Mrs. Joan McElroy, Phd
June 22, 2011

For the past two years, my sense of well-being has been challenged by cervical degenerative disc disease.  The pain and stiffness in my neck has interrupted my normal daily activities, and I have lost nerve sensation in both of my feet.  I have been seeing a specialist for my neck problems andperipheral neuropathy in my feet, and unfortunately little could be done to help ease the pain.  I was unable to tolerate prescriptions, and the only pain relief I encountered was epidurals in my neck every few months, which was a temporary "fix".  The last series of epidurals, 3 months ago, resulted in dangerous side effects.  It was obvious this procedure would have to be dicontinued.  It seemmed I had lost my battle to defeat the pain in my neck, which was discouraging.

Six weeks ago, I suddenly experienced intense pain from a pinched nerve.  The pain was in my neck and shoulder area, and I could hardly move.  I called The Center for Family Health & Wellness, Inc, and was told that Dr. Joe Foster (chiropractor) had the day off.  In spite of his being out of the office, he volunteered to come in and see me.  (How many doctors would be willing to sacrifice their day off to see a patient they had only seen one time in the past?)  I had been to Dr. Foster three years ago for consultation, and that one time visit had impressed me with his professional knowledge and concern for others.

After examination and x-rays, Dr. Foster told me he could help with the pain I was experiencing from the pinched nerve, and explained he could possibly help with the pain in my neck, caused by the disc degenaration.  I agreed to a nine week treatment plan, which included relief care, corrective care, stabilization care, followed by wellness care.

Immediately, I was confident that chiropract treatment and chiropractic spinal rehabilatation therapy would be benificial to my physical needs.  I looked forward to the days that I was scheduled to see Dr. Foster for spinal adjustments and for my invilvement in the rehab therapy setting.  With each visit, I began to see a decrease in pain, began sleeping well at night, and my overall physical and mental state was greatly improved.  I am now entering the seventh week of my treatment plan, and feel better than I have in two years!  I am totally satisfied with Dr. Foster's adjustments, and training I have received in spinal rehabilatation therapy, as well as the professional concern, and friendly attitude of the entire staff.  Saying "thank you" does not seem to be an adequate statement of my appreciation, and I will definitely recommend Dr. Joe Foster and The Center for Family Health & Wellness, Inc. to my family, friends, and associates.

Dr. Joan McElroy
Spanish Fort, AL

Mrs. Maria S.
Spanish Fort, AL 

In October 2006,  I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia, a painful condition that

Causes severe pain in the face and head. But before that I spent three months looking for help from different doctors.

It started with pain in my gums on both sides of my face. It progressed to the left side my face and also my ears. It was a sharp burning pain like electricity in my face. As it got worse, I could not touch the left side of my face and at night to touch my face on my pillow caused intense pain. During all of this time, I thought of several possible causes

and tried several different doctors to find relief. Because of the pain starting in my gum area and over the gums, I thought I had a sinus infection. Because I had had sinus infections previously, I went to a specialist. He ordered a CAT scan but found nothing conclusive. Regardless of that, I was given antibiotics, a steroid shot, and drops for my nose, even though I had no nasal congestion. After getting worse with pain sometimes in my teeth, I went to my dentist, who found no problem, but the same day he sent me to a maxillary-oral surgeon. He took more x-rays, and at least he was honest enough to say he didn’t know what I had. But he did give me a prescription for pain killers (that I never took), another steroid shot, and some muscle relaxant pills. A few week after that, I went to an orthopedic doctor, because my neck had begun to hurt as well and occasional tingling and tightness in my neck. After more x-rays, he said he found nothing except a slightly deteriorated cervical disc that had nothing to do with my facial pain. His best advice was that I should try to sleep and so he was going to give me Valium, which I rejected. After a few more weeks of getting worse, the pain was moving up to my top of my head. At that time, I went to my family doctor, having given up on the specialists. After ordering and  MRI of my brain to rule out a tumor, he diagnosed Trigeminal Neuralgia and gave me Lyrica, used to calm nerve impulses, but also with a long list of side effects. One of the worrisome things about this medication is that the instructions say

not to stop taking it without being under the care of your doctor. Luckily, I decided to stop taking it after two days of not getting better, instead actually feeling worse. At that point I decided to go back to Dr. Foster. I say go back because I had previously been to him with neck pain several years before, and stopped because I felt better at the time.

 I can definitely say that I have improved to a great degree after starting treatment by Dr. Foster. The Pain started diminishing after the first couple of treatments. It has gradually gotten better and most of the parts that previously hurt are pain free now. I am so much better and most of  the parts that previously hurt are pain free now. I am so much better than before that I really feel I can say I have recovered. This has taken approximately four months and improvement continues without the drugs that seem to cause more harm than good.

I am very happy with the treatment that Dr. Foster and his staff have given me. He is very professional and always listens to his patients, which can not be said of some of my previous doctors. He is the only one who has helped me. Thanks to him I have returned to my normal routine.

Maria S.
 March 1, 2007

Mrs.Donna Clifton
Daphne, AL 

I wanted to write and thank you for the care you’ve given me.  Before coming to you, I went to see an orthopedist. I was treated with pain pills, shots, and a brace for carpal-tunnel syndrome. The pain from my neck, shoulders and arm grew worse.

When I received your “intro-card” with the list of symptoms, I decided to try chiropractic care out!  Doc, you didn’t make me well over night, but that was my turning point. I began to see steady improvement from week to week. 

This time last year I was in pain, and today I’m pain-free! Thank you ever so much! 

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Donna C.

My name is Donna P. and this is my Chiropractic story: 
 
A few weeks ago I was in severe pain. I couldn’t even take a step without a surging pain gripping me in my lower back and running all the way down my leg. My daughter told me about her experience in seeing a Chiropractor for her back pain. She told me how good her doctor was and got rid of her pain. She said that after a few visits she really felt good. I was a little afraid of going to a chiropractor because of the rumors I’d heard. But my pain was so bad I had to do something and I didn’t want to have surgery. That would be the last resort. I took my daughter’s advise and went to her chiropractor Dr. Foster. From the moment I stepped in the door, everyone was so nice and caring. Within a week I was feeling better after three weeks I could walk and do most of my housework with little to no pain. I would recommend Dr. Foster and his staff to everyone. I feel so much better!

Thanks,
Donna P.

Mrs. Irma D.
Spanish Fort, AL

Dr. Foster;  as you know I am a true believer  in chiropractic  care  for a well-running body. Now I’m so glad and started fitting your patients with foot-levelers orthotics. I got my pair on Aug. 12, 2004 and must tell you of the amazing results. My left leg stopped swelling on the first day, and I’m now able to turn my head more to the left without pain. My toes also are benefiting from the orthotics. 

I thank you and appreciate you for studying and learning the latest methods of chiropractic care and foot-leveling orthotics.

Thanks,

Sincerely,
Irma D.

Mrs. Jan P.
Daphne, AL

I would like to thank you for the good health I’m enjoying.  Last November,  just prior to Thanksgiving, I came to you with the inability to turn my head.  I was in great discomfort and was scheduled to fly the following day to visit my family for the holidays. You made the trip possible for me and I can’t express my gratefulness. Since then, under your care, I am enjoying the privilege of being able to turn my head a normal distance, either side. I was unable to do this for a long time. I was also experiencing some tingling and numbness in my right leg which has disappeared. Another important and wonderful part of this is, I am not and do not have to take DRUGS.  

 Again, I want to thank you for your care. Everyone knows how important our physical well being is as well as our mental and spiritual well being. A BIG THANK YOU.  

 By the way my Husband is pleased as well, he is particularly pleased you re-enforced his wishes for me to get rid of the big purse on the shoulder.  

 Gratefully,
  Jan Pierce