A lifelong resident of Mountain Lakes, Dr. Nancy Smith graduated from Mountain Lakes High School, attended the University of New Hampshire, and then pursed her degree as a Doctor of Chiropractic. She has been serving this community and Morris County for more than 25 years.

Q. How did you begin your journey to holistic health and chiropractic?

A. Unfortunately, my worst nightmare became the catalyst for my life’s work. In the early spring of 1977, I was a senior at the University of New Hampshire and was experiencing the same anxiety that I see in my daughter’s eyes today (she’s a college senior herself). “Where am I going?” Not a literal question, but a metaphorical one. I couldn’t see my path … how my life was going to unfold.

Driving home one evening, pondering this question, I found myself caught off guard by a blinding snowstorm, not uncommon for this part of the country at this time of year. My crawling speed and tight grip on the wheel were of no value. My car skidded off the road and slammed into a tree. I was trapped and badly injured and I knew my car was buried deep in the woods and probably not visible from the road. “Oh my God, please don’t let me die here!” was my last conscious thought.

I woke in the morning in a hospital bed, badly injured. Severe neck and lower back injuries was the diagnosis I was asked to digest when I regained consciousness. I saw the concern in my parents’ eyes and knew that this was bad. “But I’m a skier. I’m a runner. I have a tennis match this week.” The terms surgery, medication and life-long restrictions were being tossed around by the doctors. My parents nodded their acquiescence, as I sat dumbfounded and angry in my hospital bed. My inability to accept this prognosis was, I believe, the beginning of my journey to holistic health and ultimately into the field of Chiropractic.

Q. How has Chiropractic treatment helped you, personally?

A. Today, I ski, I run, I play tennis, I travel, and I live the life of a vibrant, healthy woman. Through Chiropractic treatment, I have fully healed from injuries that would have dictated much of my life had I sought another avenue [of treatment]. And I have helped countless people in our community do the same.

Q. Do you have a philosophy that guides your practice?

A. My practice is guided by this simple belief; I seek to treat root issues. If you have pain, discomfort or any element of dis-ease, it has a source. This discomfort, your body’s signal, indicates a misalignment that impinges nerve flow (energy flow) and deprives your organs and tissues of the life force. Each spinal misalignment results in a direct and corresponding effect on your nervous system, and consequently on your overall health. Align the spine, and the body will heal itself.

If you have a question you would like answered by Dr. Smith, email it to [email protected], call 973-267-7744, or visit her website, DrNancySmith.net.