Lisa L. Testimony on Leg Pain

I have had severe leg cramps during elementary school, high school and into my adult years.  My parents took me to several doctors.  Most of them said it was just charley horses.  I said, “No, I know what a charley horse feels like and these hurt much worse than that.”  My legs hurt for no apparent reason.  For example, sometimes, when I would get out of bed in the morning, they would immediately begin hurting.

Some of the doctors I went to said my potassium was low and to take vitamins.  Another said to eat lots of bananas.  All of these I tried, but nothing helped.  One doctor, I went to even put me on a heart monitor for 24 hours.  He thought my legs might be hurting because of my heart.  Still nothing helped. 

My parents spent many days and nights rubbing alcohol on my legs with many late night prayers.  Also, hot baths which could east the pain, but only temporarily.  Most of the
doctors I went to would say you need to walk and get some exercise.  I replied, “How can I
exercise when I cannot even walk?”  No one except for my wonderful parents believed me.  There were times in my life that my legs hurt so bad, I secretly wished I didn’t even have legs.

It was during this time in 1995 that I was involved in an automobile accident.  With my back not hurting also, my parents finally convinced me to go see our family chiropractor in Tulsa.  Reluctantly, I agreed.  After my examination and x-rays, the doctor asked me if I had ever experienced leg cramps.  I almost screamed out in tears Yes! Yes! Yes!  Why do you ask that question?  He informed me that my spine was out of alignment and had been for many years.  I was so happy that someone finally believed me!  After my first adjustment I felt like a new woman.

I continued seeing the NUCCA doctor in Tulsa when my legs would begin to hurt a little.  He would adjust my spine and I would be on my way smiling from ear to ear.  On July 26, 2004, I made my very first appointment with Dr. Ryan Barrett.  I knew he was a NUCCA doctor and performed the same techniques and my doctor in Tulsa.  He listened to my very long story that day and the he also knew that there was a big difference in charley horses and leg cramps.  He made me feel very comfortable as though I was his one and only patient.  He gave me an adjustment that afternoon and my legs quit hurting.  He tells me to come see him whenever I feel like I need to and he makes me feel so much better that Thank You seems like such little words for what he does for me.

By the way, I now can walk the track, exercise, and have even joined a hip-hop class for
exercise.  It still amazes me how a spine out of alignment can cause such pain in so many
different ways.  I am reminded of he man in the Bible who had been blind from birth.  Jesus healed him and the Pharisees kept asking how he did it.  The man replied, “I don’t know how he did it, all I know is that I was blind  and now I can see.”  This is how I feel about 
Dr. Barrett.  I don’t know how he does it, all I know is that my legs do not hurt anymore.

Dr. Barrett could have opened his practice some place else, however, I am glad he chose
Tahlequah.  I will always say a special prayer for Dr. Barrett and his family, not just
because he has helped me, but because I also call him my friend.

Thank You Dr. Barrett and God Bless.
Lisa Caviness-Lillard