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Chiropractor in Cedar Rapids, Dr. Lee Wickwire
As a chiropractor in Cedar Rapids I look back and understand exactly where I got my interest in the health care profession, and my compassion for others...
When I was eight years old my thirteen-year-old brother was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. He battled for his life for four years. I watched the bone cancer not only make him an amputee, but take his life. His treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota opened me up to a world-wide cultural experience and the observation of a vast array of medical care.
To pass the time during the days that I spent with my family and brother during his hospitalization, I visited with people of all ages; patients, family members, medical staff, and doctors. Now as a chiropractor in Cedar Rapids I look back and understand exactly where I got my interest in the health care profession, and my compassion for others.
After I graduated from high school, I attended college in Minnesota where I studied to become a Prosthetic Practitioner. Upon receiving my degree as a Prosthetic Technician and doing clinical work in Iowa City, I transferred to the University of Iowa. I continued on this path until the day I had my first experience with chiropractic.
I am way too young to be having pain like this!
It was the winter after my freshman year in college and one day during a hike I began to notice that each time I tried to pull my foot up out of the snow I experienced severe pain in my hip. I thought to myself, “I am way too young to be having pain like this!”
That winter I was taking a human anatomy and physiology class, and studying the nervous system and how it controls every function of the body. I understood that the main part of the nervous system was in the spine. I had heard that chiropractic was the study and treatment of this type of pain, so I decided to give chiropractic a try. The doctor adjusted my pelvis and within a week that pain was gone.
Not only was my hip pain gone, but the pain in the middle of my back and ribs that I had been experiencing for over a year also went away. The doctor told me that I had a subluxated rib. I had not even mentioned to him my back and rib pain. He found the problem and fixed it. I was amazed! Right then I asked him what it would take to become a chiropractor. My past experiences with the medical field and this particular experience with the chiropractor changed the direction of my life forever.
After attending the University of Iowa to obtain my prerequisite for entrance into chiropractic college, I chose to attend Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. I was thrilled to be accepted to the internationally renowned Palmer College of Chiropractic. It is there that I received my Bachelor of Science Degree and my Doctor of Chiropractic Degree.
Treating a 9/11 fireman solidified my choice to become a chiropractor
I was fortunate to experience many great things while at Palmer College, but one experience that sticks out in my mind was with a patient named Michael. During Michael’s first appointment, through his New York accent, I learned that he had been a fireman on duty at the World Trade Center on 9/11. As a result of his service on 9/11, Michael was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He informed me that he suffered from headaches on a daily basis. He could not go for more than twenty-four hours without having a headache to the degree that it would cause him to vomit. Michael had been to doctors and had MRI’s, x-rays, and a long list of medications. Nothing seemed to help him. After a thorough examination and five consecutive days of chiropractic care, his vomiting stopped. After one month he no longer had headaches. This was the moment that solidified to me that the direction my life had taken was defining me. It was the right direction.
Outside the Office
I now live in Cedar Rapids. My wife, Kimberly, and I have been married since 2007. She is currently employed at a software company in Cedar Falls. We share many interests like flying, riding our bikes, watching movies, golfing, camping, watching baseball and football, but most importantly spending time with our family and friends.
Since opening on Blairs Ferry Road in 2009, our Cedar Rapids / Hiawatha chiropractic practice has helped thousands feel better. We are conveniently located next to Blair Ridge Dental and Mercy Care North near the corner of Blairs Ferry Road and Edgewood Road.
Whatever your story is that may lead you to chiropractic treatment, I hope you will allow me to serve you. I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your specific health challenge. I will always take the time to listen to your concerns.
Give our Cedar Rapids chiropractic office a call at (319) 393-3345 or email me using the link below if you have any questions.
