Linda’s Story - Low back pain
Before Align
Before Align, I was in pain all the time. I have structural scoliosis—18 degrees in my neck, 36 degrees in my mid-back, and 20 degrees in my lower back. You can literally feel it. My spine goes out, then in, then out again at my tailbone.
Over time, it had progressed to severe scoliosis. The pain had increased to severe as I got older. I used to be 5'1", and now I’m 4'11", so in addition to the structural scoliosis, my body has become more compressed, which made everything worse.
Coming to Align
I found Align through a patient at my workplace who was coming here. I’m so grateful I listened and came in. When I started, I had no idea I would still be here four years later, but now I can’t imagine not coming.
From the beginning, my coach, Jamie, made a huge impact. She asks questions like, “What did you do? How much are you sleeping? What did you eat?” She helps me connect the dots between what’s going on in my life and how my body feels. The coaches here truly want you to succeed and all of them truly care about their clients.
I can’t thank her enough for being that person for me. I needed that.
The Journey
Jamie gave me the tools to get out of pain, and I use them.
There are still times when I overdo it. That’s just who I am. I get things done. I’ll lift ladders, climb into the attic, reorganize the garage, pick up a case of water, and lift my grandkids.
But now, when I feel that I have done too much and I’m more in pain, I know what to do. I’ll go home and do my belt and block work, and I can literally feel things slipping back into place. I can’t even explain it. It’s the most rewarding sensation, to actually get up from doing belt and block and feel better, with more movement.
My coach is my inner voice now. I think all the time, “What would Jamie do?” And accountability is everything. I know myself—if I didn’t come here, I would just keep pushing and not take care of myself.
We are blessed to have this facility in our community. It is something you can’t replace. We’re like a family. We support and encourage each other, and that makes you want to keep coming back.
Life Now
There is no limit to what I can do. My body isn’t stopping me anymore, and that’s the biggest thing. I’m doing things now that I couldn’t do years ago. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. My family says all the time, “Look at those muscles.” They can’t believe somebody who is 4'11" could be so strong—and I love that.
One of my proudest moments was hiking to the top of Soldier Mountain in Fall River Mills with my son-in-law that is over 5,000 ft. in elevation. There wasn’t even a trail. We were cutting through brushes the whole way, and I made it all the way up and back down.
I couldn’t have done that before. I felt so good. I was so proud of myself.
My back is still structural—that hasn’t changed. But what I can do with my body has completely changed.
I told my husband that if I had not found Align, I would probably be disabled right now. I don’t know what I would be able to do.
Before Align, I couldn’t sit comfortably. I had to stand. Even driving long distances wasn’t possible because my leg would go to sleep, and it was painful. Simple things like bending over or cleaning my shower were hard.
I had tried everything for years—chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage—and nothing gave me lasting results.
This is a reproduction of Linda’s scoliosis.
Pass It On: What would you say to someone who is considering starting their Align journey?
Just try it. Come here and try it like I did. I had no idea I would still be here four years later, and I’m not leaving.
I look at Align as a lifeline. I really do.
If you’re dealing with something like scoliosis or chronic pain, it can be done. I am a living testimony of that. Trust the process. Stay consistent. And don’t give up.
If you’re thinking about joining, but you’re on the fence, I will gladly talk with you about it!