ABOUT CARLSON CHIROPRACTIC
OUR MISSION
Chiropractic care and maintenance uses the basic principle of putting the patient first, since we don’t prescribe drugs to relieve symptoms but rather work with patient’s body through manual adjustments, muscle stimulation and nutrition. In other words, health has more to do with making sure the body is functioning properly rather than making sure the patient feels good for a short period of time. If the body is working the way it should, then the patient should feel great—period.
OUR DOCTORS
Dr. Steven M. Carlson, DC
Dr. Carlson is the founder, the cornerstone, and the heartbeat of Carlson Chiropractic Center.
He graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences before earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree summa cum laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1996. After several years in a group practice in Florida, he and his wife, Heather, made the move to Joplin and founded Carlson Chiropractic Center in 2003. More than 20 years later, he’s still doing what he loves—helping people feel better and live healthier lives.What makes Doc tick? People. He’s spent nearly three decades watching patients walk in hunched over in pain and walk out ready to get back to living their lives. The Joplin community has recognized that commitment as well. Carlson Chiropractic Center has been honored multiple times as a Joplin Globe Favorite of the Four States, named a KOAM Four States Finest, and nominated for Small Business of the Year by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.
Outside the office, you’ll often find Doc on the golf course, logging miles on a longwalk, shredding trails on his mountain bike, or wake surfing with his family at Beaver Lake. He’s also an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs fan, and he and Heather enjoy traveling whenever they have the chance. Their two sons were raised in Joplin, and the family continues to grow with the addition of a wonderful daughter-in-law. Their son Cade is following in his dad’s footsteps as part of the next generation of chiropractors in the family.
Doc’s connection to Joplin extends well beyond the practice. Over the years, he’s coached countless little league baseball and basketball teams, proudly supported Joplin Bright Futures and the Joplin Miracle League, and called Hope City Church home. He’s as Joplin as it gets.
Ask Dr. Carlson what he’s mostproud of, and he’ll tell you it’s the team he’s built at Carlson Chiropractic Center and the patients they have the privilege of serving every day.
DR. NIKOLAY
Dr. Nikolay graduated with Honors from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, before continuing his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic, where he again graduated with Honors.
Dr. Nikolay first experienced the benefits of chiropractic care during elementary school and continued to see its impact throughout his life as an athlete, student, and doctor. His passion for chiropractic comes from seeing firsthand how proper care can improve the way people feel, move, and function.
A lifelong sports enthusiast and former multi-sport athlete, Dr. Nikolay continues to stay active through hobbies that include golf, hiking, and exploring national parks with his wife Rachel. During football season, patients quickly learn that he remains a dedicated Packers fan.
Dr. Nikolay is passionate about caring for patients as though they were family, helping them understand chiropractic care and creating personalized treatment plans that support long-term health and wellness.
DR. TURLEY
Dr. Turley’s path to chiropractic care began through personal experience. After playing college football, back injuries led him to seek chiropractic treatment. The results were life-changing and ultimately inspired his decision to become the kind of doctor who helps others recover, move better, and return to doing what they love.
Dr. Turley earned his undergraduate degree from Harding University with concentrations in Exercise Science and Social Science before completing his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Cleveland University–Kansas City. His background gives him a strong understanding of how the body moves, performs, and heals.
Outside the office, Dr. Turley enjoys spending time on the golf course, following football, and being at home with his wife—his middle school sweetheart—and their two dachshunds, Walter and Wilson. Their family is also growing, with baby Turley arriving this September.
Dr. Turley is passionate about helping patients improve function, reduce pain, and build healthier lives through personalized chiropractic care.
OUR AWARDS
