Earlier this week, a 59-year-old new patient came to our office with chronic severe knee pain that felt like broken glass cutting into his tendons.

He had been to 25 different doctors including Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons, Chiropractors and Pain Management Clinics.

He was upset because he had been told that his problem would be fixed by many doctors, including the Orthopedic in Newport Beach who performed a surgery for 'Fabella Syndrome' and the Orthopedic at UCLA who did a knee replacement - not only did both surgeries not help, but according to him, made the problem worse.

The last doctor he sought out who had a promising solution was in Tucson, AZ. The treatment didn't help.

His next stop was going to be a clinic in Nebraska.

After performing an exam, I told him I wasn't sure if we will be able to help his condition because the surgeries not only changed the biomechanics of the knee, it also created adhesive scar tissue that is difficult to treat.

In addition, I had suspicions that the metal used in the knee replacement was not biocompatible with the tissues surrounding the knee.

There was a seven-degree temperature difference between his right and left knee.

He wanted to try a treatment regardless of my hesitations and the next day he reported it was a 'taste better.'

He has a long way to go, but I believe if he keeps at it, he will continue to get better over time.

Yesterday, a patient who I have been treating over the past two years came in for a visit.

Just like the first patient, two years ago, he had a major issue going on and was told by his Orthopedic surgeon that he NEEDED surgery to have his problem fixed. (see video above)

However, he decided to try chiropractic & laser and had his problem fixed without surgery.

He is now pain-free and enjoys being physically active while traveling around the world.

Here's the take-away I want to leave with you today.

Everyday you're faced with choices to make that will have an impact on your health.

You must be proactive & strive to make wise choices that will benefit your health in the long run.

The quick fix solution is rarely the approach to health.

Slow, steady, consistent, good habits you incorporate into your daily routine can make a HUGE difference in how you look, act, and feel (especially your pain levels).

Here are three habits everyone should practice every day:

1) Get some form of physical activity every day for at least 25 minutes/day.

2) Eat three servings of vegetables/day.

3) Enjoy at least 20 minutes of sunshine/day with 40% of your skin exposed.

The more positive health habits you add to this list, the greater quality & quantity of life you typically experience because of the good seeds you have sown.

What can you do today that will help increase your chances of good health & pain-free living tomorrow?

Have a Tremendous Thursday!

Dr. Derek 'sow a habit, reap a destiny' Taylor