By: MOLLIE BROWN / Community Columnist

Dr. Jeff Parker received an undergraduate degree at UAB, then studied chiropractic practice at Life University in Marietta, Ga., and received a doctorate of chiropractic degree. He taught anatomy at UAB to undergraduates and filled in for other chiropractors before opening his chiropractic practice in the Calera Walmart Shopping Center in October 2001.

The chiropractic profession is unique among the medical field because it’s considered alternative medicine, though chiropractors study anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopedics and geriatrics. Parker has a compassionate nature and a deep desire to help his patients overcome chronic pain without surgery. He said proper alignment of the spine better supports the nervous system, which improves the overall health of a patient.

“I start with the least invasive method available,” Parker said. “I look for bones out of place or a pinched nerve. For instance if a patient has shooting pain down the leg and difficulty standing up, I would suspect nerve involvement and order diagnostic studies such as a MRI.”

Common conditions that this practice helps to address are back and posture problems, neck pain or whiplash injuries, scoliosis, sciatica, headaches, hip problems, knee problems, fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Patients are not prescribed medication. Instead, massage and electrotherapy are used to relax the patient’s back muscles before making an adjustment. At home therapy includes stretching exercises, heat, ice and advice on things such as good nutrition, posture and ergonomics. Treatments are generally scheduled more frequently at the beginning, then taper off as the patient begins to heal. Some patients only need a handful of visits, while others experience benefits from periodic visits over a number of years.

“Chiropractic therapy, medication, surgery — that’s the order used for chiropractic treatment,” Parker said. “The least invasive techniques exhausted before surgery.”

Parker, his wife Angie and son Jackson live in Chelsea. At one time his weekend hobbies were flying and restoring military vehicles, but now he enjoys spending time with his family.

If you are experiencing headaches or musculoskeletal problems, call his office at 668-6880. Parker offers a free consultation to new patients.