Meet Dr. Stockton!

 Why did you decide to become a chiropractor?

In high school during the summers, I worked for a friend’s family landscaping business. I spent a lot of time planting trees, digging trenches, and installing sprinkler systems and I started having some back pain.

My mom suggested that I go see a chiropractor. At the time, I didn’t feel like much was happening but after about three treatments I had no more low back pain. I was able to work for longer without any pain and I was impressed with that.

I ended up seeing another chiropractor for an injury I had in baseball and again, I was really surprised with the effects of spinal manipulation on the body and how your body moves.

After starting college, I was in the biology program at Washington State University. I initially thought I wanted to pursue physical therapy but I quickly realized that I was a lot more interested in the hands-on approach of chiropractic care.

I found out that there was chiropractic school in Portland, and I applied and got in!

Is there anything that surprised you about chiropractic care after earning your degree in chiropractic?

The immediate relief was surprising to me. The ability to have someone walk into your office—who can’t stand up straight or sit in one position and they are miserable—and then with just feeling the body, you’re able to tell where they are injured and after one adjustment there is that immediate relief. It’s almost like an ah-ha moment where they are able to stand or do things immediately that they previously weren’t able to do 15 minutes ago. It’s very satisfying to be able to help people in that way.

 

What do you enjoy most about your work each day?

Being able to interact with each patient and being able to see each patient as their own “puzzle.” Everyone is different and while they might have the same chief complaint, the cause and treatment vary.

I have an evidence-based approach so I’m never going to tell a patient I can fix something unless I truly believe I can. I’m not going to have a patient come see me three times a week for the rest of their lives. Once you’ve reached your pre-injury status I’m going to let you free! I’m not going to make a patient come in if I don’t think it’s necessary.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about the benefits of chiropractic care?

We can help with all areas of the body—not just your neck or back. We can adjust the foot, the ankle, the knee—every joint in the body we know an adjustment for.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I graduated from WSU, so I love to watch the Cougs play. I love sports—I love watching and playing sports whenever I’m able. I also have a jet ski and that is where you can find me every weekend of the summer—out on the lake or river with my fiancé (we are getting married in July 2018 in the Dominican Republic).

I love being outdoors year-round—elk hunting with a bow, taking my truck up into the mountains and the snow, I just love being active outside.

Dr. Stockton is now accepting new patients. Schedule an appointment here.