“I Got My Life Back — And Then Some”
by Eeva Stierwalt
Before starting care at Hardick Chiropractic Centre, I was in bad shape. My lower back pain was so intense, I could barely walk a block without needing to sit down. Standing for any length of time was difficult. My body had become stiff and immobile, especially after working from home, five years ago. My lifestyle became completely sedentary. I lost flexibility, movement, and—truthfully—a lot of confidence.
I had strained my back years ago doing CrossFit, and I kept telling myself it would get better on its own. But it didn’t. I avoided seeking care, thinking rest and time would fix it. Meanwhile, I spent almost every day hunched over a laptop, between work and a demanding volunteer position.
Two years ago, it was my daughter who convinced me to try chiropractic. She had started seeing a chiropractor in Ottawa—someone who had previously worked at Dr. Hardick’s clinic. She raved about her experience and recommended I visit Hardick Chiropractic here in London. I had seen a chiropractor years ago but didn’t find it particularly effective. Still, I was ready to try something new.
From my very first visit, I was impressed. The consultation was thorough. Dr. Hardick took X-rays so I could see exactly what was going on in my spine. I had a very significant misalignment of my pelvis, affecting my entire spine and nervous system, and the natural curve in my neck was reversed, causing degeneration, mechanical, and nerve issues. Once I saw the shape my back was in, everything made sense. No wonder I was in so much pain!
I committed fully to the process, including coming three times a week and doing the home care exercises. The team gave me tools like a wobble cushion and a traction device, and I slowly began to move again. For the first time in years, I stopped being afraid of movement.
And then, just two months later, I went to Italy.
We spent a full day walking around Rome—and I barely had to stop. I climbed the steep trail to the top of Mount Vesuvius and walked the entire site of Pompeii in the afternoon. That trip was a breakthrough moment for me. I realized just how far I’d come. I was so grateful that my back pain didn’t show up. It was the first time in years I truly felt free again.
Since then, things have only gotten better. Last summer, after one year of adjustments, I made another life-changing decision—I returned to CrossFit. I joined a transformation program that combined exercise, mobility classes, and a clean diet. I’d already had great nutritional advice through Dr. Hardick’s team, so I was able to commit fully. I’ve now lost 52 pounds in under six months, regained my strength, and finally feel like me again.
I had other symptoms too—like acid reflux, stiffness, and muscle loss—that disappeared once I got moving again. Chiropractic care gave me the foundation to get my body back, and more importantly, my life. I’m not afraid to move anymore. I’m strong, mobile, and excited about what’s next.
If someone is even thinking about chiropractic care, I’d say: listen to my story. This has been a complete reset for me—and it started with a visit to Hardick Chiropractic. You might be amazed at what becomes possible.