A fresh face in local healthcare has arrived in Newton with the recent opening of a new chiropractic practice. Hickory native Dr. Alec Ivey, a graduate of Life University in Marietta, Georgia, officially opened his doors to patients on Oct. 20. With a mission to serve the community with quality, compassionate chiropractic care, Ivey shared his excitement about the constant stream of visitors and reaction to the opening of his practice.
"It's been steady," he said. "I saw a good number of patients, and for being the first week, I was thoroughly impressed. Word is getting out there. We're getting phone calls not just about pricing, but questions about what we do."
The practice, which is a family affair with Dr. Ivey’s wife, Alyssa, handling operations and their young son, Asher, monitoring the day-to-day activity of the family’s establishment, emphasizes more than just pain relief.
"Chiropractic is about keeping the spine in alignment to allow the body to naturally heal itself the way it's designed to do," he explained. "The body's smart—it has all these mechanisms to defend and protect itself. People come in hurting and in pain, but I hope they leave with more than relief: a bit of knowledge, happiness, and healing."
For those curious about the process, Dr. Ivey makes it accessible. Appointments can be booked online, by phone, or even as walk-ins for now. New patients undergo a comprehensive initial exam, including muscle testing, reflex checks, posture analysis, and X-rays if needed.
"It's full one-on-one attention," he said. "I answer any questions, and then we do the adjustment."
To enhance comfort, the practice offers relaxing modalities like heat packs with hydrators—described as a "steam towel" treatment to loosen muscles—and a newly arrived cold light laser for targeted therapy.
"Everybody needs a chiropractor, just like a dentist," Dr. Ivey asserted. "It's not just for pain; it's maintenance. Even if you're not hurting, it can prevent issues or slow degeneration in joints and discs by applying motion to parts of the spine that haven't moved in a long time."
Choosing Newton for his practice was a natural fit. "It just fell into place," he recalled. His father owns a building in town, and when this space became available, "I'm from Hickory, born and raised, and I want to bring this passion to the community and surrounding areas so people can benefit like I've benefited."
The doctor, who completed four years of undergraduate studies followed by four years of chiropractic college and a six-month internship under Dr. John Miller in Meridian, is held to the same standards as medical doctors. As a ‘portal entry doctor’, Dr. Ivey say’s he can diagnose via X-rays, refer to specialists like orthopedists, and is liable for any oversights.
"There's more to it than just 'come in, lay down, crack your back,'" he emphasized. "I want people to understand that."
Dr. Ivey is particularly passionate about educating the community about chiropractic, noting that areas like Newton County and nearby states lag in chiropractic awareness compared to places like Georgia.
"Around here, people ask, 'What do you do’, while in other places, everybody has a chiropractor—it's routine,” he said. “I aim to change that by ensuring patients leave informed and eager to spread the word.”
Choosing Newton for his practice was a natural fit. When learning that a building owned by his father, Dustin Ivey, was going to be available, he knew that was where he wanted to be established.
"It just fell into place," he said. “I'm from Hickory, born and raised, and I want to bring this passion to the community and surrounding areas so people can benefit like I've benefited.”
As the practice gains momentum, Dr. Ivey is excited for the opportunity to diversify Newton’s healthcare options and promote preventive wellness.
"I want this practice to grow and the community to benefit. It's good for the people and the city—bringing a new avenue for folks to explore.”
Ivey Family Chiropractic is located at 9431 Eastside Drive Ext., Suite A in Newton. To book an appointed, call them at 601-635-3025. Appointments can also be scheduled online at iveyfamilychripractic.janeapp.com. Walk-ins are currently welcomed.
