When I initially opened the doors of my practice, my treatments were simply straight chiropractic adjustments. But 10 years ago, I started to integrate different modalities and active rehabilitation. The integration of modalities and rehabilitation exercises into to my practice has helped my patients achieve quicker results, and it keeps them actively involved in their part of the healing process.

As my practice has continued to grow, I have also integrated low-level laser therapy and spinal decompression. I actually stumbled onto the low-level laser purchase from my equipment salesman dropping off a console and accessories from MedX Corp, Gainesville, Fla, at my office for a trial. I had read about various models, but I really was not in the market at the time. I ended up making the purchase after a rather lengthy trial time period on myself and various family members. The results were so incredible, it was hard to believe. I purchased the MedX low-level laser, and since making the purchase, I have used it nonstop for many treatments, ranging from sciatic nerve pain, TMJ, trigger finger, bursitis, epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, sinus infections, wound healing, spinal pain, and edema.

Most recently I added spinal decompression therapy to the practice, and again we are experiencing wonderful results for our patients. My decision to purchase a spinal-decompression table from Chattanooga Medical Supply Inc, Chattanooga, Tenn, was again based on my own personal experiences and those of my patients. Using spinal decompression, we have successfully treated many patients who are suffering from facet syndrome, herniated disk, multiple herniated disks, failed back surgery, degenerative disk disease, degenerative joint disease, and sciatica. Spinal-decompression patients have ranged in age from 19 to 82 years old.

The combination of the Chattanooga product and MedX therapy have allowed me the opportunity to grow my practice and continue to offer my patients an alternative to invasive and costly procedures in their pursuit for optimal health. As I reflect back on my life and chiropractic practice, I find it totally amazing how a particular incident in my life has helped me to contribute to the well-being of so many others.

An Earlier Turn

While playing football for a small college in 1980, I suffered an injury from a conditioning drill. I had performed this maneuver on numerous occasions, but this time I felt a pop in my back with a bolt of lightning shooting down my left leg. At this time I fell flat to the floor and was unable to move or get up from the floor. My teammates attempted to assist me to my feet, but as they did I became violently ill. Medical personnel later diagnosed multiple herniated disks; to be exact, L3 and L5 were herniated with severe left-leg sciatica. At the time, I was a 19-year-old athlete whose primary reason for attending college at that time was to play sports. I was scared to death at the thought of having two herniated disks and now facing surgery. This surely ended the chance of my ever playing sports again, and possibly ended my chance of having a normal life as I knew it.

My parents took me to see a chiropractor. I had been treated by this chiropractor in the past for minor sports injuries, but to be honest with you, I didn't believe this was the place for me to be with this type of injury. I had two herniated disks; this was a time for surgical intervention, not for a chiropractor. The DC examined my condition and counseled me on the body's healing process and his plan for my recovery. I received chiropractic adjustments, and over a period of a few short months I was feeling much better and was able to start weight training again. The following football season I was able to return to the sport I loved to play.

What event(s) marked a turning point in your practice? Send an e-mail to .

There were many lessons to be gained from my accident, and I was fortunate enough to pay attention. The most important was that our bodies are not invincible, but if treated with the right nutrition and proactive care, along with exercise and a positive attitude, it will heal. My accident changed the direction of my life. As is the case with most undergraduate college students, I was unclear of my career goals after college.

During my recovery period, I came to the revelation that I wanted to be a chiropractor so I could help people like Dr Walker helped me. I was so intrigued by the theory of chiropractic and the body's mechanics, I wanted to know more. Since I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, I have been in active practice for 20 years.

James A. Swetlic, DC, practices in Mt Vernon, Ohio. Contact him at .