I am Dr. Cherner, the founder and lead clinician at Smart Spine and Rehab. My mission is simple: I help people move past pain using evidence-based therapeutic exercise and functional rehabilitation. I am a movement science nerd, a biomechanics obsessive, and a firm believer that your body is a high-performance machine that occasionally needs a better manual.
If you're looking for old fashioned manual therapy, passive chiropractic adjustments, or therapeutic massage you've come to the wrong place. But if you are excited about moving your body pain free to live a life full of active adventures, whether it be in competitive sport, travel, or chasing after your kids, this is the practice for you!
The Professional Reputation: Science over Hype
I earned my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and this gave me a deep understanding of the mind-body connection. However, I wanted to fix the physical mechanics of the human frame. I went on to graduate from the National University of Health Sciences with my Doctor of Chiropractic degree. After finding that passive therapy doesn't yield long lasting results, I spent years in post-graduate certification programs learning how to address the root cause of injury mechanisms and that active exercise therapy is the only true way to relieve and prevent pain.
I am board-certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and maintain active memberships with the American Chiropractic Association, the Illinois Chiropractic Society, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine. But titles are just letters on a wall. What actually matters to you is how I use that knowledge to get you back to your life.
At Smart Spine and Rehab, we don't just "crack" things and send you on your way. We don't waste time with passive modalities like e-stim and TENS units; we use innovative neuromechanical methods that truly train your brain to move better, prevent injuries, avoid pain, and live your active life to the fullest. We use a combination of:
- The McKenzie Method® (MDT): A globally recognized system of assessment and transition for spinal and extremity disorders.
- Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization® (DNS): A breakthrough approach based on developmental kinesiology (how babies learn to move).
- Therapeutic Exercise: Specifically designed to reinforce your body's structural integrity and prevent injuries.
What Is “Stability First” (and Why Should You Care)?
If your body doesn’t feel stable, your brain puts the brakes on. That shows up as pain, guarding, “tight” muscles, and the feeling that your body is betraying you.
Here’s what Stability First means for you:
- Less pain. Faster. Better input to the nervous system changes symptoms quickly.
- Better movement under load. Pick up your kids. Train. Work. Live.
- A plan you can actually follow. Simple, progressive therapeutic exercise—not random stuff.
What Happens When You Come In?
You get a clear assessment and a plan you can use right away. No drama. No guessing.
Expect:
- DNS breathing + “core canister” work to build real stability (yes, it can feel like “baby breathing” at first)
- McKenzie press-ups and directional work when your spine needs it (TREAT YOURSELF at home)
- Sports rehab logic applied to real life (because your back doesn’t care if you got hurt at CrossFit or doing laundry)
If you’ve been Googling neck pain physical therapy, you’re in the right neighborhood. The goal is the same: reduce pain, restore function, and keep it from coming back.
Quick Facts So You Feel Like You Know Me
- I’ll talk exercise biomechanics with you the way other people talk fantasy football.
- Favorite places: Sedona, Italy, Spain, and Milford Sound, New Zealand (I like views that make your brain reboot).
- I’ve done the penguin parade in Melbourne, Australia. 10/10. Still think about it.
- I’m a sports mom. My two boys keep me busy with soccer, swim, water polo, and baseball—so yes, I get the “please save the season” urgency.
