What Our Patients Say
What others say about chiropractic care can help you make the right health care choice. Review a selection of Vancouver Spinal Care patient testimonials below and please email me or contact the office if you have any questions.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Derrick Hau
Five years ago an auto accident sent me into a downward spiral.
I was experiencing shooting pains down both thighs and noticed I had a pelvic tilt. There was quite a bit of pain in my neck and shoulders; it was always sore to the touch. My digestion was poor with the weight gain problems and lower G.I. discomfort.
With my low energy, exercising was a ‘should’ rather than a ‘lets’ go for a walk! The lack of energy often translated into depression; I could no longer do what I used to be able to do. Walking for exercise became limited due to the leg pain.
Immediately before coming to Dr. Hau, I tried relieving the gastric symptoms with a series of colon cleanses and a liver cleanse, which helped, but other issues remained.
Now my neck pain is GONE. I can stand up straighter, hold my tummy in, and exercise. I have better stamina. And I am no longer haunted by headaches. Walking is becoming easier and easier; and I am free of my leg pain.
- Melinda L., Vancouver, WA
From 20-25 seizures per day to zero in the last year and a half!
Our troubles began when our sweet little four year old Erika began having drop seizures in January 2006. She was prescribed with anti-seizure medicine after an EEG, CT scan, and MRI. The medicine turned her into a limp, dazed child. The combinations of medicines and doses were changed but nothing seemed to be making a difference.
By March 2006, she was having approximately 20-25 seizures during the day and who knows how many during the night. With each seizure, she would wet herself and gain a new bruise after falling face first to the hardwood floor, fall off the chair while eating, or by falling into the television stand from a sitting position. I didn’t take her out in public. She was toilet trained by the age of three, but due to the seizures, I kept her in pull-ups.
Erika was considered as a potential candidate for brain surgery, to remove the damaged portion of the brain. These doctors didn’t have anything encouraging to say about using Chiropractic to control seizures.
My mother, a patient of Dr. Hau’s pleaded with me to take Erika in for an assessment. Although my husband didn’t believe that chiropractic therapy would make a difference, I agreed to see Dr. Hau. I was at the point where I was willing to try almost anything.
Erika started treatment with Dr. Hau late in April 2006. After six treatments during the month of May 2006, the number of seizures decreased dramatically. Her last seizure happened late in May 2006. Erika began Kindergarten in September 2006. She is catching up and progressing daily. She loves school and says she wants to be a teacher some day.
I am very glad to have met Dr. Hau and his staff. They have been understanding and supportive for me, and enthusiastic about the new Erika. She smiles, laughs, and now seems very alive. A big thank you to Dr. Hau and my mother!
Upper and Lower Back Pain
“I’m from a family of tough stock. My dad, being a Vietnam vet from the medical corps, had always just ‘patched us up’, and seeing doctors was considered a last resort. So as I grew up and started experiencing serious upper and lower back pain as well as neck problems, I just bit my lip and dealt with it the best I could. When my wife was injured at work, she decided to try NUCCA–and I watched her pain disappear. So, with her gentle urging and encouragement, I went in to Dr. Hau and gave it a shot. He helped me trace the roots of my pain back to some accidents I had as a kid and I started to see results almost immediately. I can honestly say that the pain is gone and my back & body are more balanced and healthy than they have been in years. I thank God for Dr. Hau and this unique and insightful science. Thanks!
–Seth T. –Tigard, OR
Help With Eczema
“My son Geordan is 4 years old, and since the first adjustment I noticed improvement in his eczema. I have also noticed positive behavioral changes when he is in alignment.”
–Teresa G. –Aloha, OR
Sciatica
The lady in the picture is Patty. Ten years ago she had a car accident that took away the one thing she loved to do most. She tried cortisone shots, drugs, and even chiropractic without any results. Scared that she would never be able to step out on to the dance floor again she tried our office as a last hope. We ran our new High Tech Computerized Nerve Test that takes about a minute, is absolutely painless, and it found her problem. After her first adjustment the pain left immediately, and a week later she was dancing with her husband. That seems like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference to her.
Chronic Back Pain and Migraines
"I’m an 82 year old great–grandmother. I saw an ad in the newspaper claiming Dr. Hau could help migraine and back pain sufferers. My first migraine was when I was in fourth grade. They were severe when I was younger, then for quite awhile I didn’t have them. Then the last few years they started again, not as severe but much too frequently.
I made an appointment with Dr. Hau and my first visit in his office I started a migraine. Since his first treatment about seven weeks ago I have not had a migraine. What a blessing!
I have had back problems for probably thirty years or more. I went to many chiropractors over the years and twice I had shots in the lower back for sciatica which nothing helped whatsoever. I was in so much pain most of time. I don’t like to take pain pills because they have side effects so I very seldom took one. I also had trouble walking so this last year I bought a cane that helped a little.
After twelve treatments with Dr. Hau I don’t use the cane anymore. It’s amazing to realize my back isn’t hurting because I’m not conscious of my back all the time now. I still have some pain occasionally but I am so much better and I’m going to continue treatment until the end.
Before each treatment I ask my heavenly father to bless Dr. Hau and the work of his hands. He is improving the lives of so many people. Thank you Dr. Hau and Staff."
–Betty H. –Vancouver, WA
Seizures
“I started having partial seizures in the summer of 1997. I went to see our internist, who referred me to a neurologist. He immediately took an MRI and a CAT scan. Indications were that I have abnormal brain waves in the left frontal portion of my brain. Due to the seizures, I lost my license.
I was immediately put on Dilantin. The medication didn’t help very much. After I changed doctors and medicines several times, I went to a naturopath for help. He said after seeing me during a seizure on his bench one day that he couldn’t help me.
One medication left me nauseous and with horrible cramps, one made it so I could read the words to a recipe but not process the information so I could follow it, one left my right arm without feeling—without grip—so I broke a lot of cups—it left me without writing ability sometimes.
I was recommended to see another neurologist in Portland. I began taking Tegretol, without a lot of improvement. He strongly urged me to see about having a Vagus Nerve Stimulator implant. The surgery costs $16,000.00, and it takes four hours to complete. He didn’t promise this would help either.
I began seeing Dr. Hau in Vancouver in April of 2005. My spine was 1” out of alignment. I needed help keeping my balance walking down the hallway. I had to sit to catch my balance after an adjustment before walking to the other room. Dr. Hau would sometimes have to help me. It was a huge commitment, but well worth it. I feel wonderful had have very few seizures and they are very slight compared to what they used to be.
The last time I went to see my neurologist he prescribed me less medication and said I am no longer a candidate for Vagus Nerve Stimulator surgery. Dr. Hau is working on the same nerve at the base of the brain. It not gives the right messages to the brain to work properly.
Dr. Hau has helped me tremendously. I recommend this treatment to anyone”
–Marilyn T. –Beaverton, OR
Gentle Adjustments
“I have definitely experienced Vancouver Spinal Care. Best gentle deal in town. First they were gentle and friendly, and their office is more like a home with coffee, tea, healthy snacks and water. Jenny provided a tour of the office showing me the kitchen, resting room, x-ray room, measuring room, and adjusting room, all peaceful, simple and warm.
Dr. Hau is an old soul in a young man’s body. He seems to see you deeply. He gets holistic health wholly. He listens. He cares about what you have to say. He is also very specific and methodical. He used computer technology to measure the imbalances, heat differences, and the misalignment in my spine. He put me on a special scale that measures the distribution of weight on each side of my body. He keeps meticulous records to provide documented results.
The adjustment is most surprising. I thought at first it was hocus pocus. There is no great lugging around of your body, no going for the big crack or pretzel twists. Instead Dr. Hau barely touched me extremely accurately behind the ear on my neck, ever measuring the exact spot to adjust. Once I understood it, I likened it to Archimedes statement ‘Give me a lever, a fulcrum, and a place to stand, and I can move the world’.
When I get up from the adjustments I feel a subtle difference, a soft lightening of the tightness I brought in. I suddenly get tired as if holding all that together the wrong way used up a lot of energy. Then comes the resting, in a darkened room, with a fountain, in a soft leather chair, with a head rest, and a blanket. I am finally able to let go.”
–Marcia M. –Vancouver, WA
I Could See the Difference
“I’ve been seeing Dr. Hau just since March of 2006. It came about from a flier that was in our local newspaper.
When I came in, I had problems with my right side due to a fall from a horse years ago, which made it hard for me to walk. I also have a plantar wart on my left foot, and have fallen three times on my left knee.
After my first visit, I felt different. I could see the difference when I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself.
Now, after only two months, I’m walking a lot better, and I feel more balanced. Believe it or not, my plantar wart isn’t bothering me as much, and my knee problem is pretty much gone.
I can’t thank Dr. Hau enough for what he’s done for me. I came in afraid of chiropractors because of an experience I had when I was five years old. I’m not afraid anymore. The method that he uses doesn’t hurt at all, and it is quite relaxing. Again, Dr. Hau, thanks for everything that you’ve done for me so far. I’m excited to see how I will be feeling a year from now! Dr. Hau, you are my miracle doctor.”
–Marie B. –Vancouver, WA
Ankle Problems
“I was dealing with ankle problems, and my achilles area has been hurting for about 8 months. This made exercise more difficult due to the heel pain. I started care in January 2005. I have never tried this form of chiropractic before, and I found it to be gentle and unique.
My first visit was incredible. Immediately after my first adjustment I felt relief in my ankle. It was fascinating to me since I have tried my medical doctor and physical therapy and neither worked for me.
Since I have been coming regularly, I have noticed improvement with my TMJ as well. Now, I am able sleep better and my overall function has improved. I can walk without pain now and that allows me to do more daily activities and be more efficient with my time.
I highly recommend this form of care as a part of a healthy lifestyle. It is goal oriented and definitely takes you from where you are at and where you want to go.”
–Molly L. –Vancouver, WA
Unbearable Period Headaches
“My journey here began in the back of an ambulance. I called 911 for an unbearable period headache. The EMT shared with me about this office, and while in the hospital he put the phone number in my bag. I called the next day and began treatment right away.
While in the ambulance I prayed, Lord please help me! My prayers were answered by coming to this office. I have for the first time in eight years not got a migraine type headache during my period. I cam here to this office with faith and God did answer my prayers.
I had tried my M.D. and migraine medication –NO GOOD, other chiropractic –NO GOOD, acupuncture –NO GOOD, change of diet-no good, exercise-no good.
I believe it is through this type of care that I am no longer stopped by period headaches. I now believe so strongly in the quality of life possible with this type of care that I am going to bring my son in. It has changed my world for the better one million times over. Thank You!”
–Sue G. –Camas, WA
Lower Back and Sciatica Pain
“I first met Dr. Hau & Jenny at Wild Oats Store where they were encouraging customers to the NUCCA system of chiropractic care. At that time I’d had a long-time & still existing problem with my lower back & sciatica. I had not heard of the NUCCA Chiropractic treatment and knew I could not continue as I have for so long and the regular chiropractic care was not changing my condition.
With the NUCCA treatments I have found relief. I am a 70 year old woman and still working in my Home Cleaning business. I have recommended this system and Dr. Derrick to many – my daughter in Canada is going to use NUCCA for her health and I believe she will have much success."
–Ali A. –Vancouver, WA
Trigeminal Neuralgia
"I feel as if my teeth are being drilled on without Novocain, but they’re not – I’m riding in the car and didn’t do anything to bring this on. Surely it will go away – this is just one of those weird pains we get for no reason that leave as soon as they come. Hours later I still have the same pain except it has intensified. 2:00 a.m. and I can’t sleep. I’ve muffled my cries in the pillow long enough and it’s time to wake up my poor husband for a ride to the emergency room. After a shot of Demerol and then morphine I am pain free. Whew! Elation! I didn’t think I could ever feel so good and so tired.
What did the doctor say?? Tri-what? Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)? What in the heck is that? Apparently I’m being diagnosed with some weird nerve disorder. Sure enough – after the drugs wear off I’m in pain again. The Tegratol they gave me takes a few days to kick in and then I’ll be pain free, but drugged up. This Tegratol knocks me on my rear – I can’t drive or think correctly. It’s pretty heavy duty.
After research and meeting with a neurologist I find out that TN becomes more frequent and lasts for longer periods as we get older. I refuse to be on these drugs for the rest of my life – I’ll just learn to deal with the pain. The other option of course, is brain surgery… That doesn’t sound too appealing either.
Now we flash forward several years and several bouts of TN. I’ve missed some work, some fun, and some normalcy. Never know when this pain (excruciating pain) will pop up – at dinner, on vacation, at work, driving down the street. So far I’ve been able to remain off the drugs and avoid surgery. I was able to do some Jin Shin Do (form of acupressure) treatments to help me deal with the pain – it helps, but I’m constantly walking around with my fingers on my forehead and neck trying to hit the correct trigger points to get the pain to alleviate. I’m sure I looked pretty comical a few times.
Ya know you hear that everything happens for a reason, right? Well, my poor father had to take a spill and hurt himself for us to find a way to fix my TN. After my dad being in pain for quite a while from his fall he saw an ad in the paper for NUCCA and Dr. Hau. He decided to give it a try (which still shocks me because he doesn’t like doctors – especially “quacks”). My dad had nothing but wonderful things to say about his experience with NUCCA (still shocked). He talked about it for weeks (shocked even more) – how he was feeling better and it didn’t hurt to be adjusted. He started telling me that Dr. Hau could probably help with my TN. I ignored it for a while, because I’ve heard all sorts of things that could help, but I had decided to live with the pain rather than get my hopes up and get them dashed after spending a lot of money on different treatments.
Well, luckily my dad is persistent and I decided to meet with Dr. Hau. He explained to me how NUCCA works and how the adjustments were done by moving only the atlas (no cracking). He let me know that he could not heal my “TN”, but that the body has a better chance of healing itself after the spine is aligned and the nerves are not being pinched. It made a ton of sense to me and I figured it was worth a try – at least I would get my back aligned even if it didn’t help the TN.
After my first x-ray with Dr. Hau it was quite obvious that my spinal cord was being severely pinched by the atlas because it was turned at an angle and the spinal cord only had a tiny area to go through the spine.
We started my treatment plan and it has been about 4 months since my first appointment. WOW!!!! I haven’t had any bouts of TN in the last month (I had pain 80% of the time before treatment began)!!!!!!!!! Priceless!
It’s wonderful to be able to plan an event and not worry about if the pain is going to ruin the experience. We went camping last weekend and it didn’t even occur to me that I might be in pain. I’m getting used to this no pain deal pretty quickly. Thank you Dr. Hau!!! My coworkers are also happy that I’m feeling better since I miss less work now. There are other positives too – neck and back pain from sitting at a computer screen are gone, headaches are greatly reduced, my pants fit better. I know that last one sounds weird, but my legs aren’t turned at a weird angle anymore. I always thought pants were sewn poorly because the seams never went in a straight line. Nope, it was my legs that were slightly off kilter – pretty funny, huh?
Of course, going to Dr. Hau has become a family affair, but I’ll let my other family members write their own testimonials.
If you have some indecision about meeting with Dr. Hau please put it behind you and schedule a consultation. You’ll only feel better with NUCCA.”
–Tanya M. –Vancouver, WA
Depression and Chronic Pain
“I read about Dr. Hau’s treatment in a flyer in the Columbian newspaper. I thought, ‘what the heck, I’ve tried everything else: pills, bone-crunching chiropractic care, massages, and acupuncture.’ I was depressed, frustrated, and angry. So, tongue in cheek, I made the step to Dr. Hau. My friends and family thought it would be nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
Well, it’s their loss, because after more than a month of treatments, I am a new person. I am able to do my household chores, stay up all day, and sleep better at night. These are new things for me because it’s been years since I could manage this. My mood has also perked up and my interaction with others has blossomed.
Just recently, I walked in the Cancer Society Relay for Life. What a rush! Walked half a mile and probably another half mile throughout the day. I would recommend Dr. Hau to anyone, and I have. This is truly a life–saving event for me. Thank you so much, Dr. Hau!”
–Judy H. –Vancouver, WA
I had Nothing to Lose!
For almost three years I had been having severe pain in my upper left leg. I had tried drugs, MRI's, Chiropractic and any thing else I could think of. I had been to at least 6 different doctors. No one could explain the pain I had or make it go away. Of course I gave up on doctors. I just assumed I would be in a wheel chair soon because walking was so painful. Then I saw a flyer that came in my daily newspaper for Vancouver spinal care and it caught my eye. They would do their exam for $27. What did I have to loose.
I made my appointment and after my first adjustment felt some relief. I have been going now for a year and a half and I am mostly pain free. It has corrected my leg pain and also helped other parts of my body. I am now on an exercise program which includes walking approximately 4 miles per day. It is so nice to have my quality of life back. I can play with my grandchildren again and once again garden. It is a love of mine. A love I thought I had to give up forever.
–Caroline P.
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