---
title: The Missing Link in Chronic Illness? Structural Neurology + Functional Labs | Dr. Sarah Kotlerman BS, DC, NTP
description: Explore how Dr. Sarah Kotlerman addresses chronic illness by uncovering root causes through advanced testing, structural health, and personalized interventions.
---
[Vibrant Wellness Podcast ](https://vibrant-wellness.com/podcast)
# [The Missing Link in Chronic Illness? Structural Neurology + Functional Labs | Dr. Sarah Kotlerman BS, DC, NTP](https://vibrant-wellness.com/podcast/sarah-kotlerman)
Written by [Dr. Alex Carrasco](https://vibrant-wellness.com/podcast/author/dr-carrasco) | Jun 17, 2026 4:03:17 PM
In this episode of the *Vibrant Wellness Podcast*, Dr. Sarah Kotlerman, DC, NTP, explains why chronic illness is often driven by overlooked root causes, not diagnoses. She shares how her team combines advanced imaging, functional lab testing, and chiropractic care to identify structural damage, toxic burden, nutrient deficiencies, immune dysfunction, and neurological stress that may be preventing recovery.
Β
The conversation explores the connection between spinal health, brain function, detoxification, autoimmunity, and chronic disease. Dr. Kotlerman discusses why toxicity testing has become a cornerstone of her practice, how hidden exposures to heavy metals, mycotoxins, and environmental chemicals can impact health, and why personalized testing helps guide more effective interventions. She also highlights the role of Neural Zoomer testing, nutrient optimization, and targeted detoxification strategies in supporting long-term healing.
Β
**Beyond the Diagnosis:** The most effective path to healing starts with asking why the body is struggling in the first place. By identifying root causes such as toxic burden, structural dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and immune dysregulation, practitioners can move beyond symptom management and support the body's natural ability to repair, regenerate, and thrive.
Β
Β
**Key Topics Covered**
π©Ί Root-Cause Medicine, Regeneration & Challenging Diagnostic Labels
𦴠Spinal Health, Chiropractic Care & Neurostructural Healing
β£οΈ Toxic Load, Environmental Exposures & Advanced Toxicity Testing
π§ͺ Functional Lab Testing, Biomarkers & Personalized Health Insights
π§ Brain Health, Neuroinflammation & Neural Zoomer Testing
π Detoxification Strategies, Toxin Removal & Recovery Optimization
π₯ Nutrient Deficiencies, Omega-3s & Foundations for Healing
π‘οΈ Autoimmunity, Immune Regulation, Long COVID & Complex Chronic Illnesses
Β
**Timestamps**
**00:00** **β** Why Your Diagnosis Isn't Your Destiny
**01:01** **β** From Law School to Chiropractic Medicine - Dr. Sarah Kotlerman, BS, DC, NTP
**03:03** **β** The Missing Link Between Structure & Health
**04:56** **β** A Damaged Spine Is a Healthcare Problem
**07:24** **β** Why Every Complex Case Starts with Toxicity Testing
**09:20** **β** It's Not What You're Exposed ToβIt's What You Store
**10:01** **β** The Hidden Toxins Driving Chronic Illness
**13:57** **β** When Detox Protocols Aren't Enough
**16:24** **β** How One Patient Dropped 17 Toxins in Two Weeks
**17:29** **β** The Science of Healing & Regeneration
**23:04** **β** The Healthcare Paradigm Shift We Need
**24:27** **β** How We Use Vibrant Wellness Testing
**26:47** **β** The Nutrient Deficiencies Stopping Recovery
**30:56** **β** The Truth About Detoxification
**33:37** **β** Why Some Patients Stay Stuck Detoxing for Years
**38:57** **β** The NeuroZoomer Revolution
**44:08** **β** The Dystonia Case That Revealed the Root Cause
**46:14** **β** The Connection Between Spinal Instability & Autoimmunity
**49:25** **β** Ehlers-Danlos, Hypermobility & Toxic Load
**51:04** **β** Long COVID Through a Different Lens
Β
**Resources Mentioned**
π Learn more about [Averio Health](https://averiohealth.com/)
π Connect with Sarah Kolterman on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kotlerman-bs-dc-ntp-583345255/)
π± Connect with Dr. Alex CarrascoΒ on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/dralexcarrasco)
Β
**Follow us on:**
π¦ X/Twitter: [https://x.com/Vibrant_lab](https://x.com/Vibrant_lab)
πΈ Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/vibrantwellness/](https://www.instagram.com/vibrantwellness/)
π Facebook: [https://facebook.com/VibrantAmerica](https://facebook.com/VibrantAmerica)
πΌ LinkedIn: [https://linkedin.com/company/vibrantwellness](https://linkedin.com/company/vibrantwellness)
π§ Contact Us: support@vibrant-wellness.com
**Β **
**Ready to Join the Community?Β **
[Become a Vibrant Wellness Provider](https://vibrant-wellness.com/signup) Today!
Interested in Being a Guest on our Next Episode? Apply [Here!](https://vibrant-wellness.com/ambassador)
Β
***Limitations***
*Please note the information provided by Vibrant Wellness is intended solely for research and informational purposes to help inform lifestyle choices aimed at potential risk mitigation. The information is not intended to be used by the patient for any diagnostic purpose and is not a substitute for medical advice by a healthcare practitioner. Please consult a licensed healthcare practitioner for any questions regarding diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or health assessment*
[View full post](https://vibrant-wellness.com/podcast/sarah-kotlerman)
```json
{
"@context" : "http://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Dr. Alex Carrasco"
},
"dateModified" : "2026-06-17T16:03:17.374Z",
"datePublished" : "2026-06-17T16:03:17Z",
"headline" : "The Missing Link in Chronic Illness? Structural Neurology + Functional Labs | Dr. Sarah Kotlerman BS, DC, NTP",
"image" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"height" : 720,
"url" : "https://vibrant-wellness.com/hubfs/Kotlerman%20Blog.png",
"width" : 1080
},
"mainEntityOfPage" : "https://vibrant-wellness.com/podcast/sarah-kotlerman",
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"height" : 60,
"url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
"width" : 60
},
"name" : "The Vibrant Wellness Podcast"
}
}
```