Back to You(4)

Lauren laughed as he reached out his hand, clasping hers and pulling her to a seated position on the table.
“You doing okay?” he asked, and she nodded. “Great. Let’s take a look at these x-rays and figure out what we’re going to do with you.”
He turned toward the lighted board, but before he slid her x-ray onto it, he turned. “Do you need to take a call from your friend? Or perhaps use the bathroom?”
Lauren smiled. “No, I’m not going anywhere.”
He grinned his college-boy grin before he turned and slid her film onto the board. “Yep,” he said. “Right here.” He ran his finger along the image of her spine. “See the curve my master’s degree.”
“Yes. Why is it like that?” Lauren asked, leaning closer to the board to get a better look.
“The bones of the lumbar vertebrae, or the lower back, are more susceptible to injury in a developing adolescent. Now, take a strenuous sport or activity, like gymnastics. That puts a strain on the ligaments and muscles surrounding the spine. Since connective tissues don’t grow at the same rate that bones do, the pressure placed on the ligaments and muscles ends up putting undue stress on the spine.”
Lauren chewed her lower lip, glancing up at him, and he smiled.
“You’re in great shape, and this is an easy fix. We just have to retrain your spine to sit the way your body needs it to, and then strengthen the muscles surrounding it to hold it in its proper place. That’s what’s happening when your back spasms, by the way. It’s your body’s way of trying to protect itself. Once we fix the problem, your muscles won’t have to work so hard to rectify the problem.”
“Okay,” Lauren nodded. “That makes sense.”
“And I’m thinking I’d also like to put you on a decompression machine.”
Her eyes widened, and he held up his hand. “That’s not as scary as it sounds. It’s just a machine that stretches your back, focusing on designated areas of the spine. It increases the space between the vertebrae so nutrients and fluids can be absorbed into the discs more efficiently. Quickens the healing process.”
Lauren tilted her head at him and smiled.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing, I’m just…I’m impressed.”
“What, that I know what I’m talking about? Were you still convinced I was some frat guy playing doctor?”
“No,” Lauren said through her laughter. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just didn’t expect to be okay with any of this. But the way you describe things, I don’t know. I’m not as freaked out as I thought I would be.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you said that, because—if you’re comfortable—I’d like to adjust you today. But only if you’re comfortable.”
Lauren inhaled a slow, deep breath before she blew it out in a rush. “Okay, let’s do it.”
“You sure?”
She nodded. “I think I trust you.”
“Well then, I think I’m honored,” he said with a laugh, motioning for her to lie back down on the table. He positioned her on her side and placed one hand on her shoulder and the other on her hip. “Deep breath in for me, okay?” Lauren inhaled. “And blow it out.” As soon as she started to exhale, he applied quick pressure with his hands, and it sounded like someone had just stepped on bubble wrap.
She froze and he smiled down at her. “How was that?”
“Not bad.” She wiggled a little bit. “Wow, that does feel different.”
“Like magic, right? Shift onto your back, please.”
She did as he asked, and he came to the head of the table, standing behind her. He slid his hands behind her ears, placing them on the sides of her neck.
She tensedriple chocolate cake"> shoulder instantly.
“Were you freaked out the first time you did this to someone?” she asked, just to be filling the silence so she didn’t jump off the table.
“Um, yeah, I was. But that was only because I ended up killing the guy.”
Lauren blinked up at him, and that roguish grin appeared. “Very funny,” she deadpanned.
“Ready?”
Lauren closed her eyes and nodded, and just like the first time, with a quick flick of his wrists, it was over. She sat up slowly, rolling her neck.
“Feel good?”
She looked over at him. “You’re so smug.”
He tossed his head back and laughed, and Lauren smiled. “Thank you, Dr. Wells,” she said.
“That’s what I’m here for. And please, call me Adam.” He helped her off the table and then opened the door. “Schedule your next few appointments with my receptionist and we’ll get you started on your rehabilitation. I’d like to see you at least two times a week, if your schedule allows it.”