Introducing Nixa Chiropractor Dr. Michael Shanks
“I didn’t experience a miracle, but I’ve seen them…”
I was first introduced to chiropractic when my father began organizing large seminars for Dr. James W. Parker in Ft. Worth, TX. The seminars became the largest events in the profession. As soon as I was old enough I began working for Dr. Parker, as well. While working with the seminars, I fell in love with this profession that had such a passion about helping people live healthy lives without the use of drugs or surgery.
While in high school I had my first chiropractic adjustment. I remember that I was at work and was not feeling well at all. The vice president of the company was a chiropractor so I asked if there was any way he could help me. He had me lie down on the adjusting table and began to feel my back. Without me telling him anything, he told ME, “Wow, you must really have an upset stomach or be nauseated!”
How did he know? I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t told him anything. He then proceeded to give me an adjustment. Within 15 minutes I was fine. From that moment on, I began to really observe this incredible profession.
When selecting a chiropractic college, I visited a couple of chiropractic colleges. Dr. Parker encouraged me to go to the college that most matched my philosophy. I chose to attend Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA because it was considered the place where it all started.
Palmer allowed me to experience some of the great philosophers of our profession. The education was second to none.
It is great to be here in Nixa, Missouri. My career has allowed me to live and work in some exciting places all around the world; however I have to tell you that the thought of being able to settle down and raise our family in Nixa is one of the most satisfying outcomes to a very full life.
During my last year in Chiropractic College a friend recommended that I consider going to Italy to practice for a couple of years. I originally went with the idea of practicing two or three years. I ended up practicing over nine years and adjusting over 20,000 patients. It was one of the most exciting times in my professional life. I was able to work closely with all medical disciplines and enjoy treating all kinds of health issues. Being able to learn and experience a new culture as well as become fluent in another language is something I will always treasure.
Ever since I moved back to the United States in 1989 I have been in practice and involved in the training of chiropractors. Ever loving to learn more, I began studying a new technique. This technique not only answered life long questions I had regarding health and sickness, but provided a way to help the patient without pain, drugs, side effects, or surgery. It addressed not only subluxations as I was trained to work with but the cause of subluxations. I pushed myself to learn all I could and to master this new technique. I was very honored to be selected as Chiropractor of the Year among those practicing this technique all over the world. Several years later I was also selected as a Master Diplomate and eventually became one of only 10 - 15 people ever authorized to teach the technique.
After practicing for over 20 years I also had an opportunity to work for chiropractic colleges organizing events and post graduate education. While fulfilling, nothing can match being in practice and helping people feel better. It is so exciting to be able to render the highest level of care in one of the most beautiful small towns I have ever seen!
Now I look forward, with my wife, to raising our three awesome children, two loveable dogs, and one wild little kitten here in Nixa. From the very first drive through town I fell in love with everything I saw. Every store or business I walked into greeted me with a friendliness I have never experienced before. Driving through the country on the weekends has left me breathless at the beauty all around.
I look forward to being involved in all aspects of life here in Nixa. I have always loved to be involved with the schools, however, here my life will be busy between school activities and becoming more involved in the business activities of the community. Chiropractic care is very important to our entire family. While I no longer experience back pain as I used to, I still try to get adjusted once a week to make sure my nervous system, immune system, and every other system in my body works at it's best.
I am a big believer in the six essentials to health. While I have in no means reached perfection, I work daily on implementing all six into my life.
- What you eat
- What you drink
- What you breathe
- How you exercise
- How you rest
- What you think
All my life it seems I have struggled to keep my weight under control. Because of this, I work out regularly and do the best I can to eat more of the good foods our bodies need. I realize that it is a life journey I am on and not a destination. This has also helped me to be very understanding with patients who have the same struggle.
Enough about me! Thanks for visiting our site. I look forward to meeting you in person and learning how we may be of service to you. Give our office a call, or email me using the link below and let’s arrange a time to explore your options.
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