Meet Cody Chiropractor : Dr. Vince Kalkowski
How it all began…
At age 13 I had a bad crash on my dirt bike that left me with 2 compression fractures in my thoracic spine. Since there is not much that can be done for compression fractures, I was given pain medication and told that the pain would get better with time.
As the fractures healed, the intensity of the pain reduced but never went away. By the time I was 14, I was experiencing constant pain and muscle tightness in my mid back. I also started to develop headaches that would cause visual disturbances, sweating and nausea. I was evaluated by a number of different medical specialists and none of them had any answers other than to continue controlling the pain with medication and steroid injections. This plan offered little relief and plenty of bad side effects.
After I had turned 15, my father recalled going to a Chiropractor years before for neck pain. He had good results, so with nothing to lose I tried Chiropractic. The first adjustment to my mid back was very startling, but I could tell right away that the root of my problem was being addressed. Within 4 or 5 adjustments, I was a new kid and for the first time in two years, I knew we had found something that was helping and it did not involve any drugs or shots!
Chiropractic Had Given Me My Life Back
Chiropractic had given me my life back. It had also sparked many questions in my mind, mostly wondering how and why this “Chiropractor” knew what to do for me yet all of the medical “experts” didn’t. Needless to say, I was absolutely inspired from that point on to become a Doctor of Chiropractic.
My Chiropractic Education
I went to Palmer – Davenport. I went there because numerous practicing Chiropractors, including ones that didn’t go to Palmer, told me it was the best. Also, as a college rugby player at the University of Wyoming, Palmer offered an opportunity to play for one of America’s best Men’s Premier league teams and possibly earn a scholarship to help pay for my Chiropractic education. I was able to secure a scholarship from second trimester through tenth trimester. One of the most helpful, unplanned, fulfilling twists in my life.
Probably the most surprising thing about my education at Palmer was the reality of how demanding the curriculum was. The curriculum combined with rugby forced me into a level of personal organization that was as much a part of my education as anything.
I am very grateful that I was able to have Virgil Strang DC as an instructor. His ability to support all aspects of Chiropractic philosophy with the best available science was incredible. He drilled into our heads the differences between scientific conjecture, hypothesis, theory and law. Being able to know which level of science one is dealing with is very helpful as a Doctor of Chiropractic.
Younger years and Family
I was born and raised in Casper, WY. The Wyoming way of life and heritage are a huge part of who I am. I love this state, what it stands for and the people who call it home. I attended Casper College and the University of Wyoming. I received my Bachelor of Science degree and my pre-Chiropractic requirements from UW. I then went on to Palmer College of Chiropractic to earn my Doctor of Chiropractic degree. My wife and I have two children – one boy, one girl and have lived in Cody, Wy since 1996.
I Walk the Talk
I get adjusted 1-2 times per week. I do Crossfit four times per week and occasionally compete within my age division. I would classify my diet as fairly clean, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of protein, plenty of good fat, a reasonable amount of good carbs and good supplements. I do my best to keep refined sugars and carbs to an absolute minimum. I also do my best to adhere to a “no stress policy”. It is easier said than done, but it is extremely important to strive for a minimal stress level!
Enough about me! How can we help YOU to become a better you? Give us a call so we can help you take your first steps towards better health.
Dr. Vince Kalkowski | Kalkowski Chiropractic Center | (307) 587-1500