I had reached a dead end. No one seemed concerned by my alignment issues...I was left to accept this [S-curve in my spine] as another unavoidable consequence of my degenerative brain disease.
I've been diagnosed with Familial Spinocerebellar Ataxia. This is an unsolicited testimonial to the priceless benefits I have realized through the Egoscue techniques that Antje Waxman has shared with me. Two years ago, I was seeing a chiropractor at least once a month (more often if I had a flair up). He occasionally suggested exercises which might strengthen me and reduce my symptoms, but his adjustments were the typical effort to address and prevent my acute symptom of lower back pain. He is an excellent chiropractor, and I would not hesitate to recommend him to this day.
My wife and I started to see a significant left to right S-curve in my spine. As far as I was concerned, it was not causing me any problems at the time, but clearly as it progressed it would be an issue down the road. At that time I did not associate my alignment issues with my low back pain. The curvature in my pelvis and spine was pronounced enough that I was surprised that my chiropractor had not mentioned anything. When I asked him about it, I got no clear response, and he did not change my adjustment routine.
When I saw my GP next (another expert whom I would be quick to recommend), I mentioned this S-curve. He could see it and thought it was probably typical of folks suffering ataxia due to muscular imbalances in the body. He recommended I bring it up with my neurologist. When I saw my neurologist (who has the best reputation of the neurologists at my university hospital), he asked me who had first observed the S-curve (kind of like it was insignificant at this point). He did not have a strong reaction to the S-curve, but in response to my concern he sent me to a neurosurgeon for evaluation. The neurosurgeon had the same question, "Who told you that your back is curved?" He very quickly assessed me and ruled out surgery at that time (clearly the only tool in his toolbox).
I had reached a dead end. No one seemed concerned by my alignment issues, and no one had any recommendations concerning the best course of action. I was left to accept this as another unavoidable consequence of my degenerative brain disease. I made an appointment with a doctor with a more holistic approach to medicine. He recommended that I make an appointment with Antje Waxman to treat my posture issues and the S-curve in particular.
The attributes of my relationship with Antje: My sessions with Antje have been comfortable, informative, and very professional (I am a professional skier and have a great deal of experience with trainers). She could more than see the S-curve in my spine. My shoulders were at least 2 inches to the side and my pelvis was tilted with one hip at least an inch below the other. She could identify the factors contributing to that S-curve, as well as several additional misalignments. She efficiently analyzed my body and taught me a series of exercises which would address my alignment issues. She sent me detailed emails and web links explaining my exercises and routines. About one month later, we had a follow-up session in which she assessed my progress and reworked my exercise routine.
Those two initial sessions have been all the sessions we have had. Where am I now? I now do the routine about once every 4 days on average. My S-curve is nearly gone. My general posture is much improved. My posture awareness is much better. I know when I am sitting or standing out of alignment and actually correct my posture. My balance is improved. I have not had a lower back pain episode since I began this exercise routine. I no longer wake in the morning with that telltale tension in my lower back. I have not needed the services of my chiropractor since I began doing Egoscue.
Thanks for making an amazing difference in my life, Antje!
Brandon Deane, Charlottesville, VA
