Why See Us?

Brian Petrie, DC

Although I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1993, I always suffered significant low back pain after a severe strain during a track and field event in high school. This was compounded by working several years on a farm, followed by four years in the United States Marine Corps and a short career as a commercial hardhat diver.  I was spending hundreds of dollars on various types of back pain remedies and only obtained significant benefit from chiropractic care. Because of my fascination with science and desire to help other people suffering from similar problems, I decided to give up my diving career and pursue a career as a chiropractor.

I experienced a herniated L5/S1 low back disc after several failed attempts to land jumps and trying to make it through half-pipes snowboarding. I ended up with severe low back pain, a pinched nerve and paralysis in my left leg. This happened early in my chiropractic career. It was difficult and challenging trying to help other people with similar back pain. Back then, I never thought I would have been able go hiking again let alone on Mt Washington years later with my son Drezden, who I had to carry much of the way.

As painful and debilitating as this injury was, I was determined to find more effective treatment approaches to not only reduce pain and my impairment, but to effectively strengthen and protect my back. Identifying and eliminate aggravating factors such as inappropriate exercise and faulty movement patterns also played a big part in my recovery. To this day, it is rare that I experience back pain and I’m able to perform some physical activities as well as when I was in the Marine Corps.

In conjunction with the current research models and continuing education, the clinical experiences gained from the patients I have been privileged to treat over 16 years, and my own personal experience with back pain and paralysis, gives me a better appreciation of an individuals unique health problem. As well as the ability to offer treatment solutions that can help eliminate your pain, enhance the quality of your life and to gain as much freedom and independence as you would like in order to live an active lifestyle.