About Us in Colorado Springs, CO

Our experienced team at Complete Chiropractic is dedicated to your wellness.

Five Star Award — Chiropractic Care in Colorado Springs, CO

James Whidden — Colorado Springs, CO — Complete Chiropractic

James Whidden, DC

Dr. James Whidden founded Complete Chiropractic, P.C. in 2006. He is a Colorado Springs native, and he attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley for his undergraduate studies in Human Biology. He then completed graduate school in St. Louis, MO at Logan College of Chiropractic where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree graduating with academic honors. Dr. Whidden has been successful treating a number of conditions including back and neck pain, headaches, auto injuries, sports injuries, overuse injuries, soft-tissue ailments, and extremity misalignments, just to name a few. His treatment methods include Diversified Technique, Thompson Drop-Table Technique, Impulse (Instrument) Adjusting Technique, and Active Release Technique. He is a member of Colorado Chiropractic Association and Logan Alumni Association. During his free time, he enjoys hunting, supporting Colorado professional sports teams, coaching fast pitch softball, and spending time with his wife and two young daughters.

Samuel Nelson — Colorado Springs, CO — Complete Chiropractic

Samuel L. Nelson, DC, CCSP

Dr. Nelson earned his Doctoral degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN. He has also completed the necessary coursework and exams to be a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP), which allows him to treat the highest level of athletes. This has led him to work with Team USA athletes and travel with Team USA Wrestling as part of the Sports Medicine Staff since 2021.

Dr. Nelson is continually furthering his education to provide the best techniques and most knowledgeable service to his patients. Since 2018 Dr. Nelson has been assisting in teaching continuing education seminars on Advanced Extremity Adjusting, teaching other Chiropractors the technique and ability to adjust all extremities.

Dr. Nelson loves spending time with his wonderful family. His wife, Julie, and five children - sons Cohen, Kase, and Bode & daughters Thea and Lennon- as well as their Brittany Spaniel, Leo. The family loves the outdoors and sunny days that Colorado offers.

Dawna Ara — Colorado Springs, CO — Complete Chiropractic

Dawna Ara, LAc

Dr. Ara is a graduate of the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, CA. There she studied in-depth Chinese Medicine, Japanese acupuncture, Qi Gong, Shiatsu, nutrition, and integrative medicine. She completed post-graduate work in stroke recovery at Tianjin University in Tianjin, China, and studied Functional Medicine at the Institute of Functional Medicine. Dr. Ara received her doctorate from the Pacific College of Health & Science.

Due to her unique background, Dr. Ara can treat various conditions, including pain, Women’s health, digestive & weight issues, mental health, and autoimmune disorders.

She enjoys spending time in the Colorado mountains with her husband, Kai, and two boys - Aadi and Rumi.

Jennifer

Chiropractic Assistant/ Billing Coordinator
Jennifer Schaffer has been with Complete Chiropractic since March 2012. In her professional career, it has been very educational coming from a traditional medical background to chiropractic care. She loves working with and helping our patients, whether it’s assisting the chiropractor or simply taking the time to explain insurance to our patients. For Jennifer, it’s very rewarding to see the progress our patients make after their treatments.

Nancy

Chiropractic Assistant
Nancy moved to Colorado Springs with her husband in 2013, looking forward to the lifestyle Colorado Springs has to offer. She has enjoyed working in the customer service field for over 16 years and enjoys building long lasting relationships with clients. On her personal time she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family, looks forward to crafting and home projects. She is excited to be a part of the Complete Chiropractic family and making an impact on the continued success of the office.

Mathias

Chiropractic Assistant

Mathias joined Complete Chiropractic in May of 2025. He has previous experience in the pain management field and is excited to be a part of the natural field of Chiropractic. Mathias is a native to Colorado and enjoys reading, walks, games, as well as traveling.

Brent — Colorado Springs, CO — Complete Chiropractic

Brent, LMT

Licensed Massage Therapist
Brent graduated from the Colorado Institute of Massage therapy in 2014. He has training and experience in deep tissue, trigger point therapy, myofascial, sports massage, yoga, and personal training. He has a background in IT, and a combat veteran, and enjoys applying his attention to detail and problem solving skills to treating musculoskeletal pain. Brent joined the Complete Chiropractic team in July 2018. His hobbies include disc golf, hiking, backpacking, climbing 14ers, and gardening.

Melanie — Colorado Springs, CO — Complete Chiropractic

Melanie, LMT

Licensed Massage Therapist

Melanie graduated from Lotus Professional College in Richmond, Virginia in 2022. After working as a LMT at a Medical Massage Clinic, her passion for helping patients through medical and therapeutic techniques landed her at Complete Chiropractic. She is trained and experienced in Deep Tissue, Medical Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Sports Massage, TMJD, Headache relief, and Medical Cupping. Melanie and her husband recently moved to colorful Colorado and enjoy hiking, taking their dog to the park, music, reading, and cooking.

Lucy — Colorado Springs, CO — Complete Chiropractic

Lucy Burkhart, LMT

Lucy graduated from the Denver School of Massage Therapy in 2013. She specializes in deep tissue and trigger point massage, particularly in the neck, shoulders and back, and headache relief. She loves making people feel better and addressing chronic pain. She’s lived in Colorado Springs with her husband and 13 year old yorkie for 8 years. In her spare time she enjoys writing, reading, baking, and doing yoga.