In August 2004 I had a serious accident when I fell off a ladder at work and injured my back. Initially I went to hospital and having been reassured I’d not broken anything I was sent to my GP who prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatories. The drugs didn’t seem to be much help and I was referred to a physiotherapist. Unfortunately this also didn’t help me very much either.

My job is physical and skilled. When it was suggested to me that I should change my work I knew I couldn’t afford to do that, so I decided to just keep on going to work and put up with the pain.

Over the years the pan just got worse. It was always worse in the morning when my lower back felt very stiff and heavy and I had severe aching in my left thigh and calf. My symptoms were made worse by bending and carrying particularly at work.

I first came to see Paul Clusker in October 2007. The reason I came in was because my brother kept nagging me that I had nothing to lose, and he’d had treatment with Paul and got rid of his continuous lower back pain and sciatica, which was still there after two operations that were meant to cure it!

By the time I came in to the clinic I could just about make it through the day at work but had given up on sports altogether. My pain level was at a level of 8 – 9 out of ten by the end of most days.

So far I’ve had five sessions of acupuncture and very gentle osteopathy and I’ve lost the pain in my left buttock and calf. My back pain has reduced to the point where I can honestly say I’m 90% better than I was. If I never got any better, I’d be delighted with this.

I can now work without pain. Actually, I don’t even think about my back any more. Before, I used to wake up some days and wonder how I’d get through the day. All in all I’m dead chuffed that I took my brother’s advice and came in to see Paul.

- Chris S. 30yr old plumber. Pelsall, West Midlands.