Reviews Continued

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Macayla’s Healing Journey

My 13 year old daughter, Macayla sustained a concussion which impacted her life in an unexpected way. We mostly hear about sports related concussions; however Macayla’s sustained a concussion after fainting and hitting her head against the tub and the wall.

It was like having a baby all over again. I bathed and washed her hair, dressed her and assisted her when she walked. She slept and slept. After about a month Macayla was able to start physical and vestibular therapy. Over the next couple of months, Macayla progressed approximately 5-8% based on the concussion scale her primary used at every visit. But she was not progressing in the manner that I thought she would, considering her MRI and CT scans were clear. She was doing everything the PT and Primary physician suggested as well as the supplements and foods I thought would be helpful. But still Macayla was not regaining her balance, focus or independence.

…Read More of Macayla’s Story »

After speaking with another mother whose daughter also sustained a severe concussion, she highly recommended Dr. Mark Friedman.

During Macayla’s initial appointment, Dr. Friedman’s thoroughness with her history and physical examination exceed previous examinations by her primary and a neurologist. Macayla felt an immediate sense of ease. At this point in her recovery, Macayla had been out of school for 3 months and had just started home tutoring for one hour per day. By the end of first week of treatment with Dr. Friedman, Macayla felt better. The tutor also saw an immediate improvement in Macayla’s ability to stay on task with school work and the need for fewer breaks.
Within the first 3.5 weeks of working with Dr. Friedman, Macayla was able to attend one class a day then followed by tutoring (Up to this point I did not see Macayla returning to school until the following fall). Macayla loves mental challenges and stimulus. Macayla loves to read, and at three months post-concussion she could tolerate 5-10 minutes of reading and was slowly remembering math facts (initially she was counting on her fingers and could not retain information).

Macayla was invested in her recovery, and looked forward to every visit with Dr. Friedman. Every visit with the doctor, the treatment was different. He checked her stability and symptoms prior to every treatment as well as at the end. Dr. Friedman engaged all the senses, and adjusted her based on his findings that were unique to her in that moment. He created an environment that was safe, which encouraged and inspired Macayla. Macayla also practiced everything he recommended: from daily exercises, color & light therapy to food and supplements. We were learning a lot and excited to try anything!

Within the first 4 weeks of care, Macayla improved 30% (according to the concussion scale used at the pediatrician’s)! Reading improved to 20-30 minutes and she was able to resume complex math problems. Macayla was independent in her self care and was regaining energy and focus.

Dr. Friedman’s care, knowledge, attentiveness, and thoroughness regarding my daughter and her wellness were like a life preserver at a crucial time during my daughter’s recovery. I believe the consistency of care, and Dr. Friedman’s multi-sensory approach expedited Macayla’s healing process. He gave her practical and pragmatic things to practice every day that translated into helping her in every aspect of her daily life.

Words are few and far between to express our gratitude and appreciation.

No Longer an Old Man

I am a 66 year old healthy, active man. Recently while working out I strained muscles in my back which caused a sciatic nerve inflammation. The pain was intolerable and I was unable to stand or walk normally. Often times I could not find a comfortable position. The pain disrupted my sleep and my whole quality of life was suffering.

The pain got progressively worse. My doctor prescribed rest, muscle relaxers and pain medications but nothing seemed to work. I was unable to go to work and it was difficult to get around my own home. I needed an MRI on my back, but the pain made it impossible to lie still for the procedure. After a few weeks I grew nervous that this would be permanent and that I would become dependent on a cane or walker.

Read More of Gregory’s Story »

Desperate for relief I turned to what I considered “alternative” remedies. I tried acupuncture which helped a little but the pain returned. Many of my friends and family members suggested that I see a chiropractor, but I was skeptical. Finally, when all else failed, I took a co-workers advice and visited the office of Dr. Mark Friedman. From the first visit I knew I made the right decision. Dr. Friedman correctly diagnosed the cause of my pain and started on a program of care. I had some relief from the first treatment and things got steadily better from there.

I came to Dr. Friedman a hunched over, old man, scared and in pain. Today, I’m back to my active lifestyle, back to the gym and enjoying my family. My only regret is that I wish I had listened to my friends and seen Dr. Friedman sooner.

– Gregory D.

After about 3 months, I am a new person

I injured my back 3 years ago in a very minor incident. I cannot believe the devastation it caused me and my family. The pain became chronic and so intense I was unable to work for most of the 3 years. During this time I went through all the traditional treatments and pain management options including injections and changing doctors when there seemed no other options available to me. I went from a very active hiker, kayaker all around can’t sit still adult to a sedentary frozen person, who couldn’t stand for more than a few minutes, bend, cook, clean or even leave the second floor some days. The pain was constant and I was losing more and more mobility with each new cycle of pain.

Read More of Nancy’s Story »

As a last resort, my insurance approved a few chiropractic visit. I immediately felt reassured that this wasn’t going to be just a routine visit with Dr. Mark. He became immediately invested in my overall health, and made it clear that my life was going to become dramatically better, quickly. I didn’t believe him! But after the first month the radiating pain down the back of both legs subsided, my lower back pain became lessened and intermittent rather than constant, and I could now bend and move more than I could for 2 years. I had no idea how frozen my whole body had become. He broke up all the muscles that hadn’t had activity and helped me to gain strength.

After about 3 months, I am a new person, I have hope for my future as an active person. I am able to work part time, resume walking a fair distance, household activities and even started gardening again. The pain is a minor inconvenience rather than the ruler of my daily activities. I have hope that even this will subside completely. My greatest joy is being able to enjoy activities with my grandson that was so limiting prior to theses chiropractic visits. Dr. Mark stepped up and became very much interested in my wellbeing as an individual, not just another patient. I cannot thank you enough for giving me back my life, and a future. I wake up amazed every day at the differences in my life. Thank you.

– Nancy Tracy.

Severe Lower Back Pain

I strongly recommend Dr. Mark Friedman, Chiropractic Neurologist, from RightSPINE and the Pain and Wellness Center.

I have had severe lower back pain -x-rays diagnosed arthritis–since Aug. 2012. After self-medicating myself on Alleve for months with very little improvement, and extreme pain, I finally “GAVE-IN” and saw my PCP. I was then referred to a pain specialist who recommended shots but he told me to see Dr. Friedman first. I had never seen a chiropractor in my life and was a little skeptical.

Read More of Kittredge’s Story »

After 3 or 4 sessions with Dr. Friedman, I canceled the upcoming shots because of the improvement I felt. I’ve been seeing Dr. Friedman for about two months now. I have had a few ups and downs but always improving! At this point I feel 90% better and the lower back pain is much better, in fact, almost gone. I never thought this was possible!!!!

Again, I recommend Dr. Friedman because he listens to the patient, shows concern, is knowledgeable to your “illness,” has great bed side manner, and is always available.

– E. Kittredge

Dr. Friedman has performed a miracle

I brought my teenage daughter to see Dr. Mark Friedman at RightSPINE 9 months after she suffered a very serious concussion while playing soccer. She had basically been out of school for those 9 months, and was suffering from whiplash, memory loss, severe headaches, extreme fatigue, disorientation, balance and eye coordination issues, and a host of other things, all concussion-related. I was at a complete loss as to what to do to help her, as we had already tried many different therapies.

After being treated by Dr. Friedman for just 3 months, my daughter was able to return to school full time and take a full course-load. He was able to determine all kinds of things that were caused by the concussion that were preventing her from recovering, and treated each of those things with much success. Her balance is now perfect, she no longer has memory issues or extreme fatigue, and her headaches have diminished. She is able to keep up with all of her schoolwork, and hasn’t missed a day.

Read More of Jami’s Story »

Before we went to Dr. Friedman, my daughter could not go to a mall, a store, the movies, a restaurant, or anywhere with any kind of noise, or visual stimulation. He “trained” her with various exercises and strategies so that she can now go almost anywhere. His vast knowledge, very careful attention and caring manner provided us with constant reassurance and complete trust in him. Dr. Friedman has performed a miracle, and if not for him, my daughter would not be able to live a “normal” life. These words can’t possibly express all that Dr. Friedman has done, or my gratitude properly, as I am forever grateful to him for giving my daughter her life back.

– Jami U.

Healing an auto accident injury

An auto accident on November 1, 2010 left me with a whiplash injury and chronic pain in my neck and shoulders. My life revolved exclusively around my pain level and the proximity and availability of my healthcare providers. Despite my adherence to prescribed stretches, my pain returned shortly after every treatment and I lived from appointment to appointment!

Although I was a very active 58-year-old, my chronic pain made me feel 90! That is, until I met Dr. Mark Friedman. I researched 7 chiropractors in the North Shore area and found that Dr. Friedman’s care was unique. As a neurology specialist, he looks for the root cause of a person’s chronic pain instead of just mechanically correcting for it.

Read More of Helen’s Story »

I learned that areas of my brain were impeding my recovery. Dr. Friedman has been treating this for about a month now and I am beginning to get my life back! My adjustments are lasting and I feel stronger. I am now able to perform normal household activities that would have been painful before his treatments and to start having fun in my life again. My only regret is that I didn’t seek treatment from Dr. Friedman earlier. I wouldn’t have had to endure the frustration, depression, and despair of living with chronic pain.

– Helen M. Smith, Middleton, MA

Thank you!

Dear Dr. Friedman,

Last year my daughter Vanessa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I can’t thank you enough for helping her find the treatment she needs.

Vanessa came to you last year for help with her pain after her primary care physician & associates were unable to conclude on a diagnosis. Based on the results of a 5 year old MRI, they had ruled our the possibility of MS. Thank you for listening to her, taking into account all her symptoms and ordering the necessary tests which showed the lesions consistent with MS. I hate to think how much worse her condition might have gotten if you had not identified the problem quickly and referred her to an MS specialist so that she could begin treatment when she did.

Read More of Wilhelmina’s Story »

It’s been difficult for me to discuss Vanessa’s illness, but that’s no excuse for not properly thanking you. You can use the above on your website if you think it is worthy.

– Wilhelmina

A Note of Thanks

Dear Dr. Friedman,

I had a recent follow-up appointment with my Primary Care Physician on Friday, February 3, 2012. He was absolutely thrilled with the progress I am making at your office.

As you know, I had 2 previous lumbar fusions and a cervical fusion just this past August with no improvement of my pain or posture. Prior to the last cervical fusion, I had many, many injections under anesthesia at Union Hospital with absolutely no improvement in my posture and very little improvement in my pain. I continued to be “hunched over” like someone in their 90’s.

Read More of Kathleen’s Story »

After 3 weeks of treatment with you, I am able to stand up and my neck doesn’t look so twisted! People don’t stop me on the street anymore and ask if I am “okay” or if I “need help”! I am getting straighter day by day and feeling a lot better. I am getting out of the house more and I am back to walking the beach every day, weather permitting. I truly wish I thought of trying you sooner. Maybe there wouldn’t have been so much wasted time.

Thank you, sincerely, for all you have done to help me. I look forward to continue to work with you. Maybe I will be back to running the beach this Spring!

Again, thank you for all of your help.

Respectfully,
– Kathleen Larrabee, Lynn, MA

I am able to walk without staggering or wobbling.

I was first treated by Dr. Friedman for a lower back injury just before Christmas 2009. The injury resulted from a significant fall on black ice 2 days before Christmas. Dr. Friedman came back to his office on Christmas Eve to give me a second treatment. While I was mighty uncomfortable I was able to participate with my family in our planned celebrations. Within a week I was able to go about my regular schedule. Over several weeks the problem resolved and I have no lasting effects from the injury. I then consulted him for a neck/balance problem that I had for a very long time. His treatment consisted of both in-office and a home exercise program (amongst other things). I am able to walk without staggering or wobbling. This is a great feeling because I had visions of having to use a cane or a walker in my future. Most recently he treated me for symptoms of fibromyalgia. Before embarking on treatment he ruled out any medical reason for the condition. Today, I am symptom free. I have been very pleased with Dr. Friedman’s professionalism, ability to relate on a personal level and his skill level for providing effective treatment along with that of his office staff. Most of all Dr. Friedman LISTENS!

– Pat A.

I would recommend Dr. Friedman to anyone

I have been coming to see Dr. Friedman for many years now and highly recommend his practice. Dr. Friedman takes the time to detail the root of the problem and what steps he can take to help with the situation. Although he has a solid clinical background, his approach is very much people oriented and you get the sense not only is he highly capable, but he genuinely cares about his patients. Most importantly, what Dr. Friedman does works and he can be trusted to help with the problems that come up. I would recommend Dr. Friedman to anyone seeking chiropractic care and seeking advice on how to help with their pains.

– Phil Hayes – Swampscott, MA

I refuse to visit another Chiropractor

I originally started to visit Dr. Friedman 11 years ago for a sports related jaw injury that was affecting my neck. I have since been visiting Dr. Friedman both for maintenance adjustments and various other reasons. Most recently during my pregnancy I had dislocated my ribs and was in excruciating pain, he was able to help give me much needed relief. After giving birth to my child, he helped me with a vertigo (dizziness) problem that I was having through a series of adjustments and modalities. Although I do not live as close to Dr. Friedman’s office as I did when I originally started to visit him, I refuse to visit another chiropractor as I have grown to trust Dr. Friedman’s experience. I recommend him to friends and family on a regular basis.

– Sarah Byrne

A much different approach

Dr. Mark Friedman takes a much different approach to treating his patients than most other chiropractors I’ve seen. His philosophy and practice is much more comprehensive and thorough. He is truly committed to his patients well being and not just concerned with short term “quick fix” adjustments. He spends time educating his patients as well as offering guidance and explanations. I’ve seen an incredible improvement in my posture, flexibility and overall well being.

– C.

I wish that I came to you years ago!

Dear Dr. Friedman,

I am writing to thank you for helping me to recover from the chronic back pain that has been a problem since 1995. As you know, I have tried many different modalities including; acupuncture, multiple medications and yoga. Nothing seemed to help me for more than a few days. I was extremely skeptical and anxious to try chiropractic therapies but desperate for relief. Now, I wish that I came to you all those years ago! Within 5 weeks of adjustments I finally felt better. From my very first visit you patiently explained each adjustment and rationale. You also gave me the support I needed to continue with the treatments long enough to see the improvements.

Read More of Carrie’s Story »

I am happy to report that I am no longer living in pain. No longer wondering what activities I am going to have to sit out because of my back pain and its limitations it forced upon me. I am active and now very comfortable in all my daily activities!

Thank You, Sincerely,
– Carrie Roderick

I found Dr. Friedman after much of my own research

I was diagnosed a few years ago with Spasmodic Torticollis also known as Cervical Dystonia. I have seen many doctors and had procedures such as botox injections, trigger point injections and prescription pain medication as well as anti-spasmodic medication. This problem was consuming my life, but I was not going to give up hope to find help.

I happened upon Dr. Friedman’s website, so I called and left a message at his office. Dr. Friedman almost immediately called me back. He sounded pleasant and personable, and his voice sounded caring and compassionate. I’ll never forget what he said to me, “Karen, I can’t promise you anything, but let’s set up an appointment and take a look”. At my first visit, we discussed the problem, what my symptoms were and then he examined me. After the examination he explained that he saw something that he thought he could work with.

Read More of Karen’s Story »

He gave me an adjustment and instantly I had relief for the first time in years. Tears streamed down my face, I could not believe that the pain was gone. That day did not cure me, but after a month of treatment I was 70% better and every day feel stronger and more confident. It’s amazing, 2 months ago I couldn’t reach out with my right arm without excruciating pain and now I can do it without hesitation!

Dr. Friedman’s unique treatment has given me my life back. To me he is a God send.

Thank you Dr. Friedman for your wonderful gift for helping others who suffer in chronic pain. Second for your personal attention, and outstanding bedside manner.

Eternally Grateful,
– Karen Kirby Soulard

Help for my headaches

When I first started to see Dr. Friedman, I hoped he could help me with my headaches. Little did I know, there were many other issues he could resolve. I was struggling more and more with mental fogginess, right hand coordination, difficulty holding conversations and writing was becoming nearly impossible. Dr Friedman explained these symptoms were all connected with the left, analytical side of my brain. We focused first on resolving these issues, before attacking my almost constant migraines. Thanks to Dr Friedman I can now hold conversations with ease and write as I used to. I am thrilled to once again crochet and knit with pleasure and ease. I have been nearly migraine free for months. I feel as though I’m getting my life back.

– Victoria

He Takes the Time to Listen

Mark and his office staff are the best. With remarkable patience he takes the time to listen to your concerns. He clearly explains his treatment plan for you and works with you to see it through. He is extremely knowledgeable in his field. I would recommend this practice to anyone in need of care.

– Shirley M.

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