The Pickerington Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Pickerington

Meet Pickerington Chiropractor, Dr. Mark Drake

My journey to becoming a Chiropractor began when I was a child with two experiences that ultimately guided my life down its current path.  The first experience was when I was 9 years old.  I was experiencing my own difficulty with back pain after being injured in a fall.  Unable to stand without assistance, my parents took me to a new doctor in the community who proceeded to give me the following diagnosis “Nine year olds don’t have back pain.  He is trying to get out of going to school.”  At that time, the caused of back pain was poorly understood and no treatment was offered.   Eventually the initial pain began to subside and was replaced by episodes of pain for the next fifteen years before I finally found treatment that helped.  That day I learned first hand what it is like to deal with health professionals who don’t take the time to listen or have empathy for the way pain can effect your life. 

The second experience involved by my grandmother.  Throughout my childhood she would travel to our house with two grey Samsonite suite cases.  The large one contained clothing, and the smaller one was filled with prescription bottles.  Even as a child, I thought this was odd.  It seemed that every time she went to the doctor she would simply get another drug in addition to the multitude of medications she was already taking.  As a result, she spent much of my childhood sitting on the front porch watching life go by.

When she passed away, I met a man at her funeral who was a vise-president at Ford Motor Company.  He was an orphan that she had taken in for a while when she was a young adult. During that conversation I realized for the first that the person I thought I knew was only a shell of the person she really was. The person I always knew was a drugged and under the influence of the side effects of so many medications.

For these reasons I have devoted my professional career to helping people with compassion, understanding, and always looking for a way to help patients without the use of drugs or surgery whenever possible.   

Our Education

Dr Drake and Dr. Richards graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic in 1992 with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.  However a few years earlier, Dr. Drake graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from West Virginia University in 1987.  Dr. Richards received her Bachelor of Science degree from Logan College.  Dr. Drake and Dr. Richards chose Logan because of it's curriculum and reputation --but Dr. Richards also chose Logan because she saw her father graduate from Logan just ten years earlier.  (The retired Dr. George L. Richards from Mentor, Ohio)

Dr. Richards founded Fairfield Chiropractic in Pickerington, Ohio in 1993.  She achieved her Advanced Proficiency Rating in Activator Methods in 1992.  She enjoys adjusting patients exclusively using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique. 

Dr. Drake joined the Pickerington practice in 1997.  Dr. Drake is Proficiency Rated in Activator Methods.  He also specializes in Diversified technique.  Dr. Drake is currently board eligible for his post doctoral degree in Exercise Rehabilitation.  He is currently preparing for his final Board exam and preparing his article for publication in a peer review journal.  His continuing education takes him in the direction of helping patients who have been in work related or automobile accidents.

In school, Dr. Drake was the "Egghead" and Dr. Richards was the "Personality."  Dr. Drake was a teaching assistant in the Anatomy Department for over three years.  He taught anatomy to not only Doctors of Chiropractic but also nurses and paramedics as well. Dr. Richards was honored by giving a talk to the student body about completing her patient treatment goals in one tenth the time it took others to finish the same goals--she had patients flocking to her!

Dr. Drake and Dr. Richards were also selected by their school to work for the Admissions Department.  With this job, they traveled all over the country representing Logan College of Chiropractic.  They also had the opportunity to give prospective students a tour of the school and introduce them to a career in Chiropractic.

Our Practice Philosphy and Care Objectives

At Fairfield Chiropractic our patients are like good friends to our to our doctors and practice team...with a twist.  Dr. Richards and Dr. Drake bring more than 20 years of experience to the practice and are serious about getting results for their patients.  You see, we not only are prepared to relieve your pain but we can also help you transform your lifestyle..  Many people refer to us as the "Cheers office" (the place where the staff knows your name).  We work as a team with our patients--and that is what sets us apart.

Dr. Drake also sees patients in Nelsonville, Ohio at The Back and Spine Center on Tuesday and Thursdays.  Their number is 740-753-1902 .

Personal and Family

If Dr. Drake and Dr. Richards seem a bit "friendly"--they are husband and wife.  Married since 1996, they enjoy maintaining that loving family atmosphere in the office.  Their little girl Reagan joined the family in 2002, and they are looking forward to welcoming more children into their life.

Dr. Richards has been certified as a Weight Watchers leader since 2003 after she lost 100 pounds.  She is the only doctor currently in Central Ohio that teaches a class for Weight Watchers.  She has been at her ideal weight of 135 since then and has led other Weight Watcher members to lose more than 13,000 pounds combined.  She teaches one class a week at 9:00 AM at Seton Parish in Pickerington.

Dr. Drake is an avid body builder.  He is the team Chiropractor for the ONBF (Ohio Natural Body Building Federation.)  He can be spotted at a couple of area gyms on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Health Habits

The Richards-Drake family is a very health oriented family.  They get adjusted once a week.  They also exercise 2-4 times a week using weights as well as walking.  Getting enough sleep is also important.  When Dr. Richards lost 100 pounds after a pregnancy, she realized the true value of sleep in losing weight.  They make sure they get 7-10 hours of sleep a night.  With Dr. Richards teaching Weight Watchers, they eat very healthy--she talks about it every week, too.  When possible they eat organic.  Dr. Richards always has eating tips.  They utilize not only traditional health assistance from their family Doctor of Osteopathy but also utilize Naturopaths and Acupuncturists when necessary.  If a medical doctor is needed, they utilize those with a holistic approach.  Their dentist gets to see them every six months too!

How Can We Help You?

Thank you for visiting our site.  We look forward to meeting you in person and learning how we may be of service to you .  Give us a call so we can help you take the first step towards better health.

About Dr. Tricia Richards Drake

I know it sounds strange, but I knew since I was seven years old that I wanted to become a chiropractor. In second grade I had to write a "report" of what I wanted to be when I grew up.  Most kids in my class wanted to be rock stars, ballerinas, firemen or professional baseball players.  Me?  I wanted to be a chiropractor.

At the time I didn't know what being a chiropractor truly meant. I only knew that I wanted to help people transform their health for the better.

You see, my father had lived part of his life in a wheelchair--but when I was young, a chiropractor used chiropractic treatments to help him walk again.  This was the reason for my career choice.  I knew that I wanted to help people, just as my father was helped.

I began taking college courses at 14.  I finished my four year degree at age 20 and my doctorate at age 23.  I was very determined.  When I was 24, I founded Fairfield Chiropractic.  Helping people increase the quality of their life is my passion.