The Back Doctors Podcast

Dr. Andrew Serlin shares his experience treating a patient with degenerative disc disease and stenosis that is so prevalent in today’s aging population.

Andrew B. Serlin, DC/LMT/JD
DC Instructor and Clinician – NUHS Whole Health Center, Lombard

After practicing chiropractic medicine for 13 years, Dr. Serlin started working at the NUHS Whole Health Center as a floating clinician in 2018, and as a full-time attending clinician since 2019. He also serves as a faculty advisor for the NUHS Tai Chi & Qi Gong student club.  

Before becoming a chiropractic physician, he worked as an attorney in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office from 1990 to 1997 and operated a law office in the Pilsen neighborhood from 1997 to 2000. He also became a Chair-Qualified Arbitrator for the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration program in 1997 and continues to arbitrate in that program today.  

He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences, his Juris Doctor from University of Illinois Law School in Champaign and his bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is also licensed in acupuncture and graduated valedictorian of the NUHS Massage Therapy program in 2021.  

Outside of NUHS, Dr. Serlin volunteers with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) since 2000 in the roles of Coach, Intermediate Referee, Coach Instructor, Safety Director, Child and Volunteer Protection Advocate and member of the Deerfield AYSO Region #1007 Board of Directors. He has also practiced Martial Arts since 1983 (Shorin-Ryu Karate, Kung Fu and Tai Chi). He currently teaches Tai Chi/QiGong at the Presbyterian Homes in Lake Forest in a skilled nursing setting and a memory care unit and at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston.  

These roles have allowed Dr. Serlin the opportunity to teach in some capacity the ages of 3-106. “I enjoy the opportunity to teach and share information with many different groups of people. I enjoy learning about life from the perspective that they share with me,” he said. “I find much gratification in sharing my knowledge and life experiences in return. It has been my observation that the more I teach my students, the more I learn and grow myself.”  

Education: DC Instructor and Clinician – NUHS Whole Health Center, Lombard
BA, University of Wisconsin, 1986
JD, University of Illinois – College of Law, 1989
DC, National University of Health Sciences, 2005   Resources:

aserlin@nuhs.edu

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Spine specialist, Dr. Adam Propper shares his professional experience using Cox® Technic and advocates for more students, doctors, and patients to learn more about its effectiveness.

Dr. Adam Propper, D.C., C.C.S.P.

When I was 8 years old, I suffered a severe head and neck trauma. Shortly after came my migraine headaches. My doctors had no answers for my problem and I suffered many years with these debilitating headaches.

Fortunately, one of my college classmates invited me to her office and I became a chiropractic patient. She told me how my problem came from nerve pressure in my spine. I had no idea what chiropractic was, but her explanation made so much sense to me.  None of my doctors told me I could be helped.  Not only did my headaches get resolved, my overall health and immunity improved. Chiropractic worked! It saved my life and stopped my suffering. From that point on I was dedicated to becoming a chiropractor and helping others the way I was helped.

Today my practice is filled with people who come to us with all sorts of problems. My patients want to stop taking medications for pain; they want a clear concise diagnosis and treatment plan; they don’t want to spend hours waiting or being treated in a doctor’s office. And most of all, My patients want and get results!.

I love chiropractic and the simplicity of how chiropractic works. It can change a person’s life.

I have personally trained with Dr. James Cox, D.C. DACBR, and some of the top chiropractors in the world. They taught me how to be a healer: First: It’s about listening to people carefully. Second: It’s about applying the Philosophy, Art, and Science of chiropractic correctly. That’s our purpose. My staff and  I would be honored to have the opportunity to help you and your family.

Resources:

The Healer’s Hands on Amazon

Dr. Propper’s website

The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical

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Episode 80 Dr. Adam Propper – Cox® Technic for Severe Neck Pain

Dr. James Kirk of Odessa, Texas specializes in treating the most difficult spine related conditions and shares the story of a gentleman facing spine surgery with a synovial cyst causing foot drop.

Dr. J W Kirk is the owner and CEO of Clark Chiropractic Clinic, P.C. He was born in Odessa, he graduated from Parker College of Chiropractic in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Anatomy and a Doctorate in Chiropractic. His undergraduate studies were at North Harris County College and Texas Tech University. He has been a Rotarian since 1992 and serves on their board. He is a board member of the Odessa Fire Fighters Pension Fund. He is an Elder at Odessa Bible Church. He is a Certified Cox flexion/distraction practitioner. He and each doctor practice with a ‘Low Force’ technique called Directional Non-force Technique or DNFT. 

Dr. Kirk’s website

1-432-337-5553

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This month Dr. Kurt Olding shares with us the latest published research on compression fractures, Gabapentin (Neurontin), degenerative scoliosis, epidurals, non-contained discs and spondylolisthesis.

Dr. Kurt Olding has been in practice for over 40 years, opening Minster Chiropractic Center in 1986 after graduating from National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, IL in 1984. Through the years Dr. Kurt has enjoyed treating all age groups, from infants to athletes and parents to grandparents. He took special interest in sports medicine during his early years in practice, completing 300 hours of continuing education through the Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician program.

Dr. Kurt earned Cox® Technic certification in 2009. In 2012 he began co-instructing the technique, and since 2015 has been a full-time instructor alongside Dr. James Cox, Dr. Ralph Kruse, and Dr. George Joachim.

Through his work with Cox® Technic, Dr. Kurt has had several exciting opportunities. In March of 2016, he taught Cox® Technic in Bern, Switzerland as part of the Swiss Chiropractic Academy’s “technique series” program. Later that month, he presented research on Cox® Technic with his mentor Dr. James Cox at the annual Association of Chiropractic Colleges Research Agenda Conference. Dr. Kurt co-authored a paper published in the June 2016 edition of the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine titled Chiropractic Distraction Spinal Manipulation on Post-surgical Continued Low Back and Radicular Pain patients: A Retrospective Case Series.

In 2015, Dr. Kurt became board certified as a Chiropractic Orthopedist, and a Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO). He is also a board member of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists, serving since early 2016.

Dr. Kurt and his wife Jackie are Minster natives. They have three children: Sunni, Kregg, and Jack. Sunni and her husband Tyler joined the practice in 2014.

Resources:

Minster Chiropractic Center

kurt.olding@gmail.com

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Dr. Joel Dixon joins us from Australia to share the story of a man who had been advised to undergo back surgery but instead chose a non‑surgical treatment that ultimately relieved his pain.

Dr Joel Dixon

Chiropractor and Cox® Certified Practitioner

B.APP.SC (CHIRO)J.P.

Graduating from RMIT School of Chiropractic in 1986, Dr Dixon has concentrated his professional development in spinal disc decompression therapies since becoming certified in Cox® Technic in 2000. He is the only Cox® certified instructor in Australia.

Cox® therapy is considered to be the “gold standard” used by thousands of Chiropractors around the world for the treatment of low back and leg pain, neck and arm pain, and other spinal pain conditions.

Cox® flexion distraction has more than 50 years of research, documentation, and proven outcomes for decompressing spinal nerves and treating low back pain. It’s a gentle, non-surgical, low-force procedure that helps the spine heal properly and keeps it as pain free as possible.

Dr. Dixon has a specific interest in treatment for disc bulge and disc herniation, sciatica, spondylolisthesis and scoliosis, amongst other conditions. He has treated thousands of patients with varying degrees of spinal disc pathology requiring non-surgical, conservative treatment using the latest Cox® 8 decompression instruments from Michigan USA.

Dr. Dixon has supported athletes from a range of organizations including Sydney Swans and NBL clubs, South Dragons and Gold Coast Blaze.

He also has had an extensive background in obstetrical spinal disorders and has been registered at two private hospitals providing in house spinal therapy.

Dr. Dixon’s continuous professional development in both the USA and Australia enables him to bring the most up to date research, technology and techniques to every consultation enabling rapid symptom resolution and the return to full spinal function as quickly as possible.

In 2024 Dr. Dixon became fully certified to provide Concussion Baseline Testing and Concussion Treatment.  Both of these services are available at the clinic utilizing Complete Concussions (CCMI), which is comprehensive, worldwide testing and treatment protocol for concussion.

Dr. Dixon practices at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic.

Resources:

Melbourne Spine Clinic

joel@melbournespineclinic.com.au 

Dr. Dixon’s Published Case

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Dr. Steven Baroody, certified Cox® physician practicing in Manchester NH, presents his relieving treatment plan and outcome of a patient with bilateral neck pain and cervicogenic headache with chiropractic Cox® Technic. 

About Dr. Baroody

Dr. Steven Baroody is a 2004 graduate of New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY. A martial artist for more than thirty years, he was introduced to chiropractic when he injured his lower back being thrown. The quick recovery that followed, and the opportunity to help others convinced him that chiropractic was the career for him.

Halfway through his education, however, Dr. Baroody sustained a shoulder injury serious enough to require surgery. After the surgery, however, Active Release Techniques^® (ART^®) accelerated his rehabilitation and enabled him to return to both chiropractic and the high level of martial arts he had enjoyed before the injury.

Having been through the pain of a chronic injury, and the long search for someone who could help him, Dr. Baroody became very well-versed in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder injuries and pursued full certification in ART^® to allow him to provide the same quality of care that he had received. He is currently the only Active Release Techniques^® (ART^®) Certified Provider in New Hampshire.

Resources:

New Hampshire Spine and Sport

Link to Dr. Baroody’s Case Report

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Spine specialist, Dr. Clint Dickason shares an unusual story of a gentleman with multiple compression fractures.

About Dr. Dickason

Dr. Dickason, an Indiana native, first became fascinated with Chiropractic Care in 1996. Dr. Dickason was active in High School and College level Wrestling and Football. He found that Chiropractic care kept him on the playing field. His passion for Chiropractic soared when he realized the human body is a self regulating and healing machine and decided he wanted to be a Chiropractor to help others realize their God given potential for health. Dr. Dickason received his bachelors in Exercise Science at Manchester College, in Indiana. After his undergraduate studies, he chose Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, coined ‘The Fountain Head of Chiropractic’. While at Palmer College of Chiropractic he joined Palmer’s Rugby Club as an active player and became president of the club.

Dr. Dickason met his wife Mindy while attending Palmer College, as she was completing her degree in Chiropractic Technology. After graduation Dr. Dickason and Mindy decided to move to Colorado in order to be close to family and search for a community in which to raise their newly developing family. They found and fell in love with Castle Rock.

Dr. Dickason brings more to the table then traditional Chiropractic. He also completed extra studies in Clinical Neurology from the Carrick Institute of Post-Graduate Studies, is knowledgeable in 20 Chiropractic techniques including Cox Technic.

Resources:

Dr. Clint Dickason

Resources:

Dr. Clint Dickason

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Our guest, Dr. Fawad Mian shares his own story that changed not only changed his health but changed the way he practices medicine.

I’m Dr. Fawad Mian, and I specialize in regenerative medicine and non-surgical pain relief for active adults who refuse to accept pain, pills, or surgery as their only option. With a foundation in neurology and integrative health, I use advanced treatments like ultrasound-guided PRP, stem cell therapy, and movement re-education to target the root cause of chronic pain—so you can get back to living without limits.

But this isn’t just professional for me—it’s personal. After being told surgery was my only path forward, I used these same therapies to heal my own body and reclaim my life. Now, I help others do the same—combining precision diagnostics, holistic protocols, and lived experience to restore movement, rebuild confidence, and help you feel like yourself again.

Resources:

Pain Relief and Regenerative Medicine in Denville, NJ

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Spine specialist, Dr. Nate McKee shares a success story about a patient with tandem stenosis.

Dr. Nate McKee grew up in Fort Wayne, IN. He was first introduced to the great state of Michigan, when he attended Albion College. At Albion College, Dr. Nate received his Bachelor’s in Exercise Sciences. He then went onto National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL where he received his Doctorate in Chiropractic.

While at National, he was actively involved in the Student American Chiropractic Association, and was President. During that involvement he lobbied in Washington, D.C. for rights and access for chiropractic patients such as: Veteran’s access, underserved areas, Tricare, etc. Dr. Nate was also a school tutor for Head & Neck and Thoracic Evaluation, Management, and Manipulation courses for two years. During his clinical experience, Dr. Nate did a 2 month rotation at the Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN. 

Dr. Nate has furthered his education and received a certification in Cox Decompression and Manipulation Technic. His education in Cox Technic allows him to treat various conditions of the neck, back, and knees such as but not limited to: disc herniations, spinal stenosis, post surgical pain, back pain related to pregnancy, headaches, and meniscal pain of the knee. 

Dr. Nate is also a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP®), which has equipped him with the training to treat and prevent sports injuries and to properly work with athletes. 

References:

Chiropractic Management using Cox Technic Flexion Distraction for a Patient With Tandem Spinal Stenosis

Resources:

Connect with Dr. McKee

Dr. Mckee’s office 810-223-2439

Connect on Facebook

Instagram @McKeeChiro

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Spine specialist, Dr. Timothy Gagan shares a story of a young woman with back pain who has Bertolotti Syndrome.

Dr. Tim’s interest in chiropractic began with high-school sports. He was a wrestler and football player which caused him spinal injury. He was impressed with his hometown chiropractor and decided that treating musculoskeletal complaints through chiropractic care was what he wanted to do in life. He attained a bachelor’s degree in biology with a chemistry minor from St John Fisher University and a doctorate in chiropractic from the northeast college of chiropractic (formerly known as New York chiropractic college).  He has been in practice for four and a half years at Apple Country Chiropractic in Williamson, NY and specializes in treating intervertebral discs disorders. He attributes much of his understanding of injuries from experiencing them firsthand through sports and working alongside his father on construction jobs. He takes great joy in treating working men, like his father, and getting them back to work. In his spare time, he enjoys playing music. His mother is a piano teacher who instilled a love of music in him. You can hear his music on YouTube on his channel, “The musical chiropractor“.

Dr. Tim lives in Webster NY with the love of his life and wife, Rachel. She was instrumental in supporting him through chiropractic college and helping him survive “Grad School poverty.” They have a 12-year-old German Short Haired pointer named Bella. 

Resources:

Apple Country Chiropractic

The Musical Chiropractor

End Back Pain book

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