Not everyone knows exactly what chiropractic care is, Christine Hoffmann said.

"It's a natural method for pain relief and wellness that involves keeping the spine aligned and the muscles and nervous system free from tension," the doctor of chiropractic (DC) explained.

Hoffmann said her favorite part of her work is the nearly immediate results many patients see. "People are really thankful," she said. "It gives them a whole new outlook."

Hoffmann, 37, opened the Napa Chiropractic and Integrative Health Center in February.

How did you end up in Napa?

We moved here from Los Angeles. My husband, Dejan Nikitovic, opened a tasting room (called) Savour St. Helena. We love Napa.

How did you get into this business?

I graduated college with a civil/structural engineering degree but did not feel fulfilled in the day-to-day logistics of working in the field. I had always wanted to eventually go back to professional or medical school and thought I would end up in sports medicine or orthopedics. It worked out great with an engineering background since the same physics applies to the human structure as it would to a tall skyscraper, building or bridge.

Can you describe your practice style?

I have a three-pronged approach to care: Reducing muscle tension and spasms, adjusting and aligning the spine, and working on the proper stretches and exercises to strengthen the spine and prevent future injury. I also interweave nutrition as needed.

What do you say to people who are skeptical about chiropractic care?

If you have an issue and your options are surgery or drugs, why not try something natural first? It can't hurt. It can only help.

Do you have any back care tips to share with readers?

Proper stretching, posture and ergonomics are the most important things to keep your back healthy.

Which three people would you most like to have dinner with?

Buddha, Jesus and the Dalai Lama; to listen to the conversation and the agreement on basic moral and universal principles that I think would take place.

What was your first job?

Working at The Limited clothing store, and spending all my earnings there.

If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?

More support from the AMA (American Medical Association), media and insurance companies for chiropractors, the results we get and the personalized care we deliver.

What's something people might be surprised to know about you?

I was a gymnast at the national team level.

What other business would you like to see featured in "10 Questions for..."

Vital Health Acupuncture/Massage/Herbal Medicine - they have amazing results with infertility issues.

More from Christine Hoffmann

What is your favorite charity?

I actually budget in donations to a couple of local charities, but the ones that really touch my heart are those relating to children.

What was your childhood ambition?

To be an architect.

What's one thing Napa could do to help local business?

I'm a big proponent of using local business as much as possible. It's great for networking as well as for stimulating the local economy.

What's the most significant project you've been involved with in your career?

I did a brief stint with the Salvation Army offering pain relief care. We worked with people who were turning to drugs and alcohol because of pain. It's amazing how much constant and chronic pain affects someone's life mentally and emotionally. Just having someone to address the pain and provide some relief had some major impacts on people. Also, as of recently, I have been working with some very well-known people to produce a how-to system on some important topics in health and wellness. It's still in the works, but it's a very large project that I'm lucky to be a part of and I hope it will reach completion within the year.

What's your favorite gift to give?

A great bottle of Napa Valley wine.

What job would you like to try? What job would you not like to try?

I'm really happy with my career and can't imagine wanting to do anything else. I know I would not want to be in a profession where I have to sit at a desk all day. I like to be active and social.

What's the worst job you ever had?

Working in the cotton candy trailer at the Waukesha County Fair! It was hot and sticky.

I can't live without: Water, a gym, the sunshine, and my favorite stretchy jeans.

What's on your to-do list?

I've been lucky enough to travel to many far-off places, countries and continents, but still want to make that climb to the top of Mount Kilamanjaro, stand above Machu Picchu, and smell and feel the breeze in other such mystical and historical places. I also need to finish my book, have another child, and get that storage area cleaned out. Lastly, to keep feeling so grateful for everything I have and have been able to accomplish.

Whom do you most admire in the business world?

There are so many figures a person like myself has to look up to. There are the obvious ones like Edison, Einstein and Ford. There are the more modern figures like Steve Jobs and Richard Branson, who I respect for his youthful energy, his ability to keep business fun and show that you don't have to conform to certain stereotypes to be successful; Mary Kay Ash for her empowerment to women for financial independence; and countless others who in some way have opened doors or changed the way business has been done in any particular industry.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven't yet?

To be a published author.