4414 Florida National Dr., Lakeland, Fl 33813
Meet the Doctor
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About
My interest in chiropractic started when I was just 14 years old.
While helping my parents with their rental properties, I injured my lower back lifting a heavy roll of carpet. I could feel a deep strain—almost like something had torn in my back.
Within days, I was experiencing severe back pain, shooting pain, and numbness down my leg. I could barely stand up straight, and even sitting was painful.
I was eventually told that I had a severely bulging disc compressing a nerve and might need surgery.
Fortunately, a family friend recommended that I see a chiropractor. After about eight treatments, I began to feel relief and move a little better.
That experience changed the direction of my life and inspired me to become a chiropractor.
Dean Hegarty D.C.
Bachelor Of Biology (B.S.B.) - Arizona State University
Doctor Of Chiropractic (D.C.) - Los Angeles College of Chiropractic
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My interest in chiropractic started when I was just 14 years old.
Growing up, I helped my parents with their rental properties. One day, while lifting a heavy roll of carpet, I severely injured my lower back. I could feel a deep strain—almost like something had torn in my back. Within days, the pain became unbearable, with shooting pain and numbness traveling down my leg. I could barely stand up straight, and even sitting was painful.
The problem continued to get worse, and I was eventually told that I had a severely bulging disc compressing a nerve. I was even facing the possibility of surgery.
Fortunately, a family friend recommended that I see a chiropractor. I still remember those first treatments. They weren't easy, but after about eight visits, I started to feel some relief and could move a little better. Over the following weeks, my symptoms continued to improve.
That experience changed the direction of my life. Seeing how chiropractic care helped me get back on my feet inspired me to become a chiropractor myself.
I attended Arizona State University and earned my Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1988.
After more than 30 years in practice, my focus remains simple: understand what may be contributing to a person's pain and help them move and function better. I especially enjoy helping people with back and neck problems by addressing the muscular and structural factors that may contribute to their discomfort.
Dr. Amanda’s passion for chiropractic began after experiencing severe pain herself as a teenager and seeing how quickly chiropractic care helped her. Her background in kinesiology, rehabilitation, and sports has shaped her approach to helping people understand their pain, move better, and stay active.
Bachelor Of Kinesiology (B.S.) - Cal State Fullerton
Doctor Of Chiropractic (D.C.) - University of Western States
About
Amanda Leon D.C.
My interest in chiropractic began when I was in 8th grade. I developed severe pain in my tailbone that lasted for about a month and became so painful that I couldn't go to school for a week.
My mom eventually took me to a chiropractor, and after just three treatments, I was feeling much better. That experience made a lasting impression on me. I knew I wanted to help people get out of pain so they could live and function better.
My passion for sports also led me to become interested in injuries, rehabilitation, and how the body moves. While attending college, I worked for two years as a physical therapy and chiropractic assistant, gaining hands-on experience in rehabilitation and manual therapy.
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Fullerton in California before earning my Doctor of Chiropractic degree from University of Western States in Portland, Oregon, in 2020.
Today, my goal is to help people understand what may be contributing to their pain, address the muscular and structural factors involved, and help them move better and reduce the risk of future injuries.
"Like car maintenance, I believe in addressing and if possible fixing the issues that are causing the pain, not just covering the warning light."
Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, staying active, exercising and walking around parks and the lakes, especially Lake Hollingsworth. I have a passion for healthy food and outdoor activities.
Dr. Dean's Mission Statement
“My desire is to improve the health and well-being of my community so that whomever I put my hands on can enjoy a more functional life as free from physical limitations, sickness, and debilitating pain as possible. I do this by educating each patient and working on their spine to improve its function, thereby improving their quality of life.”