Montegonians hail spinal clinic

Residents afflicted by back pains left the therapeutic room at the recent two-day Spinal Mission Clinic in Montego Bay feeling as good as new.

More than 20 doctors from the United States provided free chiropractic adjustments to the necks and spines of patients during the clinic, staged in collaboration with the Montego Bay-based Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill (CUMI), at the Calvary Baptist Church in the city.

"My spine damage for some eight years and, right now, I feel much better," said Gwendolyn McIntosh, who received an ovation when she walked out, following her treatment, without the aid of her cane.

Another man who suffers from a herniated disc, entered in a wheelchair but was later witnessed leaving the premises on his feet, without any form of aid.

"I came here because I am suffering with back pain, all the way down to my feet, for years," said one patient, Zepheniah Griffiths.

"The doctors worked on my spine and neck, and now I feel like I am standing up straighter."

CUMI administrator Nurse Joy Crooks told Western Focus that more than 282 persons were seen on the first day. Another 204 were looked after on the second day of the clinic.

"It has been a big success. Everybody has left here happy, with smiles on their faces," stated Crooks.

Heading the team of doctors was Dr Brett Jones. He told Western Focus that members of the 100-man team were at 13 different locations across the island, providing chiropractic care to locals.

Jones stressed the need for locals to get check-ups as the spine plays a pivotal role in holistic health.

"If the spine is out of alignment, it will create irritation to the nerves. Where those nerve go to, which is every organ, muscles, tissues, every gland in your body, will not receive the correct information, and that can cause pain," the California-based doctor explained.

He added that these pains could lead to problems with digestion, headaches, insomnia, and even heart attacks.