My visit to the Chiropractor - Dr. Aly ShariffI never suffered back trouble and never understood what people who did, went through. I nodded sympathetically at others when they complained, but never thought much about it. However, all that was to change.On December 23rd, I was in town shopping. When I came home, I was sitting having a cup of tea and I felt that my back was quite sore. By that evening, it is safe to say I was in agony. I didn't know what had happened. I wasn't carrying any heavy bags or doing anything too strenuous. I went to bed that night and had a terrible night's sleep.At 8:30am on December 24th (Christmas Eve), the doorbell rang. I couldn't get out of bed to answer it. I was bent over double trying to walk. My husband suggested a visit to the chiropractor. I knew that there was a clinic in the Omni Centre nearby, so I thought I'd try to luck by giving them a call. I really didn't expect anyone to be there with it being Christmas Eve. Dr. Aly took my call and I explained my predicament. He said that he was on call that day and would contact me within an hour if he was going into the office. Sure enough, he did and I agreed to an appointment at 4pm that day.I went to see Dr. Aly, and he explained the beliefs of chiropractic medicine. At that stage, I didn't care what it all meant, I just wanted to be able to walk normally!!!One of the things that Dr. Aly told me was that the pain would probably get worse before it got better. That did nothing to cheer me up!The next day (Christmas Day), I was in complete agony. The pain was worse, but, because Dr. Aly had told me that it probably would get worse, I didn't worry, and thought to myself, "Well, it can only get better." And it did. On St. Stephen's Day, I felt better again and gradually the pain ceased.I was always rushing around and never gave myself a minute. I have now, on Dr. Aly's advice, attended my chiropractic sessions and made time for myself. My visits have taught me to make time for myself and took look after myself - something I probably didn't do enough of.Another big difference is that I no longer suffer from migraines. I would usually have one or two migraines a month, but since December, I haven't had any and I am convinced that this is down to chiropractic.I am really sorry that Dr. Aly is moving on, and I will definitely miss his advice and his great humour.

Dear Reader:My name is David Caldwell. I have been receiving chiropractic services since 1961. My secular work often entailed a lot of strain on my muscles and back. Many times to the point of hurting myself. Chiropractic treatments have kept me able to perform my chosen work.In recent years, Dr. Aly has been my chiropractor. I have been feeling my age of 69+ years, particularly in my hips and upper back. Dr. Aly's treatments and advice have eased the pain. I have been able to carry out my assignments as the maintenance man in a 40 unit complex solely due to regular chiropractic care from Dr. Aly.I was taking acetaminophen for minor aches and pains, as well as a relaxant before I went to sleep. Pain in my joints, particularly the knees and hips, were worsening as the months went by. Dr. Aly had a seminar that documented the affects of such regular and increasing doses of the drug acetaminophen. I stopped regular usage of it and in a week or two my joint pains reduced dramatically.I can honestly testify that my quality of life has improved to "comfortable."Thank you, Dr. Aly.Yours sincerely,David Caldwell

Eight years ago I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatic by a medical doctor, and later by a specialist and psoriatic, spondylitic arthritis. Basically, a lot of pain in the joints and muscles.Medications worked well to cover the pains and release them, but after a year showed side effects and no healing. I worked harder on my spiritual and soul matters and looked for guidance in alternative healing.Combining certain foods and eliminating others got me off of medication. Naturopathy medicine and supplements kept me quite well for a few years. Then the disease came back. With more adjustments in eating and lifestyle, refining all the things I had already learned. A year of Homeopathic remedies have brought me closer to wellness.I felt that there was something missing in my healing process. As my joints and mobility became better and not so painful, I had the feeling that a chiropractor could help and I was not disappointed. In a few short treatments, my body was realigned and more pains were gone.As I continue with this, and the other holistic treatments, my body, my mind and soul are harmonizing and after eight years of suffering and pain, at 58 years of age, I start a new life.

My first recollection of chiropractic was about 10 years ago back home in New Zealand. From what I remember, I wasn't overly impressed with it! The word bone crusher comes to mind. Since I started travelling about 2 years ago, I have had problems on and off with my back (probably sleeping on one too many sofas!) I decided to treat myself to a massage one day and was told maybe I should see a chiropractor. I went to the Back to Health clinic and I must say I was very impressed with what I found.I was told exactly what was going on with my back. They explained the treatment to me, but what really surprised me was the interest in my whole well being. For example, stress, diet, nutrition, etc. These things I had never even thought about and I wouldn't have thought a chiropractor would have been interested either. I have had several treatments now and I'm starting to feel the changes. I was never promised things would change over night - because they don't.But, I look at myself differently now. Like my posture, I am very conscious of this and I'm always reminding myself to stand up straight, walk tall, that I find I'm actually doing it now without telling myself.I would definitely say my attitude has changed towards chiropractic care. I would like to thank Aly and Phil and everyone else at the Back to Health clinic.

I first heard of "Back to Health" and Dr. Aly through word of mouth. At the time, I was suffering from blinding headaches and alternating bowels of diarrhea and constipation. I had tried many conventional methods, and even got special tinted glasses to ease the headaches, but all to no avail. Then, a friend of my suggested chiropractic therapy, as she thought that maybe my symptoms were stress related, as she had found her stress levels had lowered since starting her treatment with Dr. Aly. I made an appointment immediately, as I felt I had nothing to lose.On my first visit, Dr. Aly thoroughly explained chiropractic treatment to me. He also explained that my symptoms were more likely than not brought on through stress, as this is one of the main causes of discomfort to the body.At first, Dr. Aly saw me twice a week. I noticed a difference even after the first session. My headaches were not as severe. As the treatment went on, he saw me less and less, but I continued to improve immensely. I now attend for maintenance only. I'm so glad it was Dr. Aly who turned out to be my doctor. Not only do I think he is a great chiropractor, but he also explained my treatment in detail to me, so I knew what to expect. He asked me if I had any questions at different stages throughout, and was totally professional at all times.Unfortunately for all his patients, he is leaving the practice soon. So, although I would like to recommend his services to my friends, I can't, but I will still recommend the clinic as I can see at first hand the difference good chiropractic care can make.

Dear Aly,Just a few lines to say how satisfied I am with your chiropractic treatment of my various problems.I visited you for the first time in February of this year suffering with hip, back, groin, knee and neck problems. My back went into spasms and locked, and I could hardly move. I was incapacitated for weeks afterwards.Your gentle chiropractic manipulations have brought me back to full health over the last few months. I had my final appointment with you yesterday and I was in very good shape.You have explained the importance of maintenance and I will try to have a regular check up every month to ensure good chiropractic health.The other very healing fact of your treatment is the fact that you have a relaxed, calm personality and that you are a very good listener.This comes to you with every good wish for your future health, happiness and success.

Dear Dr. Aly,I want to thank you for the professional and caring way you have treated me since my first appointment for chiropractic treatment on February 26th, 2001.On the morning of February 26th, I had had a reflexology treatment for my back and neck, but the pain persisted to such an extent that my reflexologist suggested I had to go to a chiropractor.In desperation, I looked through the Yellow Pages and spotted "Back to Health" in the Omni - which is very near to where I reside. If you remember, you were the person who answered the telephone, gave me your name and the appointment for the same day."First impressions are lasting!" They either MAKE or BREAK.I was accompanied by Sr. Brega, my reflexologist. We were both impressed with the introductory talk you gave - the very definite regime involved and best of all, the encouragement that the "whole" person would be treated - mental, physical and emotional.Being a nurse myself, I know how important it is to be told the procedures and that is exactly what you did. It gave me great confidence in you and the treatment I was to receive.Every treatment has brought me through to this state of well-being. Now after eight treatments, I can honestly say that I have benefited from your holistic treatment, and your ever gracious manner of making your clients feel that confidence you inspire in them.I am sorry to see you go, but I am fortunate you were the chiropractor who has got me on the way to full recovery.Lastly, I want to assure you of my prayer that you will continue to be God's instrument of healing, and you and your family may enjoy good health and happiness always.Yours sincerely,Sr. Andrea de Souza, a very grateful client!

At the start of last year (2000), I took up a new position driving a company van. A couple of months into the job and I began feeling an irritation at the back of my neck. It was very uncomfortable but I put it down to the amount of driving I was doing.Last Christmas, I hurt my back whilst trying to move a radiator. I crawled straight into bed and stayed there for the following three days. I tried the hot and cold treatment during this time, each day telling myself I would get better the next day. But I didn't, so I finally decided to do something about it and I made an appointment with Dr. Aly.From the very first session, Dr. Aly made it clear just how important your back is. He explained the difference and importance of when you cause damage to your back, to when you feel the pain and eventually nursing it back to health. After the first session, I knew my back still needed a lot of work, but the neck pains I had from driving had gone, and I was delighted with that. The funny this is, I would probably still be complaining about my neck pain if I hadn't have hurt my back and subsequently visited Dr. Aly.A few weeks and a few sessions later, and my back is nearly back to full strength. Although, whether it was at full strength before I don't know, but what I do know is I intend on keeping it this way now.Yours sincerely,Gary Moore

During the month of December, I was experiencing severe pain in my back. In late December, I visited the Back to Health Clinic where I met with Dr. Aly.Having listened carefully to my complaints, Dr. Aly slowly and carefully began a series of treatments which by now have me feeling much better.What I particularly liked was that Dr. Aly did not merely treat the symptoms, but began a process which allowed me to see my health in terms of overall mental and physical health. He stress the word "balance," and carefully discussed all aspects of my life, work, sport, leisure, family. We dealt with areas of stress and I began to realize how important it was to look at health from a perspective of overall balance.One aspect of Dr. Aly's approach that particularly appealed to me was his ability to remember certain details from my previous visit, and ask me about them.I never felt rushed whilst being treated, and was totally relaxed in the knowledge that Dr. Aly was working systematically and diligently to improve my health.If asked, I would have no difficulty in recommending Dr. Aly to somebody who is having difficulty with neck pain and I know they would receive the best of attention.Yours sincerely,Bev D

I can hardly begin to express my gratitude for your assistance through the past 6 months. There have been vast improvements in my health and consequently, my life. When I first came to see you, I had pain in my lower back that I could no longer deal with. I am not going to lie to you, I was skeptical at first. I did not believe that chiropractors would be helpful to me, especially over the long term. It was a last resort for me and I thought “Well, why not?” I had been to several doctors for the pain and all I received was help in the form of medication; Not what I was looking for.During my first visit with you, I thought that this might actually be the answer I was looking for. I decided to follow through with my treatment. Best decision of my life! I can now make it though several days without any back pain rather than several hours. I can now go for the long walks I enjoy without having to cut them short due to the pain in my back. Standing up for long periods of time was a problem for me and now I can spend all day at work on my feet without any trouble. Sleeping and making it through the night has also been an added bonus from my treatment. I no longer wake up or lie awake at night because of my backaches. My headaches have also disappeared.The treatments and adjustments you have provided me have improved my life greatly and for that I sincerely thank you. Thanks!- Tammy Becker