Oh … my … god…. This cannot be happening! This is not good! Honestly, did I just twist my already-troubled back in the slightest awkward angle to flush the toilet in my 1947 “character” home?

Because now I can barely move. Ooooo, I am in so much pain! Thank goodness my husband is home and can help me get dressed. I bravely tell him that I will be fine and send him off to work.

My next monumental move is to hobble downstairs to get my cell phone. As I look to the bottom of the steps, I see my dogs standing there with the look, “So, does this mean we are not going to the park today then?”

I choose to ignore the pitiful looks on their faces as I have much more important endeavors at this particular moment. I attack each of the 14 steps ever so gingerly and make it to the kitchen. Now, to find a chiropractor ASAP!

As I am new to Kirkland and the penultimate “Yelper” and “Yelpee,” my first step was to Yelp chiropractors in Kirkland.

Dr. Paul Krause gets five-star ratings across the board and was voted by Kirkland Reporter readers as the 2011 Best Chiropractor in Kirkland. That seal of approval was good enough for me. I make the call.

Not only does Maggie, who has been with Dr. Krause for more than two years, answer the phones, but she is the first interaction you will have with Better Back and Body. Maggie is warm, caring and has a very calming demeanor. She puts me at ease immediately. Yes! Dr. Krause can see me today!

Better Back and Body is in a small outdoor mall joined by the India Royal restaurant across the street from Juanita Beach. I find Maggie sitting at the reception desk. She takes my insurance information and with a lovely smile and a very reassuring and comforting voice tells me that Dr. Krause will be right with me.

Dr. Krause takes me back to his consultation room. Of course, I peruse his office to check out his diplomas. He is a graduate of nationally accredited Sherman College of Chiropractic and has been practicing in Bellevue /Kirkland for almost 20 years. He opened Better Back and Body in Kirkland in October 2008. OK … he’s solid!

He takes the time to ask all the right questions, actually listens and takes copious notes. He then takes a very thorough panel of X-rays. He explains how the spine works, its interaction with the whole body and potential problem areas.

Dr. Krause escorts me to his comfortable open adjustment area. He practices the Pierce technique, which utilizes the hi/lo drop table, Leander table for mobilization of the lower back, Vibra Cusser to help loosen tight muscles, precision adjuster to help loosen stiff joints (sounds like a woodpecker), as well as wobble chairs and cervical traction devices to rehabilitate the neck and lower back.

If nothing else, you have to stop by to check these things out. He currently has three massage therapists on staff as well.

After a gentle 15-minute adjustment I am able to walk out of Dr. Krause’s office upright and calmed down. I went back two days later to discuss the X-rays and a treatment plan. Now, going forward nine months, I trust Dr. Krause.

Not only is he very compassionate, respectful and encouraging, he is also the consummate medical professional. It is very clear that Dr. Krause is passionate about chiropractic care. He focuses on each individual patient, and believes that a “hands on approach is best for a healing human touch.”

While it seems like there is a chiropractic office on every corner, look no further than Better Back and Body,  Dr. Paul Krause, DC. His office is located at 9716 N.E. Juanita Dr., Kirkland. He sees patients Monday through Friday by appointment. Check out his website at betterbackandbody.com. He can be reached at 425-823-5333.

Kirkland resident Victoria Martin welcomes reader feedback at martin.victoria917@gmail.com.