About the Doctor

Community Chiropractic Center 
126 S. Jefferson St., Woodstock, IL 60098 
815.337.5500

' It is the body that is the hero, not antibiotics, not machines or new devices… The task of the physician today is what it has always been, to help the body do what it has learned so well to do on its own during its unending struggle for survival- to heal itself.'

-Ronald J. Glasser, MD

A graduate of the College of Lake County in 1984 and Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1987, Dr. Merkling holds active licenses in Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas. He began treating patients in 1988. Since 1990 he has owned and operated his thriving Woodstock practice, caring for more than 2000 patients in our community.

With more than 1,200 hours of continuing education credits, Dr. Merkling is committed to ongoing studies that enable him to provide patients with the most current and effective techniques for patient care. Utilizing Pettibon Spinal Biomechanic Techniques as well as Wellness Principles, Dr. Merkling helps patients return to an active, healthy, vital lifestyle. Not only is this possible, but it is a regular occurrence at Community Chiropractic Center. 

Dr. Merkling is driven by his desire to unleash the body's potential to go beyond mere existence and toleration to reach a higher level of living. He does not want anyone to miss out on life because of pain and physical limitations. With attentive and specific chiropractic care he is able to remove nerve interference, restructure excessive or diminished spinal curves, resolve symptoms and restore function that was once lost. He helps his patients get back to living by awakening the human body's greatest power...the ability to heal itself.

Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

• 1987, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Doctor of Chiropractic
• 1981-1984, College of Lake County, pre-requisite curriculum

POSITIONS HELD

1989 - Present, Owner/Operator Sole proprietor 
Community Chiropractic Center 
126 S Jefferson St, Woodstock, IL 60098 
Opened and established a successful independent practice from ground floor that currently operates with three employees.

1988-1989, Associate DC 
Miler Chiropractic, 220 Geri Lane, Richmond, Kentucky 40475

Feb - May 1988, Associate DC 
Chirotech of Kentucky, Owensboro, Kentucky

CONTINUING EDUCATION

• 2007 24 hrs Cranial Release Technique Mastery Class
• 2007 12 hrs Wellness Practice Certification Module 2, Life Chiropractic College West
• 2007 12 hrs Wellness Practice Certification Module 1, Life Chiropractic College West
• 2007 4 hrs The Masters Circle Master Plan 2007, Life Chiropractic College West
• 2006 14 hrs Contact Reflex Analysis, Life Chiropractic College West
• 2006 5.5 hrs The Masters Circle-Winter 2006, Life Chiropractic College West
• 2005 4 hrs Documenting for Medicare Demonstration Project
• 2005 4 hrs HIPAA Security Course, Mario Fucianari, DC
• 2004 12 hrs Validating Chiropractic
• 2004 12 hrs Balancing Human Hormones II, Janet Lang, DC
• 2003 20 hrs Footlevelers Fall Mega Conference
• 2002 12 hrs Pettibon Spinal Biomechanics1555-4, Dennis Woggon, DC
• 2002 12 hrs Pettibon Spinal Biomechanics Scoliosis Seminar, Dennis Woggon, DC
• 2001 12 hrs Pettibon Spinal Biomechanics 1555-5, Gary Lawrence, DC
• 2001 12 hrs Pettibon Spinal Biomechanics 1555-4, Dennis Woggon, DC
• 2001 12 hrs Pettibon Spinal Biomechanics 1555-3, Burl Pettibon, DC
• 2001 12 hrs Pettibon Spinal Biomechanics 1555-1, Burl Pettibon, DC
• 1999 12 hrs Validating Chiropractic 1999 Research Studies
• 1998 12 hrs Alliance for Success with Footlevelers
• 1997 12 hrs Extremities on the Drop Piece Table
• 1996 12 hrs Chiropractic Management of Cranio-Cervical Dysfunction
• 1995 11 hrs Lumbar Distraction Technique
• 1994 48 hrs Nucca Upper Cervical Specific
• 1993 12 hrs International Conference on Carpal Tunnel
• 1993 12 hrs Focus '93 Clinic Lecture Series, Sponsored by AMA: Neurology-Brad McHechnie, Biomechanics and Rehabilitation-John Hyland, Radiology-Terry Yochum
• 1992 23 hrs Nutrition Symposium
• 1991 12 hrs Personal Injury and Court Appearances
• 1990 12 hrs Erhardt X-Ray Pathology (review)
• 1989 12 hrs Advanced Imaging C.T. MRI
• 1988 12 hrs Whiplash Injuries, Cervical Acceleration, Deceleration Syndrome
• 1987 60 hrs Pierce/Stillwagon Technique
• 1986-7 120hrs Physical Therapy
• 1986-7 100hrs Erhardt X-ray Pathology
• 1984 24 hrs Applied Kineseology
• 1986 12 hrs Nimo Receptor Tonus
• 1986 12 hrs Motion Palpation of the Lumbar Spine
• 1988 12 hrs Whiplash Injuries, Cervical Acceleration, Deceleration Syndrome
• 1987 60 hrs Pierce/Stillwagon Technique
• 1986-7 120hrs Physical Therapy
• 1986-7 100hrs Erhardt X-ray Pathology
• 1986 24 hrs Applied Kineseology
• 1986 12 hrs Nimo Receptor Tonus
• 1986 12 hrs Motion Palpation of the Lumbar Spine

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

• Current Member of Illinois Chiropractic Society

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• Certification of National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, 1987
• Illinois State Chiropractic License active since 1988