time in research and writing, often sitting for hours at a desk consumed by the task at hand. When in such a state, it is not difficult to overlook the importance of good posture, exercise, and regular breaks to stretch muscles that are being utilized whether one realizes it or not.

One day, my lack of attention to the above suddenly caused an acute sense of stress and weakness in my back and neck. Having previously torn a muscle that was misunderstood by various orthopedic surgeons, and finally diagnosed only after some time had elapsed by a physical therapist, I had no particular confidence that what I was experiencing would be any better understood than before by the doctors I would see. By the time I got close to home, the pain and malaise I was feeling had become acute. As I drove by my local shopping center, I saw a sign that said "Back & Neck Care." Now desperate to find some relief, I parked and went in to see what I could do.

By a stroke of great good luck, I was greeted by a doctor who appeared both sympathetic and able to examine me after only a short wait. He candidly said he would tell me whether he could do anything for me or not. Following x-rays and an examination, I was informed that he understood the source of my problem and that he could help me. This assurance gave me great relief, for the confidence with which this was said left no doubt in my mind that I had come to the right place for help, and would not be wasting my time as had happened earlier with orthopedists. In addition to being given a follow-up appointment to review the results of the exam, I was invited to attend a talk about chiropractic to be given the next night.

This talk, which I attended with my wife, brought a complete revelation to me. The approach to health and well being presented as the underlying philosophy of chiropractic medicine struck me as the kind of knowledge I was looking for in my own life as well as something important to share with my wife and children. Without waiting to see what results my own treatment would bring me, I brought my wife back for an examination, and shortly thereafter, our two younger children.

This initial leap of faith in our doctors of chiropractic medicine and guides to well being has amply rewarded us both physically and spiritually. The problems that brought about this enlightenment now seem to be a small price to pay for lifetime benefits that we will all derive from the knowledge and care that chiropractic medicine provides us. My gratitude for this is due to the doctors of King Street Back & Neck Care, whose professional expertise as well as personal interest in us has changed our lives for the better.
By John

For the past 5 years, I have had a dull pain in the middle of my back. There was a diminished ability in turning my neck to the right. I have also noticed an increase in allergy symptoms such as severe watery eyes (my co-workers thought I was crying all the time), sinus headaches that would stop a freight train, and upper respiratory congestion that would interfere with my speech. My annual winter cold made its visit on a quarterly basis.

I kept telling myself the back pain was due to getting older and poor posture, and the allergies due to our wonderful Washington weather. The lack of motion in my neck and the constant sickness was something I thought I had to live with. After receiving a consultation from Steve, I decided it was time to solve these problems rather than ignore them.

My x-rays showed a 100% loss of curve in my neck and the beginning stages of arthritis in the spine, most likely brought on by a car accident. I was devastated. I am now able to turn my neck with a greater flexibility, the frequency of pain in my back has been reduced, my upper body motion is more fluid (the "kinks" are gone), my posture is improving, and the jewel of them all: NO MORE SINUS HEADACHES! I only experience slight sinus pressure once in awhile but nothing like it was in the past. My last sick day from work was May 17th of this year. The occurrence of watery eyes appears first thing in the morning, however, it is not present during the rest of the day. An all day affair with the tears happened approximately 6 times over the past three months. A definite improvement!

Thank you Steve for everything you've done for me! It truly was an awakening. I look forward to a better, healthier life.
By Jane

After suffering from agonizing headaches and sinus infections too numerous to count, I can now say my current state of health is truly nothing short of a miracle. I was being treated by an allergist, and after exhausting all "traditional" methods, I was referred me to a surgeon, who told me the only alternative left to relieve the daily headaches was sinus surgery, since the many antibiotics I had taken almost constantly over the past six years were failing in their effectiveness.

I was also taking 2 antihistamines and 2 decongestants daily, as well as using a steroid nasal spray, and every 2-3 months, going to the doctor for a steroid injection to help ease my pain and congestion! Most good days I could get by on 4-6 extra-strength Tylenol, but I have taken as many as 20 a day! I used to go through a bottle of 100 Tylenol in about a week to a week and a half.

The first day Dr. Trauben examined me he was able to locate the exact spot that referred the pain to my head that I had experienced almost daily for over 20 years. The bottom line is, Steve is great! I have not taken any of the medication that I was on daily since June 29, 1995. I no longer wake everyday with a headache, and run to medicine chest to ease my pain and congestion. And to think, all of this pain and suffering could have been eliminated long ago if I had only known about the benefits of chiropractic care, and of letting our bodies help heal themselves naturally.

Thank you for making my life pain-free and healthier Dr. Trauben.
By Sandra

I began to have shoulder pains when lifting weights. I did not pay too much attention because, I had this type of pain for at least six years or more. As I continued to work out, the pain got worse. Finally, I began to feel shocking pains down my arm and tingling/numbness in my fingers.

I had never gone to a chiropractor in my life, so I was a little apprehensive. After my examination and x-rays, Dr. Trauben explained that the problem was not my shoulder but, a pinched nerve in the left side of my neck. This was a condition that I had over a period of years and was unaware of.

I started my treatment with three visits per week. In about three to four weeks the pain and tingling started to lessen. I continued my treatment feeling less pain each week. I am able to lift items daily that I could not lift before treatment. I don't feel pain with prolonged driving. I am back on my three day per week aerobic schedule.

I really feel great now. I plan to continue care more as preventative maintenance which I have come to realize is a necessary part of staying fit. I would like to thank the staff and doctors for my recovery and the cheerful efficient service they provided.
By Brenda