Introducing Thousand Oaks Chiropractor Dr. Christian Alvarez
“The body heals itself.” I remember that statement so vividly long before I was Dr. Chris Alvarez. Back then I was just Chris. That’s that first thing I heard from my first chiropractor. He was also a family friend. I was eight years old at the time. I didn't know I was going to dedicate my life to Chiropractic care, but I did know that was a key, profound experience of my youth that sent me down the path I am on today. For me, the journey even included a fight between life and death.
My dad and grandfather were both dentists and for most of my life dentistry was where I thought my life would take me. But something happened to me at age 14 that changed my life. Until then, I had been a quiet young man never wanting to rock the boat or stand out. I was playing high school sports and burning the candle at every possible end. I liked to golf and it helped take my mind of things. Everyone needs an outlet. One Sunday evening after hitting the links, I had noticed some red dots on my waist line. Mom looked at it and thought they looked suspicious.
That morning I had volleyball practice. After practice I noticed more spots and even bruises all along my arms and shoulders. It had looked like I got beat up with a baseball bat. Needless to say I was pretty confused and even a little scared. Mom picked me up from school and took me to our family doctor. He did an exam and had a troubled look on his face. He sent me to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. I remember waiting in the emergency room. There were at least twenty people waiting, some looked as if they were deathly ill. On the waiting room wall hung big sign stating “please be patient - we give priority to the most severe cases.” Next thing I know I am being escorted in to see the doctor.
From there I knew I was in trouble. The doctors gave me three "clotting tests." I was told each one should take thirty seconds or less and in my case, each one took more than fifteen minutes. The doctors concluded that I was bleeding internally and my blood was not clotting well at all. They told my parents in a cold and unemotionally tone that I may be a hemophiliac, or suffering from cancer, perhaps that I had AIDS. This was at the height of the AIDS scare. There I was, 14 years old laying in a hospital bed surrounded by pillows and all I remember were the nurses checking in 24/7 to make sure I was still alive.
I remember promising myself that if I did survive my ordeal, I would live everyday like its my last. After two bone marrow specimens and gallons of blood taken out of my arm, the doctors concluded that I was fine. Stating that I had idiopathic peticia, aka low platelets, caused by an unknown origin. Platelets are the elements in your blood that stop you from "bleeding out." From then on, my life profoundly changed. I started to question everything - even doctors and the role of medicine. With all that technology and all those tests they had know idea why or even how I got sick. I was so sick that if I would have been hit in the head during practice that fateful morning, I would have died right there on the volleyball court. No doctor, medicine or surgery healed me that day. My body did it all on its own. The body does heal itself. I’m living proof.
I began my pre-chiropractic education at CSU Northridge where I studied the basic sciences such as inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and biology, along with basic physiology and anatomy courses.
After completing my study there, I was accepted at Palmer College of Chiropractic in San Jose, CA. During my four years at Palmer, courses included sports chiropractic, human physiology, X-ray, diagnosis, chiropractic adjusting techniques and patient care. At Palmer, I was president and head of the Sports program. During that time, I developed a core curriculum for the Palmer West Sports Council. After graduating in 1998, I returned to southern California to establish his practice. I am dedicated to improving my patient's lives through my unique practice and philosophy.
The bottom line is, I love my job. I can't even say that without a smile washing over my face. I still remember the concerns and apprehension I had when I went to the chiropractor for the first time. So we make it a point to explain everything in advance, answer questions and attempt to over communicate. Patients really appreciate that.
Thank you for visiting our site. I know it can be a source of hope and healing if you let it. If you have any questions, please call me or click on the "Email the Doctor" button at the bottom of every page.
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