Grandfather alive thanks to chiropractor

Grandfather-of-five Eric Longden says he is lucky to be alive after chiropractor Anthony Lavin discovered a life-threatening aneurysm during routine treatment for the troublesome lower back pain.

The 71-year-old retired joiner called on chiropractic to alleviate various work-related aches and pains — but never thought it would one day save his life.

Mr Longden, who lives in Thornham New Road, was just weeks away from setting sail on a South African cruise with his wife Freda when he visited Manchester Chiropractic Clinics’ Oldham centre, Yorkshire Street.

Mr Lavin discovered Eric had an abdominal aneurysm in his aorta — and the blood vessel bulge could have burst and led to death at any time.

As the location meant it was not putting pressure on any of Eric’s organs, the only possible symptom was the back pain.

Eric’s own doctor doubted the prognosis and thought X-rays showed a shadow on the bowel, but Mr Lavin was convinced they revealed something more sinister.

A scan at Rochdale Infirmary confirmed his suspicions and a successful operation means Eric is alive and kicking.

Father-of-four Eric said: “If Mr Lavin hadn’t picked up on it I probably would not be alive today.

“Unfortunately they do not have any symptoms and are only discovered as a result of other examinations. Mr Lavin virtually saved my life and I am so grateful to him for that.

“Everything has healed remarkably well, I’ve got a scar from top to bottom now, but it bypasses my belly button, on my request!”

Freda, who has been married to Eric for 44 years and is also a patient at the clinic, said it had been a scary experience.

She said: “It was such a shock. I had only ever heard about aneurysms when someone has died of one.”

Eric, who for 10 years was the assistant district commissioner for the scouts in Middleton, is now free to continue enjoying his cruises, as well as his hobby of crafting wooden toys for his grandchildren in his workshop.

Mr Lavin said: “This was a difficult case but I was only too pleased to help.

“I am very glad it turned out well.”

Andrew Jackson, a partner at the clinic, praised Dr Lavin’s excellent diagnosis and decisive action.

He said: “What this success story shows is the benefits of chiropractic treatment, beyond its effectiveness in treating problems with joints, bones and muscles, and the effects they have on the nervous system.

“Anthony is an extremely talented practitioner and his knowledge and expertise played a major part in saving Mr Longden’s life.”