adjustment. After the adjustment, you are able to lay on a massage bed for a few minutes which I would highly recommend never skipping!”
Morgan’s Life Today
Morgan has been a patient of Dr. Lewis’ practice since 2019. Her entire life has turned around because of her decision to walk in his door and trust him with her care.
She went from being in extreme pain 24/7 to only occasionally experiencing pain. She was only 25 years old when she started treatment and by then, she had already been living with debilitating pain for four years.
What would have happened if she didn’t start treatment with Dr. Lewis?
“I would have had surgery, migraines and be unable to function or hold down a job,” said Morgan. “That is no life for anyone. Don’t settle. Praise the Lord for Dr. Lewis, for He used him to give me my life back.”
by Dr. Kevin P Lewis | Mar 13, 2023 | Chiropractic Care, Gonstead
Not every chiropractic method is the same. Not only are there significant differences in patient care and treatment but there are different techniques used to achieve the most desirable results.
The Gonstead technique, which we use at the Greenville Spine Institute, was developed by Dr. Clarence Selmer Gonstead (1898-1978). It “utilizes several methods of examination to analyze multiple factors, which, as effectively as possible, uncovers the primary characteristics of intervertebral disc lesions, intervertebral and full spine and pelvis alignment, as well as neurological ramifications of vertebral subluxation and full body health.”
The Gonstead Chiropractic Technique is a unique and effective treatment that consists of five main aspects, each one geared towards specialized and individualized treatment of the patient to accomplish their own goals. This method is so effective because it analyzes the spine through these five ways, making it a comprehensive and thorough method to treat patients.
X-Rays
Normally you don’t think of x-rays in a chiropractor’s office but this is a key tool in the Gonstead method. We are able to take pictures of the full spine to see each vertebrae and identify subluxations (a point where joints are not aligned correctly and cause inflammation). Additionally, we use motion x-rays to identify misalignments in the spine. X-rays are taken during the initial exam and throughout the treatment process to measure progress and catch any outlying issues.
Restoring alignment and motion to patients are of critical importance in the Gonstead method.
Palpitation
Palpitation takes into account the tone, temperature, and texture of the spine through both motion and static examinations. Subluxations often cause swelling and a warmer temperature, which we can feel through the skin. Tightness also indicates a spot that needs to be adjusted. Many of our patients are surprised that we know exactly where they are in pain when we do an exam – this is the reason.
Checking the spine through motion can also tell us exactly where subluxations are and where an adjustment is needed.
Instrumentation
We use a tool called a Nervoscope, which runs along the spine to detect small changes in temperatures. This helps to identify subluxations. It’s a key component of the Gonstead technique and essential in the care of patients. This is a painless instrument that feels like two fingers running along the sides of the spine.
Visualization
The Gonstead method is not a one-size-fits-all technique, which is one of the reasons it is the gold standard in chiropractic techniques. Every patient is different and every body is different. By looking at the patient – their gait, their posture, how they move – we are able to assess where improvements can be made to restore each patient to their maximum potential.
Greenville Spine takes into account the lifestyle of each patient, their specific goals, their specific challenges they are facing, and their specific body and how it works.
Case Management
Case Management is just looking at the patient’s overall health and using that information to determine best treatment. Chiropractic care is looking at the entire puzzle, not just piece by piece. It is essential to take into account all aspects of a patient’s health to figure out what will work best for them and how to help them achieve their goals.
In the Gonstead method, frequent check-ins with patients that include things like updating at-home exercises, adding new stretches, taking into account current workloads and life changes, and conducting x-rays are some of the most important ways that make the Gonstead method stand out amongst all the other chiropractic techniques.
By treating each patient as a unique individual instead of using a blanket method for everyone, is a key reason why this method is so successful. To learn more about the Gonstead Chiropractic Method, you can check out the Gonstead website.
Taking the next step
Ready to take the next step in your health and see why the Gonstead method is successful? Give us a call at (864) 631-1420 and let’s get you started on accomplishing all your health goals.
by Dr. Kevin P Lewis | Jul 29, 2022 | Chiropractic Care
It’s not in your head: Heat can cause your body to feel out of sorts.
If you can forecast the weather just depending upon how you feel, or remember stories of your parents or grandparents doing so, science backs you up. Joints react to barometric pressure so if you can feel a thunderstorm coming on, you’re probably right.
And if you have conditions like chronic joint pain, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or asthma and have noticed that you’re not feeling that great during hot weather spells, it’s not just your imagination. Heat can cause increased inflammation, which can lead to sometimes unbearable pain for people with these conditions. What can you do about it? If you’ve guessed chiropractic care, you are correct!
Why does heat cause inflammation?
Some studies suggest that hot weather can increase inflammation in the body and worsen ground level ozone levels – basically the equivalent of smog – which harms the body and can cause pain for those suffering from the above mentioned conditions. Especially for people with asthma, increased levels of ozone can make it harder to breathe. For those suffering from other conditions like joint pain and arthritis, higher levels of heat and ozone cause the body to try to protect itself, which leads to inflammation.
And joints do react to barometric pressure in the atmosphere, which may cause you to feel a little out of sorts or achy in your hips or knees. Joints have sensory nerves called baroreceptors which react to changes in atmospheric pressure. This can lead to inflammation as well.
Combating heat related pain
For those who have conditions that worsen during heat waves and higher ozone levels, staying indoors and keeping hydrated are of utmost importance.
If you can’t stay inside all the time, be sure to:
- Wear loose clothing while outdoors
- Try to incorporate a water activity like swimming to reduce inflammation and pain
- Stay in shaded areas
How Chiropractic care helps
Good chiropractic care almost always involves the goal of reducing inflammation in the body and can be especially beneficial for people who experience many types of chronic pain.
Spinal adjustment(s) corrects misalignments of the spinal cord and can help your body manage pain better. Remember, the spine must be aligned correctly to properly send signals to the brain, which sends out other signals to the body to activate healing properties. If the spine isn’t aligned correctly, those signals don’t go where they need to go and pain and inflammation continues to plague the body.
Additionally, if joint pain wasn’t enough, old injuries can flare up in reaction to the weather. The good news is that these old injuries can also be treated with chiropractic care so healing can begin or continue in the body.
We’d love to help you live a pain-free life, even in the heat of summer when all you want to do is stand in front of your AC. We have ice roller tables – basically a massage table with ice for your body – we use after adjustments at Greenville Spine if that is any incentive to come and check us out.
If you’d like to see us for possible treatment, give us a call at 864.631.1420 or visit our website.
by Dr. Kevin P Lewis | Jun 15, 2022 | Chiropractic Care
That’s the question thousands of people are asking on Google. And for good reason: sciatica, pain that radiates down the sciatic nerve through the lower back, glute muscles, and lower legs, can be quite painful and bothersome. It’s quite common as well: 40 percent of people will likely get it during their lifetime and the likelihood of suffering from it rises with age.
But can chiropractic care help ease that pain from the sciatic nerve? Yes it can.
Causes of Sciatica
The Mayo Clinic says that sciatica happens “when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, usually by a herniated disk in your spine or by an overgrowth of bone (bone spur) on your vertebrae.”
As you age, herniated disks become more common, which can cause sciatica. Other factors that increase your risk of suffering from this type of pain are:
- Obesity, which places stress on the spine,
- A job that requires you to lift heavy loads and constantly twist your back.
- A job that requires prolonged periods of sitting, and
- Diabetes because blood sugar can increase risk of nerve damage.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Chiropractic care is ideal for sciatica because this type of treatment directly addresses the points that often cause the pain down your lower back and legs. A good chiropractor will have been trained on musculoskeletal concerns and be able to identify the root cause of sciatica and put together a specific, non-invasive individual treatment plan to obtain relief for patients – all without the use of medication.
Through manual adjustments targeting the specific area of where the pain is radiating from, chiropractic treatment is an excellent way of minimizing sciatica pain and relieving pressure on the nerve. One study on manual adjustments on people with sciatica showed a significant improvement in the decrease in pain for the patient.
Along with adjustments, the patient will be given a series of stretches and exercises to do at home to strengthen areas of the spine and help achieve faster, and long-lasting, pain relief.
Holistically Moving Forward Without Lower Back Pain
Lower back and neck pain is one of the most costly types of healthcare in the United States, landing third on the list of the most expensive types of healthcare at $87.6 billion a year, as estimated by the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Through the use of non-invasive chiropractic care for sciatica, patients with lower back and leg pain can not only save money in the long-term but also learn how to better care for their bodies that may be prone to sciatica and experience excellent chiropractic treatments that benefits their entire body. Chiropractic care is a holistic endeavor simply because the body works together to achieve optimal performance. If something is out of alignment, it affects the entire body in some way, usually through pain. Through chiropractic care of sciatica using adjustments and exercises, the whole body benefits.
Ready to be free of the pain of sciatica
If you want to see what we can do for your sciatica, call us at 864.631.1420 to make an appointment for a consultation. Every patient is different and we recognize they all need different, individualized treatment plans. We can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve a pain-free life.
