HT: Who would you recommend seeking out your care?

Dr. S: Anyone who has an issue that would like to have it resolved naturally without drugs or surgery. Possibly they simply want to restore the energy in their life, the spring in their step. Usually, people come in that have low back pain, headaches, athletes that have sports injuries, office workers with carpal tunnel, mid lifer's with hormone issues. There is virtually no situation where aligning the spine and balancing the body can't improve pain levels and function.

HT: Dr. Sebastian, how did you first get into chiropractic?

Dr. S: I had a serious injury that prevented me from walking normally, involving my knee and low back. The orthopedic doctors (M.D.'s) that I went to recommended surgery, and as a last resort I went to my friend's chiropractor. He practiced applied kineisiology. Through the use of his hands, without drugs and obviously without surgery, he healed me. I could walk, run and play sports again.In addition, I felt a sense of wellness and balance I had not felt before in my life. My life became much more productive and wonderful. My purpose in life became clear: to allow others to experience the quality of life that I attained through chiropractic and kiniesiology. Maintaining the bodies flow of energy is everything.

HT: Where are you located?

Dr. S: We are located on the 101 just north of Encinitas Blvd on the coast. We are right next to Juanita's, a popular taco shop. I have been here for the last 17 years, and have treated over 8500 patients. In addition to chiropractic, we have two massage therapists, an acupuncturist, and a full compliment of therapeutic modalities.

HT: What are some of the new techniques in your field?

Dr. S: The hot news in chiropractic is really old news. Studies are more and more confirming that spinal manipulation, chiropractic adjustments, are an effective and safe way to alleviate back pain, sciatica, and headaches.In my clinic, we also use specific exercises, check for nutritional deficiencies, address the soft tissues through massage and acupuncture, and fit Orthotics if needed. One topic that seems to be very popular currently, spinal decompression, we address through our Cox decompression. It reduces disc bulges, widens the spinal canal, and restores normal motion to the spine gently and effectively.

HT: What makes you unique in your field?

Dr. S: We have a special combination of western and natural medicine. We assess and diagnose, use x-ray and MRI when needed, and will refer to your MD when appropriate. We are on most insurance companies preferred provider lists because we meet their standards. On the other hand, we utilize chiropractic kiniesiology to fine tune the body, to restore energy flow, to make sure you are on the right track. Your body has all the answers, you just need to know how to ask. Our patient's are very pleased with the outcomes they experience, and are generally amazed at how fast their pain levels are reduced, how fast their lives are back on track. Our unique factor is the ability to truly understand your condition, to communicate to you what is going on, and to get it improved or healed quickly.

HT: If you had one message to give a person who has not tried chiro, what would it be?

Dr. S: Try it. You will like it. When a new patient is apprehensive, I introduce them to one of my child patients and have my patient let them know it does not hurt and how good they feel afterwards. Coming from a 10 year old that has back pain or headaches that have been cured instantly is a great testimonial. Have you ever felt like you can't stand up from a chair? Felt like you are 100 years old? Want to feel young again, with an ease of movement you used to have? Time to come in and see us!

HT: What are some of your success stories?

Dr. S: They are incredibly varied. We cured Tom, a commercial estate broker with a disc bulge and low back pain that could not stand up straight for 3 weeks, in just a few visits. Kaz, a third grade boy was recommended to take Ritalin for lack of focus, but through our cranial work, adjustments, and nutrition, he regained his focus in the classroom without drugs. Justin, a recently discharged marine, had such bad headaches that he couldn't drive. His fiancée got him into our clinic, we diagnosed a misaligned atlas, and for the first time in 4 weeks, Justin did not have a headache. New success stories are literally made every day here.

HT: Are you available for speaking engagements?

Dr. S: Yes. I speak to groups about specific health concerns, such as arthritis prevention and pain control, sports injury prevention and cure, new discoveries in natural health care, and work injury prevention. My post graduate education is extensive, ranging from sports injuries, clinical nutrition, pediatric care, aging athletes, to work place injuries, so I tend to share what's going on in those fields.