Aligned Integrative Healthcare

09/24/2025

These are my scans, so there's no HIPAA violation here. 2015 left, 2023 middle, 2024 on the right. These images were all taken in a seated/weight bearing MRI - thanks Stand Up MRI & Diagnostic Center, P.A. for having great equipment locally. Weight bearing spine MRI is the top choice for assessing dynamic issues like discogenic pathology or stenosis because it helps show how tissue responds to gravity. 99% of the time this is what I refer for. Often when I have supine images from previous I will let patients know the limitations of those studies, and sometimes we wind up ordering weight bearing scans.

Anyway, this is an example of why I'm not a fan of "fixing curves" or digging too deep into posture with people.

It is pretty clear here that I definitely improved the curve in my neck from 2015-2023. I did a lot of things to work on that. The problem is that ALL of the previously problematic discs ALL got worse/herniations got larger and ventral thecal sac/cord impingement/stenosis all also worsened.

(I had a few people ask me to attach a normal cervical MRI after posting this, so I added what "normal" would look like)

After consultation with a neurosurgeon who said that he would likely replace "at least 2 discs" in 2023 I added in spinal decompression, along with ongoing home exercises and things did improve, both structurally and symptomatically. The numbness, tingling and pain that would radiate into my shoulders, upper back, down my arms and to my hands went away and overall neck pain also improved dramatically. Still holding off on surgery, active and exercising regularly.

If you're trying to "fix your curves" and not seeing improvement in symptoms there may be more at play.

Give us a call. We'd be happy to help you. 386-310-8096

09/11/2025

08/14/2025

We do things quite a bit differently.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGfvR-jSUDH/?igsh=ZXo1MGJ2eG5kZ2l5

07/29/2025

Well... here are numerous reasons you have had ongoing neck/upper back pain and intermittent tingling/numbness in the hands, as well as ongoing back pain, hip and even foot symptoms.

Sometimes you just need to get some diagnostic tests/advanced imaging so you can treat APPROPRIATELY.

This patient's previous providers dismissed them and said they were "inflamed." (Sed rate and C-reactive protein on blood tests are both low - both biomarkers for inflammation)

It is abhorrent that this person's previous physicians "treated" them this way and refused to do a detailed work up.

We all need to do better.

These MRIs were NOT aggressively interpreted, either. I look at all imaging as well as reports on every person I try to help.

Now we've got some answers and will get their pain and symptoms down and improve their quality of life.

07/08/2025

When neck pain and headaches are both more complex than you thought.

This patient has had numerous traumas and was sent out for stress x-rays and we diagnosed with upper cervical instability (likely alar ligaments damaged in the upper cervical spine). They also have a neurological issue termed "oculomotor dysfunction," which is a problem with motor control in the eyes. This is thought to result from "disturbed afferent input from the cervical joint and myscle receptors [dysafferentation]."

This will often times occur after trauma, especially a motor vehicle crash. When the joints are literally moving too much, the muscles will work over time and this combination can lead to all sorts of funky symptoms... Including issues with hand eye coordination.

Majority of the time I find these patients respond VERY favorably to targeted rehabilitation.

If you are struggling, have not found answers or treatment that helps you may have something like this. Give me a call for a thorough evaluation and we'll get it cleared up together.

06/23/2025

If you hurt, it's important to try to understand why. There are two major causes - chemical and mechanical. These can be on a sliding scale, but for clinicians treating patients with pain, it's important to understand the difference, as this will help guide appropriate treatment.

If you've got sciatica, for example, on and off for months or years, that comes and goes and varies in intensity, that's likely mechanical.

On the other hand, if you just fell through an attic and have lower back pain and sciatica, that's probably chemical.

Where do you land?

If you've been dealing with the mechanical version give me a call. These can sometimes be a really easy fix. 386-310-8096

06/20/2025

Chronic bilateral hip pain ongoing > a year. Pt needed quality exams, mechanical assessment and the right rehab/exercise based protocol. After gait analysis pt had a lateral bounce with each step and moderate-severe external hip rotation with minimal hip extension. Identified some hip issues as well as a lumbar spine derangement.

Started with clearing up the lumbar spine then worked in some target focused hip exercises and saw pretty rapid improvement.

Walked out of the office almost normal. 🫡🇺🇸

06/04/2025

Little bit of assitance to help get comfortable with the hip hinge. She needs some help with hip stability/motor control and balance to prep for all the walking she'll be doing in Italy in a few weeks.

Everybody is an athlete ... on some level!

06/03/2025

He who treats the site of pain is lost, and more tragically so is his patient!” - Dr Karel Lewit

Patient was initially walking like a penguin. Walked out with almost perfect gait. Lumbar spine derangement and hip stability/motor control dysfunction likely stemming from decades of low back pain.

Hip exams totally negative. Patient self reported a "B" for home care/exercises over a 2 week span.

05/26/2025

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02/18/2025

🌀 Struggling with Pain? Here's Why My Approach Works.

Not all treatments are created equal. My unique, evidence-based methods combine expert training and holistic care to provide real results.

✅ McKenzie Method® Certified – Proven to reduce pain and improve mobility in over 80% of cases (McKenzie Institute USA, 2020).
✅ Primary Spine Practitioner (University of Pittsburgh) – Advanced training in spinal care for better diagnosis and treatment (University of Pittsburgh, 2019).
✅ Functional Medicine Certified – Addresses root causes like inflammation and nutrition for lasting relief (American Academy of Functional Medicine, 2022).

Why choose me?

Personalized, comprehensive care
Faster, more accurate diagnosis and treatments
Long-term pain relief and improved mobility
📞 Book your appointment today and take your life back!
386-310-8096

Recent reviews:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dr. V has absolutely turned my life around. I’ve had chronic lower back pain for over 5 years and lost all confidence after going to so many different chiropractors and doctors. Almost immediately after explaining all that I’ve been through and what my pain was and everything, he was quick to know exactly what was wrong with me and had exercises ready to fix it. He is not only super knowledgeable but he is personable and truly makes it feel like he cares about you as a person, unlike my past experiences. Absolutely happy with him and the results and I recommend all to him.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I met James Valcarcel at the Primary Spine Practitioner program in Pittsburgh in 2017 and he’s become one of my most trusted colleagues. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve reached out to him through the years to spitball lab work concerns I had for my patients and, just as importantly, for advice on my own health.

I would recommend Dr. Valcarcel without hesitation. He is just simply better and more knowledgeable than most of the clinicians in his field. If you’re already his patient, then you know this. If you aren’t, just be reassured he’ll be more than up to the task whenever you need him.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’ve been working with Dr. V for the past three months, and I can confidently say I’ve never felt better. Dr. V takes the time to evaluate issues from a whole-body and mind perspective, ensuring that every aspect of my health is considered. What really sets him apart is the time and care he dedicates to each session. He never rushes our appointments and often goes over an hour to thoroughly discuss and educate me about my concerns. It’s rare to find a healthcare provider who is as patient, attentive, and committed to helping you achieve true well-being. I’m grateful for his support and highly recommend Aligned Integrative Healthcare to anyone looking for a thoughtful, integrative approach to their health.