Name: Stephanie Mills
Owner, Crossroads Chiropractic
How did you get started as a chiropractor? How long have you been practicing?
I've been a chiropractor for 12 years. It started because as a kid, I had chronic ear infections that went away when I started getting adjusted, and later I got a full ride to Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.
Do you let other people adjust you?
Absolutely. I get adjusted at least once a week. I call them weekly wellness adjustments.
What kinds of ailments can chiropractic care aid?
The most common thing is low back pain, neck pain and headaches. With kids, ear infections are probably the most common. But in general it can help with acid indigestion, seizures, ADHD.
When the bones in your spine are out of alignment, it interferes with the nervous system. Even with things like chronic constipation or high blood pressure, it can all relate back to the nervous system.
What are some common reasons a spine would be out of alignment? Any tips for our readers to avoid problems?
Slips and falls, prolonged periods of sitting, like at a computer. The birthing process can be difficult on children. And one of my big concerns now is with texting and handheld devices, the damage you can be doing (by bending your neck to look at the screen). Sports are another area, particularly football, hockey and soccer, and for girls, cheerleading and gymnastics.
You can't always prevent these things so much as take care of your spine as you go through life. It's like brushing your teeth; if you get adjusted frequently you're a lot better off.
Can you spot a spine that needs adjusting?
Sometimes, which makes walking through the mall more interesting. Once in awhile my kids will even point someone out and say, “That guy needs an adjustment.”If people could see their spine like you can see your teeth, they would take far better care of it. If your spine was in your face, we'd all take better care of it.
How many plastic spine models do you have in your home and office?
Seven. And we have a really creepy skull model in the basement at the office that we bring out on Halloween.
What is the ultimate insult you can give to a chiropractor? We're guessing it's “spineless.”
Actually, we hear “You're not a real doctor.” And I say I'm thankful I'm not that kind of doctor, because I don't deal in drugs. We have a drug jug at the front of the office where people throw out their medications that they don't need anymore.
Hidden talent?
I was Miss New Hampshire in 1995, so I competed in the 75th anniversary Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. I'm also a radio show host.
Guilty pleasure?
Chocolate – dark chocolate. The darker, the better.
