Solana Beach Chiropractor: Dr. Steven Bennett
I spent many years working in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, and I have to admit I was a skeptic about natural therapies.
I, like many Americans, grew up thinking that whatever the medical doctor said was to be followed without question. Research has taught me that the third leading cause of death today in America is "iatrogenic", meaning caused by medical care. My education and subsequent work as a Chiropractic Physician has changed my personal paradigm dramatically!
For much of my life, I knew that if your back went out, you could go see a chiropractor for help. I had friends and family members tell me of their great results from chiropractic care, but I wasn't sure what they did, or how it all worked...until I had an emergency of my own. After playing 4 rounds of golf one weekend in Palm Springs (not smart), my neck went into a complete and total "lock-down" accompanied by intense, unrelenting pain.
The next morning I saw my MD, a brilliant internest who graduated at the top of his class from Stanford Medical School...unfortunately all he could offer me were muscle relaxants, which made absolutely no impact on the problem! I finally caved in and went to see my sister's chiropractor...this would be my "aha!" moment, and it changed my life forever. I was out of pain after two treatments with her. More importantly to me, I had the chance to see a health practitioner who was completely excited, fulfilled and at peace in her work...that's what I wanted for myself.
Over the years, I'd spent alot of time working with Medical Doctors, many of whom became friends of mine. I realized during this time that many of these MD's didn't seem particularly happy in their work. I noticed that many seemed frustrated as their only tool to help people was the prescription pad. They expressed frustration that they couldn't do more, and regretted that their patients were on so many drugs...and not getting any healthier. For me, it was clear that the glamour that we had grown up associating with being a medical doctor was much diminished in real life.
So, for me the die was cast! At the ripe old age of 33, my second career started!! I was going to become a Chiropractic Physician.
Often the path of our personal journey is not completely straight...at least not in my case!
Having grown up a San Diego native, I chose to pursue a BS in Mechanical Engineering after finishing high school. Fresh out of college, I happened into an applications engineering position with a local firm that manufactured high technology process equipment for the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Back then, in the 1990's, times were great! New "blockbuster" drugs for lowering cholesterol, improving erectile dysfunction and reducing acid reflux (heartburn) were hitting the market and everyone was flocking to these "solutions" to their health problems. This was great for the pharmaceutical companies and for our firm..but in retrospect, it wasn't too great for the patients.
As a nation, we were being taught that covering up a symptom was a way to achieve health. Nothing could be further from the truth! We now know that inflammation (not cholesterol) is the main culprit in cardiovascular disease, that heartburn is most often the result of not enough stomach acid rather than too much, and that erectile dysfunction is a huge warning signal that other issues are a problem in the cardiovascular and nervous system.
Fortunately, life intervened and helped me to begin learning about the significance of our bodies inherent "innate" ability to care for itself. As I returned to school and obtained my Doctorate in Chiropractic, I was exposed to an entirely different paradigm than I had grown up with....it was breathtaking, thought-provoking, and at times a bit overwhelming.
The main concept that I found I had to understand was that everything within our body and mind is connected. Rather than thinking of health issues in a linear separated fashion, I began to understand the basic concept taught to me by one of my favorite teachers: "We are spiritual beings in human bodies, electrically stimulated, chemically balanced and emotionally controlled." This perspective fits perfectly with the new advances in quantum physics, in which we recognize that energy is really what everything is made of...we are all just energy in different forms, able to impact each other and the world around us in many ways.
Having "awakened" to the fact that the body is completely able to heal and manage itself when: 1) it is free from nervous system interference and 2) it is given the proper nutrition, I am now completely dedicated to spreading that message to my community and the world. Each and every patient that comes through our doors will be given complete access to the most advanced natural care protocols available. While many come to see us for back pain, sciatica, headaches or neck pain, my protocol for wellness includes a comprehensive overview of current lab work, evaluation for food sensitivities, lifestyle evaluation, anti-aging protocols, the list goes on and on. At the end of the day, I strive to be the practitioner that I would want my Mom to see, that's the bottom line.
Again, sometimes our path can be a bit unclear...but faith, hope and compassion provide us with the strength to persevere.
I grew up thinking that I would be married with children in my 20's..."not so" said the universe! It made me wait a long time until I met my lovely wife Debbie while on vacation in Bali. what a romantic and spiritual place! Debbie and I have been married almost 6 years now and I thank God for providing such a delightful and beautiful partner to me. We are now expecting our first child in September, what an amazing experience! We love to surf and play golf and tennis together...although having been stung by a stingray near our office last summer, Debbie is not going near the water until after the baby is born..;-).
When you visit our office, you will feel the serene gentle touch of Bali..indeed, we are located in a building aptly named the "Karma Building". Our office staff, practitioners and myself will do everything we can to put you at ease, soothe your pain, and provide you a guidepost on your path to personal healing and enlightenment.
Personally, I have my spinal structure checked and, if necessary, adjusted each and every week...as does my wife, Debbie, especially since becoming pregnant. We both recognize the significance of motion and its relationship to our health. As such, we make it a priority to get in some form of exercise 5 times a week, whether its yoga, a surf before work, or tennis in the evening, we realize how much better we feel when we make exercise a priority. Thanks to Debbie, we also have a primarily Indonesian diet, rich with fresh fruits and wonderful vegetables, fish and chicken, and spice levels that can be a bit frightening to the uninitiated!! I do sneak in an occasional steak, just to keep things even! We also supplement to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory nutrients such as curcumin, ginger and other plant based anti-oxidants.
It is said that "procrastination is the thief of health"...no truer words were ever spoken!
Each day we put off gaining more health, we slip further into dysfunction. We are all designed to continuously adapt to our environment, when we fail to adapt, we develop symptoms...these symptoms are your body desperately asking for assistance, adjustment and lifestyle change. I graciously encourage you to come see us for an exciting look into what could be for your health and wellness. If you're tired of being tired, tired of chronic pain, tired of not having that passion, peace and sense of delight in your world, we can help!
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