Meet Our Team

Dr. Derek Johnstone is the founder of Synergy Spine Chiropractic and is passionate about helping people take control of their health and get back to doing what they love—pain free and without limitation. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology from Ithaca College in 2004, followed by his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Northeastern College of Health Sciences in 2008. His educational background laid the foundation for a career focused on movement, performance, and long-term health.

During his time at Northeastern, Dr. Johnstone met his wife, Melanie, with whom he has shared over 16 years of marriage. While they were dating, Melanie was the victim of a drunk driving accident that resulted in severe injuries to her brain, spine, and leg. In the years that followed, she was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury that has led to ongoing challenges, including seizures, chronic pain, and the need for a feeding tube. Walking through this journey alongside his wife has profoundly shaped Dr. Johnstone—not only as a person, but as a doctor. It has given him a deeper understanding of complex conditions, long-term recovery, and the emotional and physical challenges patients and families face. This perspective drives his commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

Before Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became a major part of his life, Dr. Johnstone's first passion was powerlifting. That early experience in strength training sparked his deep interest in biomechanics, injury prevention, and performance optimization—principles that continue to shape his approach to patient care today.

Dr. Johnstone combines hands-on chiropractic care with modern therapies to create customized treatment plans focused on long-term results—not temporary relief. Outside of the office, he is an active Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, giving him a unique perspective when treating athletes and active individuals. He understands the physical and mental demands of training and works closely with patients to not only recover from injuries, but come back stronger.

At Synergy Spine Chiropractic, his mission is simple: deliver honest, effective care that helps people move better, feel better, and live stronger. In his free time, he enjoys attending Buffalo Bills games with his daughter, Gabby Johnstone.