Network Spinal Technique in St. Marys
Network Spinal is a gentle, low-force chiropractic approach that uses light, precise touch along the spine to help your body release tension and move with more ease.
Prairie Star Chiropractic
Network Spinal Technique in St. Marys
Not everyone wants, or needs, a traditional adjustment. Network Spinal is one of the gentlest forms of chiropractic care: instead of thrusting joints into place, Dr. Durbin uses light, precise touch at specific points along the spine to help your body notice where it is holding tension and begin to let it go. Many people find it deeply relaxing, and it can be a good fit if you feel "wound up," carry stress in your neck and back, or simply prefer a softer approach.
How it works
What to expect with Network Spinal Technique
- Step 1
Thorough initial exam
We start with your health history, your goals, and a full spinal and postural exam, so we can confirm Network Spinal is appropriate for you and rule out anything that needs a different kind of care.
- Step 2
Gentle, precise contacts
While you rest comfortably and fully clothed on the table, Dr. Durbin applies light, specific touch at gateway points along the spine. There is no thrusting, twisting, or popping.
- Step 3
Care that progresses with you
Network care is delivered over a series of visits. We check in on how you are breathing, moving, and feeling, and adjust the plan as your body learns to release tension more easily.
Benefits at a glance
Benefits of Network Spinal Technique
Very gentle, low-force touch with no cracking or twisting
Helps you recognize and release built-up physical tension
Many people notice easier, deeper breathing over the course of care
A good option if traditional adjustments feel too intense
Complements other chiropractic and wellness care
Appropriate for a wide range of ages and comfort levels
The basics
About Network Spinal Technique
Stress, old injuries, and long hours at a desk all leave a mark on how you hold your body. Over time, many people settle into protective patterns: shoulders creeping up, a tight jaw, shallow breathing, a back that never quite relaxes. Network Spinal (originally called Network Spinal Analysis, or NSA) was developed by Dr. Donald Epstein to work with those patterns rather than against them.
The approach focuses on "spinal gateways," areas near the neck and the base of the spine where the protective membranes around the spinal cord attach. Gentle, sustained contacts at these points act as cues. Over a series of visits, many people notice their breathing deepening and their spine making small, natural rhythmic movements as tension releases. The goal is not to force a single bone into position, but to help your body build better strategies for adapting to everyday stress.
New Patient Special
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A first-visit special for new patients.
Book your first visit
Book online in a minute, or call and we will find a time that fits your day.
Self-pay and cash-pay practice.
What is Network Spinal?
Network Spinal is a gentle, low-force chiropractic approach that works with your nervous system’s own ability to adapt. Rather than moving a single joint with a quick thrust, Dr. Durbin makes light, specific contacts at key “gateway” areas of the spine, most often near the neck and the base of the spine. These contacts serve as cues that help your body notice where it is holding tension and begin to release it.
Developed by Dr. Donald Epstein and originally called Network Spinal Analysis (NSA), the approach is delivered over a series of visits. As care progresses, many people notice their breathing becoming fuller and their spine making small, natural rhythmic movements. Those responses are a normal part of how the body lets go of tension, and they look a little different for everyone.
What to expect
Your first visit begins with a conversation about your health history, what you are feeling, and what you hope to get out of care. We then perform a full spinal and postural exam. If imaging is needed to guide your care, we can take X-rays in the office. You will leave knowing what we found and whether Network Spinal is the right fit.
During a Network visit, you rest fully clothed on a padded table while Dr. Durbin makes a series of light, precise contacts along your spine. There is no cracking, twisting, or forceful pressure. Visits are usually brief, and most people describe them as calming. Between visits, we may suggest simple habits, such as breathing awareness, movement breaks, and posture tips, to support what is happening on the table.
Who it helps
Network Spinal can be a good fit if you:
- Carry chronic tension in your neck, shoulders, or back, or deal with recurring neck pain or back pain
- Get tension-type headaches that build with stress and long days
- Struggle with poor posture from desk work, phones, or driving
- Feel stressed or “wired” and want a gentle way to support your body’s ability to settle, alongside our mood balance care
- Prefer a softer alternative to traditional chiropractic adjustments
If you want low-force care focused on one specific joint, the instrument-based Activator Method is another gentle option. You can also continue with periodic wellness care once your initial goals are met.
Why choose Prairie Star Chiropractic
At Prairie Star Chiropractic in St. Marys, we believe care should fit the person, not the other way around. Offering Network Spinal alongside traditional chiropractic techniques means we can match your care to your body, your comfort level, and your goals. You will always know what we found, what we are doing, and why.
Our New Patient Special makes your first visit simple and affordable, and you can book an appointment online.
Related conditions
Conditions related to Network Spinal Technique
What is Network Spinal?+
Network Spinal (originally Network Spinal Analysis, or NSA) is a gentle chiropractic approach developed by Dr. Donald Epstein. It uses light, precise touch at specific points along the spine to help the nervous system recognize and release tension, rather than using a forceful adjustment to move individual joints.
How is it different from a traditional chiropractic adjustment?+
A traditional adjustment applies a quick, targeted thrust to restore motion in a specific joint. Network Spinal uses much lighter, sustained contacts and focuses on the overall pattern of tension in your spine and body. You may receive both. We will recommend whichever approach best fits your exam findings and preferences.
Does Network Spinal hurt?+
No. The contacts are light, often lighter than a handshake. Most people find the experience calming. If anything feels uncomfortable, simply let us know and we will adjust.
What are the "waves" people mention?+
As care progresses, many people notice two natural responses. One is a breathing pattern that seems to move along the spine, and the other is a gentle, rhythmic movement of the spine and torso. They are signs that the body is releasing tension, and they vary from person to person.
What should I wear, and what happens during a visit?+
Wear comfortable clothing. You will lie on a padded table, usually face down or face up, while Dr. Durbin makes a series of gentle contacts along your spine. Visits are typically brief, and you can rest for a moment afterward before getting up.
How many visits will I need?+
Network care is designed to unfold over a series of visits rather than a single session. After your exam, we will recommend a schedule based on your goals and how your body responds, and we will review your progress together along the way.
Can Network Spinal help with stress?+
Many people seek out Network Spinal because they feel tense or overwhelmed, and they often describe feeling calmer and more at ease in their bodies with care. It is not a treatment for any mental health condition and does not replace care from your physician or counselor, but it can be a supportive part of your overall wellness.
Can I combine Network Spinal with other care?+
Yes. Network Spinal fits well alongside other chiropractic care and healthy habits like regular movement, good sleep, and stress management. We will coordinate everything into one clear plan.
How does payment work for Network Spinal care?+
Prairie Star Chiropractic is a self-pay and cash-pay practice, so we do not bill insurance. We walk you through the cost of care before you begin, and new patients can start with our New Patient Special.
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