I'm not sure why I haven't written a review yet. I could have sworn I did...either way, this review…read moreis overdue. I have been a long time patient of Dr. Chris Montellese and I can safely say that he saved my back and is the reason why I am walking today.
The short review:
Very knowledgeable doctors - them bone aligning adjustments, great front staff - they're really nice, and everyone has impeccable bedside manner - I mean impeccable with 5 stars at the end but no stars are shown because Yelp says no symbols allowed.
My really long story:
All throughout high school, I had back pain that continuously got worse. No one believed me. Not my parents, siblings, doctors, or teachers. My timeline is a bit fuzzy but I think right after I graduated high school, the pain was so bad that it hurt to walk. At one point, I had to crawl/drag myself to the restroom because it was too painful to walk. My parents thought I was exaggerating about the pain and just told me to rest. So I took matters into my own hands and Googled for possible reasons and eventually stumbled on chiropractic care and immediately searched for chiropractors in the area. I found the Montellese website and Dr. Montellese's bio mentioned that he treated athletes with injuries. In my head I figured, "If someone can find out what's wrong with me, it's him." I can't remember if I called or sent an inquiry via the website but the office got back to me fairly quickly and fit me in within a week despite their busy schedule.
When I went in, Dr. Montellese was surprised at how young I was and I was kind of scared he wouldn't believe me too. I thought he would just ask a few questions, pop a few bones, and I would be on my way. Imagine my surprise when he sat down, asked me a series of medical questions, and became genuinely concerned with each response. It was a very uplifting moment psychologically and emotionally. This stranger that I had never met in my life was taking my medical issues seriously and wasn't just brushing them off as crazy, attention seeking antics. I don't know if he ever realized how much he helped me that day so, Chris, if you're reading this - thank you!
After talking about my medical history, my pain levels, how I felt, etc. for quite a while, he moved on to evaluating and adjusting. I remember him asking for my age again and I told him and asked why he was asking. Basically, he couldn't believe what a state my back was in. Well, that made two of us. He did adjustments that he could but I remember my back was VERY tight that day even after resting for a few days prior. He gave me a few stretches and exercises to do at home and I went on to see him every month or two for the next year before I moved.
During the time I had seen him, my condition stayed fairly stable and I was good. But I noticed my condition wasn't the best when I moved and stopped getting adjustments. Finally, a little over a year later, I moved back for school and I started getting adjustments again. But some time later, despite my adjustments, my back pain came back and I could tell that if I didn't do something, I was going to be bedridden again. During this time, I was working a lot and staying up late in chairs studying for school. I'm pretty sure that took a toll on my body. I went to Dr. Montellese for help and he said my condition wasn't normal and ordered an MRI. The results came back and showed that I had a torn disc that caused nerve pinching and arthritis along my back. I was stunned. I mean, I was in my early 20's at the time so what do you mean a torn disc AND arthritis!? He then referred me to a physical therapist and told me I could still get adjustments if I wanted to but he strongly recommended therapy. I opted for both.
Fast forward about 8 months later, I could run. Like on a beach!! My pain was barely there and I only had minor flare ups due to weather or physical strain. I was amazed. And then I got into an accident about 7 months later and my back was a hot mess again. I began physical therapy and regular adjustments a second time and was able to get past it. All of this is to say, chiropractic care and physical therapy DOES WORK. But you need a good chiropractor and therapist. Also, be your loudest advocate for your health. Find someone who will LISTEN to what you're saying and try to help you.
Nowadays, my pain levels are manageable and I can live normally. But I realize that I do feel more pain now as I'm getting older. Unfortunately, the fountain of youth hasn't been found yet and there isn't a medication for old age lol Because of my torn disc, I have discussed surgery options with Dr. Montellese but I don't think I need it yet. My regular adjustments allow me to live life pretty well aside from random flare ups. If I do need surgery in the future, I'm sure I'll ask for his guidance when that time comes.
