Kalona Chiropractor Dr. Chris Grier
I was Ready to Try Anything!
Simply put, I was ready to try anything. I was in my third year of playing baseball at the University of Northern Iowa and had developed stabbing low back pain with lightning-like pain that would travel down the back of my leg. After taking medications that dulled the pain, but made it nearly impossible to hit a baseball, I was in need of a better solution. Chiropractic care was suggested by a family member and, though I knew nothing about Chiropractic, I gave it a shot. Two weeks later I was back to full function and range of motion. In other words, I had my life back!
Another Great Experience
During the summer after teaching my first year at Mid-Prairie High School I had another great experience with Chiropractic. I began having intense headaches combined with shoulder pain–something that was not normal for me at all. After struggling to find a cause, I went to my Chiropractor. He suspected I had wisdom teeth coming in and suggested that I see a dentist. Sure enough, dental x-rays revealed that I had three wisdom teeth about to come in and the fourth was growing in the wrong direction–right into the tooth in front of it!
Inspired to Help People
That experience opened my eyes to the importance of having a doctor that truly knows the body and the nervous system. He pointed out that the nerve being irritated by the tooth was indirectly associated with the nerves in my shoulder. Inspired to help people the way that Dr. Bradley had helped me, I soon made the decision to attend chiropractic school.
Chiropractic Education
I attended University of Northern Iowa, receiving my BA in biology and teaching. After teaching for three years and being inspired by my own experience with Chiropractic, I became a student at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota.
At any age, you can benefit from better health!
Additional Training
During school I became increasingly energized by the information and skills I was learning. Through additional training in pregnancy care and pediatric care from the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association, my passion for working with children and young adults grew. With over three years of extensive study and internships at three healthcare centers (including one in Christchurch, New Zealand), it became crystal clear to me that in order for the health of the country to turn around, an approach that addressed the nervous system, nutrition, and physical activity was necessary.
My Supreme Goal
My supreme goal as a doctor of chiropractic is to encourage people to take responsibility for their health and to realize that the body, given proper nutrition, activity, and a nervous system free from interference, has the incredible ability to heal itself. That ability is much stronger than any outside intervention could ever be.
Seeing an athlete return to play or a mother’s amazement at the improvement in her child’s ear discomfort or feeding are special to me. Even better are the families I see who have discovered the benefits of wellness and who come in regularly for advice and adjustments in order to maintain it. The idea that a vibrant, happy life is only possible with health makes it especially fulfilling for me to help children and young families discover this chiropractic lifestyle.
Away from Bright Futures Chiropractic
Christina and I have been happily married since 2001. In March 2011 we welcomed our son, Will into the world and have been blessed with a very healthy boy who is the light of our lives.
We love outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and canoeing, and I am an avid fly-fisherman. We also enjoy combining these activities with travel. In fact, after seeking out the perfect location, I proposed to Christina at Stingray Bay, a beautiful secluded cove on a hike along the New Zealand coast! Our time enjoying and discovering nature serves as a ‘reset button’ when life seems too hectic.
Embracing the knowledge that quality of life is directly tied to our health, we choose to make lifestyle decisions that enhance health. We start with chiropractic adjustments, since the nervous system is so important to health, and get adjusted at least twice per month. That, combined with choosing to eat healthful foods and engaging in physical activity, has made an incredible difference in our health–and we thought we were pretty healthy to begin with!
We are passionate about health and committed to getting the most out of life. We also know that wellness is a process, not a destination, and that there is always room for better health. Keep in mind, you don’t need to be sick to get well!
Dr. Ryan Weintraub
My name is Dr. Ryan Weintraub, I am the associate chiropractor at Bright Futures Chiropractic. My journey towards becoming a chiropractor all started when my Dad, who is a medical doctor, recommend that I pursue a career in health care. After researching and shadowing many different health care professions, I knew chiropractic was the perfect fit for me! Unlike the traditional medical model, chiropractic focused improving people’s health without the use of drugs or surgery and focused on correcting the cause rather than covering the symptoms.
I completed my schooling at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa where I learned techniques in adjusting, exams, and nutrition. As a former wrestler and competitive powerlifter, chiropractic care has played a huge role in keeping me injury free and feeling well. I love caring for all and I especially love caring for athletes to treat injuries and improve performance.
Since graduating from Chiropractic school, I have experienced working in other clinics as well as my own clinic and I am excited to bring my knowledge to Bright Futures Chiropractic and serve the great community of Kalona!
