Practiced Hands

“Dr. Burch To Retire After 55 Years Of Local Service” was the headline I read on the front page of The Fulton Democrat. I was compelled to buy that newspaper, why? Let me tell you the rest of the story.

Harry E. Burch, D.C. was my family's chiropractor since the early 1960s. A graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, in 1959. He opened his practice in Lewistown, Illinois less than 15 minutes from our home in Cuba.

I met Dr. Burch in 1972 when one day at school I remember getting kicked in the seat of the pants by a kid just joking around. The next day my lower back hurt; I mentioned it to my Mom and without hesitation, she said “Let’s go see Doc Burch he’ll fix you right up.”

He examined me patiently with practiced hands. “Lie down on your back, lift your left leg, now hold it,” he said.

I could not.

“Looks like we need an X-ray,” said Doc Burch.

We watched him study the X-ray. “It appears you have something more than just misalignment,” he said. “You have a congenital condition called Spondylolisthesis.”

“What’s that?” my Mom asked.

“The last vertebrae is separated from the spine and is pinching the spinal cord. This causes lower back pain and numbness or weakness in one or both legs. Severe trauma to the lower back could cause paralysis of the legs. But don’t just take my word for it. There is a bone and joint specialist in Peoria I would like you to see to confirm my diagnoses.”

Inevitably we did. As a result I received a college disability scholarship.

“Can it be fixed?” was my question.

“Yes,” he said. “Most doctors will tell you it requires a fusion surgery, (then very dangerous) however with some simple guidelines to follow; proper exercise and keeping your weight down, I believe we can keep this under control for your lifetime.”

So, that’s what I did. I’ve followed the simple guidelines below now for over 42 years. Wow, was it really that long ago?

Here are the guidelines from Doc Burch: Strengthen your core; back and stomach muscles. Stretching exercises. Keep your weight down, maintain fitness by walking, swimming, or cycling. Avoid long distance running, it’s hard on your joints and hips. When you have pain come to the office (no appointment required) and we will adjust your spine to keep you in balance.

I just want to say thank you Dr. Burch for your encouragement, patience, and skill all these years. You're the best. I’ve been able to lead a normal life free from pain or sacrificing any recreational activities. Your dedicated service to the community was exemplary!

For those readers who discredit the art of Chiropractic don't take my word for it, talk to anyone throughout Central Illinois. You will hear nothing but words of praise and love for Doc Burch.

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