Northern Virginia Functional Medicine

03/22/2026

Is Your Back Pain Actually a Gut Issue? 🔍
Most people think of "back pain" as a simple muscle strain or a slipped disc. But sometimes, the root cause isn't in your spine—it’s in your gut.

At our clinic, we bridge the gap between Chiropractic care and Functional Medicine because we know the body is an interconnected web. If you are struggling with chronic stiffness or spinal inflammation that just won't go away, your digestive system might be the "hidden" culprit.

The Gut-Spine Connection
Certain autoimmune and inflammatory bowel conditions are known to trigger Spondyloarthropathy—a type of inflammatory arthritis that attacks the spine and joints. When your gut is in a state of chronic inflammation, it can send distress signals directly to your lower back and SI joints.

Conditions often linked to back pain include:

Crohn’s Disease & Ulcerative Colitis

Celiac Disease

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Psoriatic Arthritis

Not All Back Pain is What it Seems
If you've tried traditional adjustments and still feel "stuck," it’s time to look deeper. We don't just "crack backs"; we investigate the why. Our experts combine structural spinal care with functional lab testing to see if systemic inflammation is fueling your discomfort.

Don’t just mask the symptoms. Let our experts find the source.

📍 Visit us today to get a comprehensive evaluation of both your structural and internal health.

https://www.functionalmedicinenorthernvirginia.com/

02/25/2026

Functional Medicine + State-of-the-Art Clinical Care = True Health 🧬💡

At Northern Virginia Functional Medicine, we believe root cause medicine isn’t enough on its own — real transformation comes when functional medicine is combined with cutting-edge clinical diagnostics and advanced laboratory testing.

Our approach addresses not just your symptoms, but the underlying causes of chronic conditions — from autoimmune issues and hormonal imbalances to digestive disorders and metabolic challenges. By integrating holistic functional medicine strategies with state-of-the-art clinical care, we create personalized treatment plans that are precise, measurable, and results-driven.

If you’re in Sterling, Northern Virginia, or nearby areas, and you want more than short-term fixes, we’re here to help. Experience comprehensive root cause medicine, advanced diagnostics, and holistic health solutions designed specifically for you.

📞 Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward optimal wellness!

02/20/2023

We offer many options to treat your mitochondrial dysfunction at our office!

02/06/2023

We welcome Samantha! Who knew that a Dentist wanna be would be working for us!!!

01/25/2023

01/05/2023

Dr. Ratcliffe had the privilege of finishing a rigorous immunology program at Harvard Medical School. Book a free phone call to see if Northern Virginia Functional Medicine is right for you!

12/29/2022

The gut has a huge impact on the way we process our sugars and insulin resistance. https://eje.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/eje/172/4/R167.xml

12/23/2022

Retained reflexes from childhood can cause cognitive and developmental issues! https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=593367782788348&set=a.506463881478739

Primitive reflexes (PRs), mediated by the brainstem, are responsible for complex movement patterns critical for survival in the first year of life. Retention of PRs in individuals can contribute to difficulty with visual tracking, balance, motion intolerance, concentration, and coordination. PR therapy effectiveness has been demonstrated and is used in early intervention for children with cerebral palsy, behavior disorders, or reading difficulties. PR re-emergence has been identified in pyramidal tract disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s due to cortical damage of white matter in the frontal lobe causing disturbances to the inhibitory tracts from the prefrontal cortex, specifically the orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Research in early intervention suggests retention of moro reflex, symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR), asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR), tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR), and spinal galant reflex contributes to difficulties with coordination, balance, concentration, visual tracking, reading, and writing. The clinical presentation overlay between individuals with concussions and children with PR retention due to developmental delay, prompted these authors to use PR integration therapy in individuals with concussive disorders.

Table and excerpt adapted from: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1932&context=ijahsp

12/23/2022

Berberine helps reverse 3 of the most important factors in disease and ageing.

Sorry it’s been a while, guys. Life has had me pinned down pretty bad lately. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back on track.

05/08/2022

https://www.facebook.com/713235438878912/posts/2027193697483073/?sfnsn=mo

The role of the vagus nerve in fibromyalgia syndrome

Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is a common illness characterized by chronic widespread pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. Dysfunctional neurotransmitter systems that influence the body’s endogenous stress response systems are thought to underlie many of the major FM-related symptoms. A model of FM pathogenesis suggests biological and psychosocial variables interact to influence the genetic predisposition, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. The Polyvagal Theory provides a theoretical framework from which to investigate potential biological mechanisms.

The vagus nerve (VN) has anti-inflammatory properties via its afferent and efferent fibers. A low vagal tone (as assessed by low heart rate variability), has been observed in painful and inflammatory diseases, including FM, while the ventral branch of the VN is linked to emotional expression and social engagement. These anti-inflammatory and psychological (limbic system) properties of the VN may possess therapeutic potential in treating FM.

From: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763421004632

05/06/2022

A food source that commonly triggers Hashimoto’s is lectin – the sticky glycoprotein found in seeds, nuts, and nightshades. ⁠
⁠
Lectins have been shown to cross-react with TPO in thyroid tissue. ⁠
⁠
Since the two share identical protein sequences, the immune system of someone with a lectin sensitivity may also attack thyroid tissue. ⁠
⁠
👉 👉 👉 Learn more on my podcast on iTunes and major podcast platforms: ⁠
⁠
🎙️ Episode 018: The best diet for Hashimoto's hypothyroidism⁠
⁠
🎙️ Solving the Puzzle with Dr. Datis Kharrazian⁠
⁠
🌤️ 🌤️ 🌤️ New course! Hashimoto's: Solving the Puzzle ... from the originator of Hashimoto's autoimmune treatment strategies (link in bio)⁠