“Here is a lift for your shoe. There is nothing more I can do for you.”
These are the words from the orthopedic surgeon when as a 12-year-old boy, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I had been experiencing severe muscle spasms and back pain, but the surgeon had no answers to improve my symptoms. The scoliosis was not advanced enough to require surgery so he gave me a prescription for a lift to be built into my left shoe. After my visit with the surgeon I reported the diagnosis to my Mom.She scheduled an appointment for me with a chiropractor who happened to be our neighbor.
Dr. Paul Gullickson DC, had helped my Mom with severe pain, numbness and tingling in her neck that traveled down her left arm. My Mom was in her forties and had undergone a surgical procedure, but emerged from hospitalization with severe symptoms which were affecting her ability to be a wife and a mother of five children. A sister in law suggested she go to a chiropractor after the medical procedures had done nothing to alleviate the pain. The publicized high-impact chiropractic procedures caused her great concern and she was afraid to make the appointment. Finding no relief for her symptoms, she finally made the appointment. She started to notice a difference after her first, gentle adjustment from Dr. Gullickson DC, and within weeks she was pain free.
Likewise, with Dr. Paul’s help, my muscle spasms and back pain were quieted and I was able to resume activities such as soccer, football, alpine skiing, and mountain biking. I loved going to see Dr. Gullickson! …mainly because of how I felt after each adjustment. I moved easier, there was no pain, and I could do the activities I loved. I still have spinal scoliosis. Yet, I am pain free, and keep my body that way with regular adjustments. I am a lifetime chiropractic patient!
This positive experience, coupled with a summer internship spent at my hometown hospital, influenced my choice to pursue a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree.
Education
I completed the pre-med prerequisites and received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Spanish with a minor in chemistry from Brigham Young University in August 2004. I received my Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Los Angeles Chiropractic College of Southern California University of Health Sciences in April of 2008, graduating Magna Cum Laude. The first two years of chiropractic school were like taking a drink from a fire hydrant! Studying anatomy, biology, physiology, histology, biomechanics, biochemistry, nutrition and neuroscience was intimidating and amazing all at the same time. I loved my dissection anatomy lab. The body truly is astonishing! There are so many things going on just under our skin that we never see or think about; and, it is all orchestrated by the central nervous system.
My studies have taught me that traumas, stress, chemicals and posture patterns place an interference load on the nervous system, slowing down and impeding the brain’s ability to coordinate body functions. This causes dysfunction of muscles and organs which eventually leads to pain and other symptoms. Chiropractic care enhances the nervous system’s ability to work without interference. Chiropractic adjustments are powerful at removing symptoms, but the real magic behind the adjustments comes when you continue care beyond symptom relief. Chiropractic is unique in that it has the potential to prevent injury, dysfunction, and improve the body’s overall performance when pain is not present.
Practice and Philosophy
I started practicing in Glendora CA, and Pomona, CA, in January of 2009. Since then I have treated patients with sports injuries, carpal tunnel, TMJ/jaw issues, migraines, herniated discs, broken necks, back surgery, back pain, neck pain, head/concussion traumas, rotator cuff injuries, knee injuries and much more. I have worked with people injured on the job, in automobile accidents, and at home. I have even helped new born babies get rid of colic and nurse better.
The one thing I have noticed about these wonderful people that have trusted me with their care; is that if I could have gotten to them earlier, there is a good chance that their chronic problems would be different. Most injuries and health problems can be avoided when we exercise regularly, make healthy eating choices daily, get enough sleep, think positively, and get regular chiropractic adjustments. Most of us wait until the pain is debilitating before seeking help. By then, it is often too late to make a quick, full recovery without significant work and cost.
Yes, our bodies are amazing, but like anything we own it will break down when abused and neglected. Most of the time the body starts to break down way before the pain or other major symptoms show up. Chiropractic adjustments remove the interference that impedes your body’s natural healing ability. It restores proper motion to joints and removes the inflammatory pathways that choke off the nerves, which are the highways for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. By restoring proper motion and position to the joints, tension on the nerve is decreased and the body’s innate ability to heal is restored as the communication between the brain and body resumes without interference. Proper function of the body is then restored and the power that made the body heals the body.
Family/Hobbies
I have been married to my best friend for over 15 years. We have four busy kids who keep us “on our toes.” My hobby is spending time with my family! Together we enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, shooting, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, riding bikes and playing all kinds of sports. My wife and I work out 5-6 days a week. We juice and eat a whole foods diet. We limit eating processed or fast food. We are active in church and scouts. Life is busy and we try to spend much of it outside!
When my kids get sick, they are adjusted, receive good nutrition and are encouraged to rest. We will often use essential oils to manage their symptoms. We occasionally use medication but only as a last resort–not the first defense. Living the chiropractic lifestyle has helped my family stay healthier and save money. It really is a better life with chiropractic.
Thank you for visiting our website. I look forward to meeting you in person and learning how we may be of service to you.