Beyond the Crack: Chiropractic for Peak Performance & Well-Being with Dr. Zev Mellman

Welcome to Episode 53 of the Back to Human PodcastIn this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Zev Mellman, a chiropractor based in South Florida who brings a radically holistic and human-centered approach to healing. Dr. Zev works with everyone from elite athletes and music artists to members of the general population—including underserved communities and even the homeless. His mission is simple: restore function, reduce suffering, and make quality care accessible to all.We dive deep into the philosophy, science, and controversies behind chiropractic care, and explore why Zev believes this work is about far more than just cracking backs.In this conversation, we explore:How Zev first discovered chiropractic and what drew him to this pathThe history of chiropractic—and how the Flexner Report nearly wiped it outWhat actually happens physiologically during an adjustmentWhy people return for care even when it "works" the first timeWhy chiropractic hasn’t been fully adopted by Western medicine despite its resultsWhether Zev has ever regretted an adjustment or unintentionally caused harmThe difference between spinal adjustments and soft tissue/fascial workWhy self-adjusting can do more harm than goodHow modern medicine often suppresses symptoms rather than resolving root issuesVitalism vs. Mechanism — the fundamental worldview shift between chiropractic and conventional medicineHow research like the Manga Report highlights chiropractic's superiority for certain conditionsThe connection between posture, mood, stress hormones, and performanceHow spinal adjustments have both localized and systemic effectsWhy Zev adjusts barefoot—and what it says about his connection to the healing processAllostasis, allodynia, and the body’s burden of chronic stressThe spine as a sensory organ—and how it constantly communicates with the brainWhy chiropractic may help with emotional regulation, neurological resilience, and overall well-being—not just back painHow Zev responds to criticism and handles being labeled a “quack”The impact of diet, emotions, and lifestyle on pain and healingWhy he built his pricing model around accessibility—with the single mother of three in mindTo learn more about Zev and his work, follow him on all platforms @drzevtv.