Patient Experiences:

Thank you for being the best in the business! From day one I have felt welcomed by your star team from Christine’s welcoming smile, to Dr. Bertke and Dr. Redinger’s antics. I can actually look forward to being “adjusted,” when at first, I was skeptical and reluctant to deal with my back problems through Chiropractic care.

But thanks to my dear and pushy friend, Jeannette, and your team, I am feeling better than ever and the skepticism, shoulder pain, back pain, and neck pain are all gone! At the young age of 23, okay 28, I have been suffering from pain so long, that I forgot what it felt like to be in alignment and pain free. Who knows what a slouchy mess I would be if I had not taken action.

So for any skeptics that remain let me tell you what I have enjoyed after starting care, just a few months ago:

• I look taller and skinnier (yes, that is my favorite benefit)!
• I feel awesome!
• I sleep better!
• I also have more energy! Really! Because I needed more of that.

Thanks again! So does this qualify me for a free back massage, from your new therapist?

Dear Dr. Redinger,

I would like to thank you and the other doctor for the care you have given me.  Everyone in the office is so friendly and upbeat that it has been a pleasure to come in for my visits.  I originally came in because my significant other had signed me up for a complimentary evaluation after meeting you at Lifetime Fitness.  After hearing how bad it is to have your spine out of alignment and how NUCCA treatments can virtually improve your entire health, I decided that I should set my appointment.  I had experienced a pretty chronic tightness in my shoulder and neck areas for quite a while, and I also had what I think was the start of TMJ.  My jaw "popped" a lot, especially when l was chewing. 

Since I started treatments, my stiff neck and shoulders have relaxed about 60% and the popping in my jaw is almost completely gone!  The most amazing thing that I have experienced though was the almost instantaneous relief I received a few weeks ago when I had to visit the office on an emergency basis.  I went to pick something up off of the floor, and as I bent down, I also twisted my back.  It was an excruciating pain right below my right shoulder blade.  Not only did I get an instant knot in my back, but I could hardly breathe!  After about 15 minutes, I could no longer stand the pain, and only being able to take short breaths began to scare me.  My significant other called the office, who told him to bring me right over.

You saw me that day and thought that I may have thrown a rib out of alignment, causing me not to be able to breathe.  After you adjusted me, I immediately felt relief and could breathe much easier.  I don't know what I would have done if I did not have immediate access to the office.

I am still amazed at how gentle and painless these adjustments are and what a difference they make!

I’m a 44 year old female, diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and have been suffering its effects since 1988. I have experienced pain from head to toe on a daily basis, with migraine headaches, neck, shoulder, and back pain, infections, depression, TMJ, foggy eyesight, terrible concentration and focus, and worst of all I couldn’t sleep at night to save my life. I’ve been to over thirty doctors including acupuncturists, chiropractors, homeopathic, neurologist, a rheumatoidologist, never mind all the doctors I went to that told me it was in my head. I even agreed to thirty cortisone injections in my back - I was so desperate to find relief.

I was a miserable basket case. I’ve been prescribed seemingly all available meds possible starting with pain killers and lots of them. Because of the pain I was depressed and so was also prescribed Paxil, Cymbalta, Lexapro , what a horrible way to live. I had tried Ambien CR to sleep, but that only worked some of the time. Then came the Lyrica, which created more leg pain and unpleasant side effects. Things were so bad I considered taking my own life. I was recommended to Illinois Spinal Care of Elmhurst by my dentist while being treated for cracked teeth resulting from TMJ. He told me about these doctors he’d met at a conference and said that I’ve got nothing to loose.

Thank God for Dr. Travis Bertke and Dr. Darrin Redinger. When I first went to see them they were both calm and reassuring that they could help me. Of course I was skeptical but tried them anyway. This is the first time in 20+ years I can sleep without drugs and can function without being all doped up. Yes, I had to put in some time but it has been so worth it. I feel so much better. I thank these Structural Rebuilders, and their warm and friendly staff members, with helping me recover my life.

I am 45 years old and have been suffering with Fibromyalgia since I was 20.  More recently, I have had irritable bowel syndrome, and have suffered waking up with headaches that ranged from mild to severe migraines for nearly two years.  I also had circulation problems in my hands and feet - they were always cold and would feel tingling and numb.

These problems have interfered with my life.  I couldn't play tennis, ride bikes, go sledding, or do just about anything physical with my kids because I would pay for it the next day with terrible muscle spasms in my neck and across the shoulders.  Later, it progressed to lower back pain and sciatica when I was pregnant with the kids, then on to an inflamed sacroiliac joint pain on my left side.  I sought out other doctors, chiropractors, and pain management physicians for cortisone injections, many kinds of muscle relaxants, and anti-depressants for their Serotonin properties, and pain pills, none of which were permanent treatments or cures.

My husband heard about your office on the radio and thought that I should try something new.  The staff is exceptional.  Everyone remembers your name, and you feel welcomed.  They seem to truly want to make you feel better.  The NUCCA treatments are painless, and for me - the neck pain, and tightness & spasms in my back were a lot better with only a few appointments.  The circulation in my hands is much better, and the migraines are only slightly annoying at about once or twice a month.

All in all, I would recommend that all should try the treatments because they have made a significant difference in the "quality" of my life and am thankful that I did.

My neck soreness and stiffness were the issues that first brought me in to see the doctors.  Since starting care, my neck mobility and soreness has improved and dissipated, and every day driving is easier and safer.

The staff at Illinois Spinal Care of Elmhurst is very professional, friendly, and great to work with – From the reception desk to therapy, the staff is always interested in the client’s well being.  I feel confident that this remedy will provide better well being for me in the future.  I love the open treatment center - it is easy to make friends.

I am 45 years old and have been suffering from severe sinus headaches for years.  I took sinus medicine and anything else that would help the pressure on a daily basis.  I also got dizzy and light headed frequently and had no clue as to why.  I work in the office next door to the doctors’ office and have known the doctors for some time and really did not know what they did.  I was always amazed at the number of people that would go in and out of there.

One day Dr. Redinger came into our office with a promotion for a free consultation.  After talking with Dr. Redinger, I decided to make an appointment.  I could not believe how bad the shape my spine was in and the affect it had on my entire body.  You just get used to the pain and discomfort thinking this is common with age.

For 3 months now, I have been under the care of Dr. Redinger and I feel great.  My headaches are almost completely gone.  I have not had any light headedness or dizziness.  I have also found an increase in energy, less fatigue and feel I am walking taller.  The entire staff is terrific.  It is always a pleasure to go there for my visits.  Thanks to all of you for a job well done.  I look forward to further improvement and a better way of life.

Dear Doctor,

One of the things that I liked a lot from your health care is the class that you and your team offer at the beginning of a patient's treatment.  I would like to have it in writing so I can post it on the wall and read it every day, as a friendly reminder of what is important to keep up with.  Since several weeks ago, I meant to express my gratitude to you and your team for bringing me back to life.  Before the treatment, every day was very painful in the fullest extent of the word.  I was having issues at work, at home, everywhere; being very impatient because of severe headaches, lower back pain, neck pain, etc.

Now life has changed for me - I am recuperating my health!  I also learned more about the importance of being in alignment, understanding how critical is to keep our spine in good condition to allow our body to keep good communication flow between the brain and the muscles and organs.  Thanks again.

Dear Dr. Redinger,

I am 42 years old and live in Kentucky.  I started having problems with my neck and left shoulder back in January 2005.  I just thought I was getting older, and some pains here & there come with age. In February 2005, I started having shooting pains going down my left arm and into my head, so I went to the doctor.  He told me I probably pulled a muscle in my neck because it mainly stemmed from my neck.  Then my left arm started to turn purple, cold and swollen, and my circulation was being cut off.  I would also lose all feeling in that arm and hand.  This really scared me.

I went back to the doctor who sent me to a neurological specialist, who referred me to a physical therapist and pain management doctor.  However, the physical therapy was making it worse, and at the same time I was having injections in my neck and head to block the pain from the pain management doctor.  Since their treatment was not working, they sent me to a vascular surgeon.  Upon performing many tests without results, he sent me to a Specialist at the University, who performed an interscalene Block test that confirmed that I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.  I was told the only way to fix this is with surgery.  If the surgeons were to make a mistake, I could lose use of various functions throughout my body. 

It just so happens that my sister was talking to Dr Redinger about me.  Dr. Redinger knew exactly what Thoracic outlet syndrome was and told my sister to have me call him and talk to him before I had the surgery.  So I called him - He was extremely knowledgeable on the subject of thoracic outlet syndrome and was so confident that they could help me without doing any surgery.  Of course I wanted to try anything to get out of the surgery. 

The office treats you like you are family and have genuine concern for your well being.  I left feeling very confident that there may be a possibility that I might not have to do the surgery.  I thought, “What do I have to lose?”  So I postponed the surgery and came back to have my first adjustment.  The adjustment was painless – I did not feel anything. It was like a miracle. My arm instantly turned back to its normal color and was no longer cold.  As I continue to come, my pains have gone away.  I have regained the use of my left arm.  My life is mine again.  I no longer have problems sleeping or doing things with my children.

I do not know how to ever thank you for what they have done for me.  I was living with so much pain for 1 year and now I have basically none.  If I went ahead with the surgery I would still be recovering.  Thank you with all my heart.

I first came into the office for lower back pain, knee pain, and pain from my right buttock down my right leg.  Since I began care, I have responded incredibly well in all areas.  I have noticed a significant change in my overall well-being. 

When I started, I wasn’t able to perform any of my normal activities.  Since all of the issues have been healed, I have been able to do anything.  I have even completed a half-marathon since the start of my treatment with virtually no pain in any of the areas stated above.

My experience at Illinois Spinal Care of Elmhurst has been phenomenal.  The staff is wonderful!  Not only are the warm & friendly, but they make the treatment process a pleasure.  I have learned a lot from the doctors and am not afraid to ask questions.  I will continue to recommend Illinois Spinal Care to all my friends and family.  My way of life has truly been changed for the better.

I had a sore neck / back when I first came to Illinois Spinal Care.  Because of the treatment, my back wants to stay up straight and not slouch, and I can turn my neck much more. 

The staff is so friendly and helpful.  Everyone is very informative about what you can do at home / work to help with strengthening your muscles.

I have suffered with kyphosis for many years. This also caused my neck to jut forwards. I was becoming very bent over. My posture has improved tremendously. I can stand straighter, and breathe better. I have experienced more energy and stamina. Dr. Redinger and Dr. Bertke are wonderful. They show great concern and care for their patients. Their presence is very upbeat, too!

What a benefit I have experienced by being under the care of Dr. Redinger and Dr. Bertke – better posture, easier breathing, acceptance, and laughter. Thank you!

Continue to care for the patients.

Plagued by injuries, especially ones related to multiple car accidents in the early 1990's, I've been in and out of emergency rooms, taken countless x-rays and MRIs, treated by other chiropractors, various doctors, physical therapists, massage therapists, a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, a TMJ specialist, an ophthalmologist, acupuncturists, and other specialists. I took numerous prescription drugs, which led me to see an internist because I had gotten an ulcer! Imagine that! I wore a splint in my mouth for several years and even had hormone shots directly into my spine - none of it helped much. I was living with chronic head, neck, shoulder and back pains that crippled my ability to sleep, travel, play instruments, participate in sports, drive long distance, and so on. For example, my neck and shoulders would become paralyzed after 10 minutes of practicing the piano to the point where if I turned my head to the side, an excruciating pain would shoot through my body. Life was a constant battle, and migraines were my persistent companion.

In March of 2006, a teenage driver rear-ended my car going at 50mph while I was at a complete stop. I couldn't believe I had to live through more of this misery. I didn't think there was much hope - just more x-rays in another clinic to add to my long list. However, I noticed the difference on the very first visit. Dr. Bertke was one of the two doctors that took my initial x-rays and posture prints - which I never heard of in my extensive visitations. From then on I knew things would be different.

The doctors detailed what was going on with my spine, explained how they would get me better with treatments, and educated me on good nutrition and exercise routines - A simple plan that didn't involve any drugs or sending me on a wild goose chase. What a relief! Dr. Bertke played a major role in my healing process. In fact, a few months after treatments, I was able to start playing the piano again, not the miserable 10 minutes, but hours into the night. As a music lover and private piano instructor - this is all I wanted for all those years. Gradually, I was able to work out regularly, compose music, garden to my heart's content, and I sleep better... I have my life back. For all this, I am eternally and forever grateful to my doctors.

I also truly appreciate the fact that they practice what they preach - you don't really see too many healthy and fit doctors walking around nowadays.

ISC is a special place of healing. These are great doctors and in time, I believe you will also treasure them as special friends.