More Than Just Adjustments

Nicole Sebula

A few months back I was having a sharp pain in my shoulder blade that wouldn’t go away no matter what I tried to do to fix it.  Granted I was procrastinating doing anything in the beginning to resolve the issue.  I have in the past gone to various chiropractors throughout the area to relieve back pain and reluctantly I figured that is what I would have to do again this time.

It had been years since my last chiropractor visit, and I wasn’t even sure if my last doctor was still in business.  Trying to figure out what to do, I noticed a new place that opened up a few minutes from my house.  Hell, I drove past it enough I figured I would give it a try, worst case I don’t think they could make me feel any worse (or at least I hope that wouldn’t happen).

I called Steel City Chiropractic and made an appointment.  The moment I walked into the waiting room I noticed three things, 1. The WVU lamp sitting prominently in the waiting room area… I mean come on, this is Pittsburgh… Steelers/Pens/ PITT Backyard Brawls… and ok, sometimes the Pirates… and I find a chiropractor that is a WVU graduate/fan?! I can’t even fathom, but I digress… 2. Their approach to chiropractic relief is different than any other place I have visited in the past.  I learned this when my back was scanned with a device hooked up to a computer that resembled a check-out scanner.  And lastly, the signage that asked for donations for that month’s charity.

While the idea of having a monthly charity drive might seem overwhelming to some, it is literally a way of life for the Steel City crew.  The 30-something year old chiropractor makes Steel City’s mission to help others that are less fortunate in the community.  The idea of giving back to the community made me more compelled to go to this practice in this day and age there are not that many people and/or business that can/will give back to the community on a yearly basis let alone a monthly one. 

The thought of giving back to the community doesn’t necessarily end with just donating a good.  If you are a new patient and bring a donation for that month’s event, your first day’s appointment cost will be taken care of, creating a ‘win/win’ situation for the patient, the practice, and the charity of the month.  Not a bad deal, as the examination is pretty thorough and definitely worth the price of a donation.

Some of the worthy causes that have been on the receiving end of Steel City’s staff and patients’ generosity are Angel Tree, Children’s Hospital, and the Boy Scouts.  They have also done clothing and coat drives for the homeless (this past December they collected 64 coats).  There have also been school supply drives and supplies for soldiers.  In the spring/summer months Steel City usually does a food drive, not your typical time to do a food drive, but after talking with Dr. Montesano, it makes sense.  During the winter months and especially around the holidays, the food banks get an overabundance of donations; this way, their contributions are given when the holiday stockpile has diminished somewhat.

Currently Dr. Montesano and crew are collecting board games for Children’s Hospital, dubbing the event ‘Gift of Games’.  Any new and unopened board game will be excepted, keeping in mind that these are going to children, they even listed a few ideas on their website.

In the near future Dr. Montesano would like to do something with a no-kill animal shelter.  The proud owner of a new puppy, he would like to do something for those he couldn’t adopt.  If he had his way, he would adopt them all, but practicality takes over, and he realizes that perhaps an animal food drive or toys for pups would be more logical.  The Steel City crew also plans to do food drives again for the local food banks as well as the supplies for the armed forces. 

If you would like to participate in one of the philanthropic events or if you are just in need of an adjustment, might I suggest you take a look at Steel City’s website, give them a call, or make an appointment and kill two birds with one stone.   Oh and don’t forget to wear your Pitt gear with pride, as I did every time I went for a visit.

Nicole Sebula is an editor at The New Yinzer.  When not editing TNY, Nicole works full time at the University of Pittsburgh.  Nicole published her first book, My Crazy Life and is now trying to figure out subject matter for a second possible book.