LifeArt2B

Amy Ricalde

I have experienced a great deal of back pain in my life. At an early age, my mother brought me to countless doctors to try and alleviate this pain. My inverted left hip was isolated as a problem when I was 5 years old. The pediatrician told my mother that I needed to sit Indian style (criss cross applesauce) and it would eventually go away.

As a tween, I became 5’6” tall, wore size 8 sneakers… and was terrified that I would never stop growing. Awkward about my height, I gave into a hunched over posture that leaned to the left as it hovered over my inverted hip. My left foot turned completely inward and caused me to trip myself countless times. Yes, braces, acne and eyeglasses were no match for the physical pain of my back, hip and shoulder sprinkled with the humiliation of falling over my own feet!

Eventually, I was diagnosed with scoliosis and could no longer rotate my head comfortably to the right.  And, when I leaned forward (as if to touch my toes), my left arm fell about 12 inches longer than my right. Standing for prolong periods of time was so painful that I eventually dropped activities like gymnastics and chorus. My mother took me to rounds of specialists and it seemed just about hopeless. I spent the next several years stretching my body at night and thinking that if I could just fall asleep in a straighter position, it might be like reverse bonsai. 

After several years, I was still experiencing a great deal of pain. In fact, it wasn’t until I was 28 years old that I finally trusted my first chiropractor. The visits helped and curiously, I began to feel more alert and focused during the day. But sadly, my left foot still pointed inward and my arm length remained off balance. I was convinced that I would have to live with certain setbacks for the rest of my life.

Finally, 5 years later, I found my current chiropractor at Premier Spine & Sports Rehab at CANDO in Short Hills, NJ.   During my first visit with Dr. DeBiasi, I began with this life-long story of mine and concluded with a final plea to adjust my inverted hip and correct my posture. He listened intently and expressed the utmost concern and compassion for my condition.  All the while, I observed state-of-the art equipment and endorsements from sports and theater professionals. I thought to myself, “If this guy can’t fix me, no one can.”  That day, Dr. DeBiasi told me that he could help.  

But, really?

Well, it has been two years since I first met Dr. DeBiasi and I have a lot to be thankful for.  Today, I no longer have to worry about tripping and falling over my own feet because my left leg no longer points inward!  Now when I lean forward, my arms finally fall to the same length plus I live without the daily hindrance of chronic pain. Remarkably in my current career, I spend about 40 hours on my feet each week representing a leading luxury brand. 

Thank you so very much, Dr. DeBiasi “Rick” for your healing hands and expertise. You have changed my quality of life.