Spinal Missions Inc., LLC * 590 Cobb Parkway S,  Marietta, GA 30060 * (408) 65-SPINE

I had the opportunity to participate in two missions trips to El Salvador while I was a student at Life.  Both trips were fantastic and absolutely exceeded my expectations.  I think what separates Spinal Missions trips from other mission trips is the level of professionalism, organization and structure involved.  There was a full schedule of work planned well in advance of the trip.  Each day we were transported to locations where we were welcomed with open arms.  Our presence was clearly appreciated.  Typically we would be in the center of a city, or working with a religious or political organization in their various locations.  Hundreds of people would show up to be treated for a large variety of ailments.  

I recall treating patients for everything from low back pain & sciatica to nervousness & depression.  We had the great privilege of working side by side with medical doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, naturopaths and massage therapists.  They always treated us as equals and were eager and excited to learn from us.  I personally got to explain chiropractic to a high ranking surgeon from one of the large hospitals… quite an experience!  In several of the locations we were able to see patients over the course of a few days and often several times in one day if necessary.  An important thing to me was that I felt very comfortable with the care we were providing.  

There were always translators available and the intake staff asked the appropriate questions in regards to past medical history and contraindications.  It never felt like we were “flying by the seat of our pants”. These were very structured trips and we were able to provide care to thousands of folks who needed it and really make a difference in their lives.  Spinal Missions trips are always technique neutral, and everyone is encouraged to use the chiropractic techniques they’re comfortable with.  I saw doctors using Diversified, SOT, Thompson Drop, Activator, CBP, Upper Cervical and even some physiotherapy modalities!  This is definitely not a “plastic chair cervical adjusting” type of trip.  

This is something so fundamentally different than what anyone else in chiropractic is doing right now.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been able to participate on these trips as a student.  I was personally able to treat hundreds of different patients: everyone from small babies to folks in their 90’s.  Every age, shape and size, I was able to treat them.  To say that I tripled or quadrupled my “Clinic Numbers” on these trips would be a huge understatement.  I probably surpassed my school numbers by a factor of 10 or 20.

 But that’s not even the most important part.  The experience that I gained has proved invaluable to me as a clinician.  I was able to go straight into private practice, right after graduation, mainly due to the confidence that I gained on these trips.  If you have the courage to step outside of your comfort zone and go on a Spinal Missions trip, I highly encourage you to do so.  It’s an experience you will never forget and the skills and confidence you gain may be priceless.