Many of us live with some sort of smart device — a computer, a watch, a phone, even a ring. Our cars and homes are getting smarter too. And what do all of these have in common? They need updates. Every so often, our devices remind us it’s time to connect to Wi-Fi, plug in, reboot, and install the latest …
The Freedom Beneath the Pain
When you’ve worked with as many people over the years as I have, you start to notice patterns — not just in how the body responds, but in the words people use. One phrase I hear time and time again is: “I just want to be free of this pain. I want to live pain-free.” I used to think that …
Acute vs. Chronic Pain: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You
We’ve all heard the terms acute pain and chronic pain. But what do they really mean—and how do they relate to the way your brain and body communicate? At The Happy Spine, we often talk about the importance of keeping the brain–body connection open and clear. Think of your spine and spinal cord as your body’s information superhighway—a vital communication …
Beyond the Safety Net: Investing in Real Health
My father taught a variety of subjects to high school students, mainly in languages and history. Thankfully, he didn’t teach at the high school I attended—something I was quietly grateful for at the time! Fluent in several languages, including French and German, he brought a deep love of learning into our home. As a family, we enjoyed some of the …
How Does It Work? The Gateway to Spinal Health and Whole Body Wellness
One of the most profound and unique aspects of NeuroSpinal Optimization is the concept of the Spinal Gateway. First developed by Dr. Donald Epstein, the Spinal Gateway is more than just a point on the spine—it’s a nexus of attention and a powerful access point for healing. The Power of Where You Focus Traditional approaches to pain or discomfort often …
The Message Behind the Pain
Every week, I have the privilege of speaking with prospective patients. Many are struggling with symptoms and conditions that have worn them down physically, emotionally, and mentally. Some are looking for immediate relief. Others are at their breaking point, desperate for anything that will make the pain stop. And I get it. When you’re in pain, it’s natural to want …
Why We Opt Out of Self-Care When We Need It Most
Let’s be honest: when life gets overwhelming, the first things we tend to drop are the very habits that help us stay grounded—chiropractic care, movement, sleep, nourishing food, even just pausing to breathe. The irony is, in the exact moments we need more support, we convince ourselves we don’t have time for it. You’ve probably been there: the calendar is …
Symptoms Are Messengers — Stop Trying to Shut Them Up
We live in a culture obsessed with getting rid of discomfort — fast. Got a headache? Take a pill. Feeling anxious? Distract yourself. Stomach hurting? Pop an antacid. The goal is always the same: silence the symptom. But here’s the truth that often gets buried under quick fixes and instant relief: Symptoms are messengers. And silencing them too quickly can …
More Than Healing: Transforming Your Relationship with Yourself and the World
Healing is a beautiful and vital step on any journey—but here’s the truth: we’re about so much more than just healing. Our mission at the Happy Spine goes deeper. It’s about helping you transform your relationship with yourself and your environment—so you don’t just recover, but thrive. So you don’t just cope, but truly live with agency, authenticity, and empowerment. …
Authentic Expression and Meaningful Change: Living from Inner Certainty
There comes a point on the healing journey when something profound shifts—not just in the body or the emotions, but in how a person relates to the world. Suddenly, what once felt tolerable now feels out of sync. The choices that used to feel “normal” begin to feel heavy. And the voice within gets louder, clearer, more certain. This is …













