The Patient (You Are the Hero of Your Recovery)When chronic spinal tension, neurological symptoms, or unanswered health struggles keep interrupting your work, sleep, and family life, it is frustrating to be told your only option is temporary symptom management.
At Hope Upper Cervical Spine Center in Southlake, we understand how exhausting it is to search for real answers when you just want to feel like yourself again.
The term “ENSO” is one that is foreign to most of us simply because we have been raised in a Western Culture.
The ENSO is nothing more than a circle at first glance.
When searching online, the simple definition is one that states it is a complete circle symbolizing freedom and wholeness.
However, I want to take a different perspective on this, one that was taught to me from a mentor of mine.
The open circle.
If you have ever taken a drawing class, one of the most difficult shapes to draw in pure orthogonal structure (meaning that it is as accurate as possible) is a complete circle.
In training in calligraphy, the Japanese would constantly work at this free hand stroke with one dip of their quill in ink and then an attempt at the perfect circle that is at the top of this blog.
Obviously this is a skill that took many attempts over a long period of time to master.
However, the true skill lies in leaving the circle open.
You see, an open circle signifies mastery of the shape but also the humility to recognize that you can still get better.
In simple terms: mediocrity or mastery.
I look at the ENSO as a discipline in how we approach our life.
Too often, too many of us succumb to the temptation of mediocrity after we have achieved what we perceive to be mastery.
Examples:
“I lost all this weight”...a month later I am back to the habits that made me huge
“I finally eliminated ___ symptom”...a month later I quit the process that helped me eliminate it
“I achieved ___ goal”....a month later you slip back into the habits that kept you from it
Our lives are riddled with areas of mediocrity and the examples can go on and on and on.
The challenge of the ENSO with an open circle is to remind yourself that no matter how good you are or perceive your pillars of health to be, there is always room for improvement in all facets of your life.
Those who are truly on the path to mastery have the courage to leave the circle open even though you know you can close it with the best of them.
This goes to show that our approach to how we do one thing in life translates into how we do everything.
The key factor is, you can never quit in your pursuit of mastery.
The minute you believe you have arrived is the minute mediocrity becomes your life.
Keep the circle open and stay the course.
The choice is yours.
Mediocre or Master
Your Guide & Recovery PlanTake the First Step Toward Lasting Relief
Guided by Dr. Joey Kramer, D.C. at Hope Upper Cervical Spine Center in Southlake, TX—combining computerized infrared thermography, 3D craniocervical imaging, and gentle Blair Upper Cervical corrections with zero twisting or cracking.
Step 1
Schedule Your Consultation
Meet one-on-one with Dr. Joey Kramer in Southlake to share your story, health history, and goals.
Step 2
Precision 3D & Neurological Evaluation
We perform paraspinal infrared thermography, postural analysis, and 3D imaging to pinpoint your exact upper cervical alignment.
Step 3
Gentle Correction & Lasting Stability
Receive a custom, non-twisting upper cervical correction designed to hold so your nervous system can heal naturally.
The Outcome You Deserve
Reclaim steady energy, clear focus, and lasting structural stability so your calendar is no longer dictated by flare-ups.
Common Patient Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the message in "Mediocre or Master?" connect to physical healing and nervous system health?
At Hope Upper Cervical Spine Center, we see every day that lasting recovery requires both structural alignment and daily personal stewardship. When your nervous system is free of upper cervical interference and your daily habits are grounded in discipline and consistency, your body has the foundation it needs to heal and thrive.
Why does consistency matter so much when restoring long-term spinal and neurological health?
Just like building mental resilience or physical strength, stabilizing ligaments and retraining chronic neurological patterns takes intentional consistency. In Upper Cervical Care, "Holding is Healing"—each week your spine holds its alignment builds cumulative momentum toward lasting relief.
How is Upper Cervical Care at Hope Southlake different from quick-fix symptom management?
Rather than chasing temporary symptom relief with medications or generalized spinal popping, Dr. Joey Kramer uses 3D imaging and paraspinal thermography to correct the root structural misalignment at the Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2) with zero twisting or cracking.
What is the best first step if I am ready to take ownership of my health at Hope Southlake?
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Joey Kramer at our Southlake clinic by calling (972) 638-0994 or booking online at hopesouthlake.com/schedule to evaluate your spinal alignment and nervous system function.
Verified Patient Outcomes
Patient Testimonials
★★★★★
“I came in to this office very afraid for my future, because the symptoms I was having were debilitating. After completing my recommended course of initial treatment, I am excited about the future again. Dr. Kramer is incredibly knowledgeable.”
★★★★★
“Dr. Kramer identified the exact upper cervical issue and got my nervous system working properly again without any forceful twisting or cracking. The relief has been incredible—I am so grateful for Hope Southlake.”
