Novemer 14th, 2010 I fell at work, injuring my back. I was initially treated with pain pills, muscle relaxants and light-duty. 2 weeks later, my back was worse, so the M.D. sent me for physical therapy. One week into physical therapy my pain had not improved. As a nurse, I use a holistic approach to my patient care. I just feel like the medications and even the physcial therapy was just a band-aid approach to my back problem. Luckily, workman's compensation covered some visits to Dr. James Gardner, DC. Dr. Gardner and his staff took their time to attend to my every need. After my first treatment (which was extensive), I felt immediate release in the spine. I slept well that night without any medications. The next couple of days my body felt an ease that I hand not felt even before the injury. One thing that happened was an emotional release with unexpected tears after my initial treatment. I also was surprised with the results of the computerized bioscan results--because they correlated with my recent lab findings of low B-12 levels. Dr. Gardner's holistic approach in treating the source of my pain, instead of placing a band-aid over it, is just what I needed.
-Abbie Cook-
Dec. 2010
I can't think of much worse than extreme low back pain. It impacts everything you do, or don't do because of the pain. That's where Dr. Gardner found me. I could barely walk the pain was so bad. My wife had to drive me into his office. I was a mess. Because of the severe swelling it took three fairly long session just to finally get my back to a position close to right and that I could tolerate. During those three visits and those that followed, Dr. Gardner was extremely patient. He took the time I needed to be comfortable with what he was doing and to explain how and why it was necessary. More gentle hands on such a tender back would be hard to imagine. But we slowly made progress with each visit. He told me what to expect and when I would probably need to see him again to continue to work on something that had taken years to get this bad. He gave me exercises to improve the strength in those weak muscles that were supposed to hld my spine. He has seen many folks like me and gave me hope that things would improve and taught me the milestones of the4 healing process to look for. Each step of the way he was right on. It took some time but I am better and more pain free now than I have been in twenty years. I never realized I hurt so bad, till I began to feel so good. I had been living with the apin for longer than even I realized. I still have to be careful, but I am gaining strength each day. And with what I call an occasional "tune up" the flare ups are fewer and further between and I'm doing most of the things I wasn't to do again and having fun doing them. If you have pain, don't wait like I did. Get in and start the road to a better life. I know I'm glad I did, and you'll be glad you did as well. Thanks for making life sweet again Dr. Gardner.
-Steven G. Gudmundson
I had back pain that made it impossible for me to walk upright and straight. Before I went to Dr. Gardner for help, I had tried a couple of other ways. All that resulted was a little relief and it didn't last long at all. My husband told me about Dr. Gardner and asked me to give him a try. The next time I was in such distress I was crying we went to Dr. G. In less than 15 min I was up, walking and no pain. I went back maybe 2 times when it would be necessary and I haven't had back pain at all since. He really knows the body and how to help.
Dr. told me about a program to extract toxins from the body. He thought it would help me. Trusting Dr. G's word and knowledge and loving care, I did just that and what a wonderful help it is. I remained active in that program until we left on a trip. I've had wonderful results even after the first treatment.
Also, you see and hear how we need vitamin and minerals that are lacking in our bodies-but how do we know which ones we need? Dr. Gardner has very easy testing to know which ones we as an individual need, and how much quantity we need. My husband and I have done this as another way to improve our health. I'm so very glad Dr. Gardner has chosen to practice his blessed skills in our area. There are so many he can help. Thank you Dr. G. for your loving care.
-Barbara A. Johnston
I have had back pain for years, but it was always tolerable until last month. Nothing unusual happened, except I had been running more than usual that week. On this particular day my lower back felt jammed and as the night wore on the pain became more and more intense until sharp pains started to shoot down my lower back, then down my right leg and calf and even down to my toes. Once this started I could no longer move and the pain was unexplainable. I had never experienced anything like that. This happened on a Friday night and luckily I had Dr. Gardner's phone number. He came right over and was easily able to determine what was wrong with my back. The best part was after only one treatment I was able to walk. Even though I was still in a lot of pain, the sharp shooting pain left ande never returned thanks to Dr. Gardner. Honestly, my back hasn't felt this good in years. I was told by one doctor that my recovery would probably take 6 weeks, but it was actually only a week and a half before I felt completely better. My family is shocked to see how quickly I recovered. I am continuing my treatments with Dr. Gardner and I know that my back will by stronger than ever. For me the most unexpected benefit I have seen is how fast I went from laying flat on my back unable to move, to not only being able to move, but to actually have a better quality of life than even before my injury. Thank you Dr. Gardner! One other theing that really impressed me and also my family was how helpful Dr. Gardner was in getting me in to see another doctor and get an MRI. He already knew what was wrong with me but understood that peace of mind was really important to us as well. He really listened to my concerns and helped me the best way possible. Thanks again!
-Kari Zwiegart
My back was so bad I would actually fall to the ground when a nerve in my back got pinched. I tried all kinds of solutions but until I came to Dr. Gardner, nothing seemed to help. Since I don't have the back pain I have been able to start working out again and have lost 90 lbs. What a difference--I'm enjoying life again!
-Brad Brady
I was experiencing severe pain in my mid-back which was interfering with my activities and requiring daily pain medication to control. I was pleased to experience complete relief of my back pain without medication after seeing Dr. Gardner. I also learned about biofeedback programs which more fully improved my response to stress. I am grateful to have found a healthcare provider who has increased my awareness of alternatives to traditional medical interventions.
-Sarah
My back went out of place, so I decided to come in. He put my back back into place, set up a good schedule to keep it in place, and I haven't had any problems since.
-Mark Wilson
I used to get headaches on a regular basis. Also, my hips and lower back would really get tight and sore, causing unpleasantness in my life. Since I started coming to Dr. G, I pretty much have eliminated the headaches. When I start getting the headaches back I know it's time to see Dr. G. Some of the unexpected benefits I have noticed are less stress after treatment, and I am able to breathe more easily. I now bring my wife in, and she loves the way the treatments help her out. I also have several children that play sports. When they have sore or distressed areas, I bring them to Dr. G., and he really helps them recover a lot quicker than if they didn't come. They love it. When they are stiff or have some injury, they always ask if I will take them to see Dr. G.
-Lance Mortensen
I first came in to one of Dr. Gardner's Dinner with the Doc presentations to learn about the harmful effects that ibuprofen has on our bodies. At this time I was taking 8-12 tablets a day for headaches, backaches, and general pain. I was also dealing with abdominal pain, bloating, and a lot of fatigue. I was able to receive a bioscan to see what parts of my body were being affected. The results were what I had suspected. I also received the stress response evaluation at my first appointment. Amazing results. Dr. Gardner was able to see my nervous system, how I breathe, and how my brain never shuts off. That would explain the constant headaches, the soreness in my shoulders/neck from not breathing correctly. Thru treatment with Dr. Gardner, I no longer take pain medication. When I feel pain, he was able to teach me other alternative medicines to use that are not harmful to my body. I have a lot more energy than ever before. I have 4 growing boys, a husband, work a full time job and own my own business. When I first came in, I didn't know if there was anything that could help my energy level. Thru the weekly adjustments I have been able to do what is needed on a daily basis plus more. I am thankful to Dr. Gardner and his wonderful staff for their knowledge and help. I am afraid to think where I would be today if I had not come to that Dinner with the Doc with a co-worker. Thank-you Laurie for referring me to Grand Teton Chiropractic.
-Andrea Chamberlain