Meet Stephany Uc | Doctor of Chiropractic

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephany Uc and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephany, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
A potential loss, at anything, can be a scary thought. No one likes to work hard at something and risk losing it all. But I don’t think that risks should be something to be looked at negatively. I do think that in certain cases, they are necessary for growth. To not take a risk is a risk in itself; it’s a lost opportunity to flourish.

I had tested a year early into elementary school and was always the youngest in my class growing up. Once I had gotten into middle school, the school had just introduced advance courses to get ahead of credits (yeah, I feel old). I took the challenge and enrolled into all of them. My high school counselor called me into his office my freshman year to talk about the next steps for my life. He advised that I would be eligible to graduate a year early and be one of the youngest to do so at the school, if I should want to continue the path I was on. I was hesitant because that would mean I would graduate at 16 and then head off to college that young. I told him I would consider it and left.

But one day in my advanced Geometry course, we finished a lesson early and she let us do our homework in class. I remember being diligent in finishing so I could just relax at home. She came up to my desk and in front of the students said, “You know, I thought you were just going to take up space in my class. I didn’t think you would make it this far along. I just figured you would be another Mexican statistic (a high school dropout), but I think you’re ok now.” I had no words. I didn’t know what to do. No one spoke up for me. They all just sat in silence. Now I have had racist things said to me before, but never from a teacher. That’s when the decision to graduate early was made simple.

Upon graduation, I did run into her after the ceremony. She looked stunned. I just looked at her and gave her a sweet smile. I went up to her and told her, “I guess I ended up not dropping out, huh?” and then walked away. I had been awarded many scholarships for my grades, finishing early (at the age of 16 years old) and a hefty one from my college.

But it didn’t end there. My goal at this point was to head to medical school after my prerequisites were met. I wanted to become a cardio-thoracic surgeon or an anesthesiologist. The pre-med program at my school was known to be difficult. It was to “weed out the weak ones,” per our professors. They did not hide it. Now I was the youngest one on campus and everyone knew that. They tried even harder to test me. 2 weeks in, I was calling my dad crying. I was packing my things. I told him I was done. I could not keep up. I was too tired. That week I had only gotten about 5 hours of sleep within a span of 4 days. There were too many projects, deadlines, quizzes, tests. It was too much for me. My dad told me something that stays with me to this day. He said, “Do Doctors exist? Well, that means it’s not impossible. You are just as intelligent. Keep trying.” We had this discussion every semester- including the crying.

At the age of 20, I made it through the sleepless nights and graduated with my Bachelors, but I had no work experience. That was not going to look well on my application to medical school. So here I go again, going back to school and I obtained my EMT-B license and worked for 2 private ambulance companies. I saw it all, smelt it all, even felt it all. But I felt like I was fulfilling a part of my calling in helping people. After a couple years, I decided I was done. I needed to go back to school. I took my MCAT, applied and got into medical school. I was ready. But the greatest risk hadn’t happened yet.

My dad got into a major car accident. I was devastated. He went to a chiropractor and the moment he came home, he called me. “I think you’re in the wrong field. You were meant for this, ” was all I heard. I laughed. I couldn’t believe my dad. After everything I went through to get this far along, and he wanted me to be a chiropractor?! Well, long story short (and it’s a good one- maybe another time) I got offered to go to chiropractic school, expenses paid for, for the first trimester. I had plenty of time to still go to med school or change career paths.

So, I did. And after the first trimester, I was hooked. I realized they learn about the body just as much as a medical student, perhaps even more in some areas. I could treat the body naturally. That made no sense to me. It intrigued me and I wanted to know more, Then I learned about Gonstead Chiropractic, a systematic method so specific in correcting structural changes and in consequence, correct functional issues in the body. And I dove right in.

Fast forward years later, I now own my own business alongside my fiancé. About 80% of our patients travel 45 minutes to 1 hour to see us. We have someone traveling 2 hours every week and a couple who come up from Houston (we are in Keller- North Fort Worth). All because Gonstead Chiropractic has made a difference in their life.

What have I seen? Menstrual cycles regulated (control of flow and decrease in painful symptoms) without the use of birth control, primary care providers decreasing or taking patients off thyroid or hypertension meds because they no longer need them, infants no longer dealing with colic or latching properly during breastfeeding, toddlers dealing with GI issues fixed, vertigo no longer an issue with patients, and that’s just to name a few. We don’t treat any of these conditions. However, when the nervous system is able to flow properly, these are the amazing results that occur.

Don’t get me wrong, emergency care is important when necessary. But there are alternatives to health, and I firmly believe that now. I can make an impact to someone’s life for the better without surgery or medication- which was all I had studied growing up- all because I took a risk in changing my career path. I’ve seen it and patients have cried in my office because they finally found a solution to their problem.

Was it worth it? 100%

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am not your typical chiropractor. I don’t adjust both sides of your hips, everything in your back and both sides of your neck. There’s no “pop me like a glow stick” here (insert cringe). I think you deserve more specificity than that.

Within the chiropractic world, there are different techniques- each approaching the spine differently. Our unique approach is a structural one. I am a Gonstead Chiropractor and we go more in depth in finding the root of issues and helping improve function. Now what do I mean by that? We keep the neurology and biomechanics in mind when we try to make corrections to the spine. The foundation to a building is extremely vital for the stability of the structure, so why wouldn’t the one for the spine be important?

That’s where we look to the pelvis. We need to see what position it is in and what compensations or issues are created because of it. This affects the components of the Nervous System. You have the Autonomic (the one that you don’t have to think about- breathing, reflexes, heart beating, etc), the Parasympathetic (your Rest and Digest- this is where you heal) and your Sympathetic System (your Fight or Flight – Stress mode that most of society is in). Each part of your spine influences these systems. If you are going to the correct chiropractor, they can help your body alleviate many issues.

Wait, what issues are you talking about? I must stop here for a brief second to really highlight this. We do not treat medical conditions. However, if conditions are stemming from the spine, we ultimately see a decrease or correction in issues. Some will say that’s impossible. Others will say there are no scientific studies for it. But they need to tell that to our patients- who are ultimately the ones experiencing these changes. They need to tell the ones who have gone to specialists and received little to no change in their ailments, that is, until they found us. These are their testimonies.

So, what have we seen?

Regulated menstrual cycles (decrease in cramps/headaches, regulated flow, becoming fertile after trying for many years), decrease in Thyroid or Hypertension medication (their doctors saw no need to be on high doses or on it after their checkups), regular bowl movements, correction in bedwetting, correction in vertigo/dizziness, no more pigeon toe/tip toe walking, infants latching properly during breastfeeding, mother producing milk properly, and much more. This is what patients are telling us in the office during their visits.

What I find most challenging and frustrating are the many TikTok/Reels showing how to “pop your back” at home. There are no implications of how this can damage your health in the long run. It caused laxity to the tendons and ligaments which leads to too much movement and instability to the spine. This is the sweetest and shortest way to explain it. We have many patients who ask us about a video they have seen and we have to educate them about what’s happening as a consequence.

Now, getting to this part of my life was difficult. I love what I do and love being able to help others. But it was rough getting here. I made many sacrifices and a lot of them were not met with happy responses. My family was the most understanding. However, when my social life was put on pause to pursue my dreams, I was met with resistance and sometimes it hurt. Even now, having my own business with the love of my life (he’s also a chiropractor in the office), I am still met with that same resistance. That can be quite disappointing at times.

The biggest thing I want to the world to know is that it’s never too late to improve your quality of life. Whether it is to improve or correct a condition or just to improve the body’s adaptability. There is still Hope, so let’s talk about it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am foodie at heart. I love to eat so eating out would probably be where I would take most of my friends when we hang out. But I also love to work out and be outdoors. Depending on the week/month, if there are any festivals, it would probably be at the top of my list- especially when it comes to food!

I love going to the Kings Spa in Carrolton to relax and I’m usually there for hours in the saunas. Paddle boarding on White Rock lake and visiting the Arboretum while we are next to it. Visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards is always fun and eating at one of the steakhouses in the area makes it better. One thing that I would not hesitate to stop is having a tea/boba drink. It’s my guilty treat and I absolutely love it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I would love to honor God. There’s no doubt that my Faith has driven and opened doors for me. There were moments that things seemed absolutely impossible. Certain opportunities should have never fallen into my lap, but they did. If I hadn’t built a relationship with God and known of the Promises meant for me, I may have not tried to pursue my calling, God transformed my life and gave me purpose. I don’t hide my Faith, nor do I intend to. My life would have no meaning without His presence.

Secondly, I’d like to recognize my parents and sister. There really aren’t enough words to truly show my gratitude towards the amazing family God has blessed me with. They have always believed in my dreams and that I have the necessary skills and capability to accomplish them. The countless hours of advice did not go unnoticed and without their support-in literally every possible way- I would have given up ages ago. Their encouragement and love are what helped me in my difficult and lonely moments. They are always cheering me on and the first to celebrate the victories with me. Their unconditional love filled me and helped push me to keep trying when all I wanted to do was give up. I couldn’t imagine a life without them.

I would like to also acknowledge, the love of my life and business partner, Johnny Nguyen. If he hadn’t introduced me to Gonstead Chiropractic while we were in school, I don’t think I would have shifted career paths to chiropractic. Johnny is an incredibly visionary man and hates being stagnant. He is determined to always find ways to grow. Because of this, he continuously pushes me and makes me a better person and chiropractor.

He sees the potential in me and always encourages me to reach higher. Now that we are to share not only a business, but a life together, I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else. Together, there are no obstacles because I know we will find a way. I’ve grown to know love in many forms since he’s entered my life and can’t wait to know more.

Lastly, I have friends who have supported me in this difficult journey. But there’s one that truly shines the most in my life. My most dear and loving best friend, Alexandra. She is always messaging me to see how I am doing and what’s new in my life. She never misses a beat. She genuinely celebrates each step in my life and is constantly giving me words of encouragement and prayer. She lives in Houston, but her friendship feels like she lives down the street. She is the definition of an amazing best friend. Thank you for believing in me and never making me feel silly about anything.

Website: www.thrivechirodfw.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thrivechirodfw

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thrivechirodfw

Image Credits
Maria Alarcon