From Suffering Intense Sciatica Pain, To Being Back In The Saddle

Back pain is the most cited pain across all pain groups, and lower back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010. Is it really possible to relieve lower back pain and sciatica with just four non-invasive treatments?


Jeffrey, a tall and slim executive in his late thirties with an enthusiasm for long bicycle rides, had woken up that morning at 4am with a locked lower back, pain running posteriorly into both legs, and he experienced severe pain when he attempted any kind of physical movement.

His handshake was warm and sweaty and his posture stiff and upright. Standing still for any length of time aggravated his already excruciating pain. He was trying his very best to manage without taking pain medication and he was adamant that he did not want to consult a medical practitioner at this stage.

Searching For The Quick-Release Lever

Jeffrey was exhausted and sweating from being in pain for more than ten hours. Within just one treatment session of gentle muscle manipulation and light finger pressure at specific points on the body, the muscle tension gradually reduced. He began to feel at ease, relaxed and experienced significant improvement of mobility, and reduction in his lower back pain.

Two days later, Jeffrey came to my clinic for his second visit. He explained he had felt much better after the first treatment and had decided to go to work. He found that prolonged sitting had made matters worse and he was now experiencing an uncomfortable tightness around his tailbone and a heavy sensation in both upper legs.

Despite my encouragement to consult a doctor, Jeffrey was adamant about continuing with the non-invasive therapy approach he had chosen and asked me to proceed. Fortunately, after just another short session, he improved significantly; he was walking with greater ease and he had experienced a completely pain-free moment. Both of us were delighted.

Freewheeling To Pain Free

It was a great pleasure to watch Jeffrey coming to the clinic the following Monday with free, relaxed and energetic movements. He had slept well for the first time in five days, was back to work full time, pain-free and with full mobility.

As I had expected, after what was probably a pinched nerve in his lower back causing immense muscle tension and imbalance, his body was still sore and tight, especially around his lower back, pelvis and behind both upper legs in the hamstring muscles. This made sitting very difficult and uncomfortable.

I was confident that my gentle therapy approach would allow Jeffrey’s body to reorient to its original healthy state without further interventions. One or two more treatments would be enough to help rebalance the muscles, and with sufficient rest and mobilisation, he would probably be back to his active and busy life within a few days.

Back In The Saddle

Jeffrey received a total of four treatments within two weeks. On his third visit he claimed, to his amazement, that he was free of all pain and discomfort and that he felt as if his body had realigned to a very healthy and relaxed state. He was determined to get back to his old regime of long bicycle rides with his group of friends at weekends and regular home stretching programme. Within the week, he was living an active life, back in the saddle and riding 80km with his buddies.

You really can return to your best and enjoy a pain-free, fulfilled life. It is just one connection away.

In the next few articles, I will be giving you some true, inspirational stories from my book Pain Free, because I really think that they will bring you closer to understanding the meaning and purpose of what we do and how you can become pain-free.

Do you have a similar story? Please share it with us.

A pain-free life is just one connection away. Book an appointment with Else Vistisen





This post was first published on Else Vistisen's LinkedIn and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.

Image credit:Middle-aged Vietnamese man teaching his son to cycle from Shutterstock
Edited by Nedda Chaplin 


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Else Strom Vistisen

Else Strom Vistisen is an internationally renowned therapist and innovator in the field of chronic pain relief. Her training as an occupational therapist, Emmett- and Bowen therapist give her a unique ability to provide long-lasting pain solutions to meet the challenges and opportunities of life in the 21st century.

Else’s successful therapy for pain-free living has already transformed and enhanced the lives, health and success of thousands of people around the world. She runs a private practice in Singapore and is the founder of Else Vistisen Therapy, which is regulated by Ministry of Health in Singapore.

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