By Bobbie Peer
Published August 14, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Last updated August 14, 2025 at 11:51 AM
BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – A few months have passed since Dr. Jeannine Baer stepped into the role of owner at Smith Chiropractic, taking over from longtime practitioner Dr. Patrick Smith. For Baer, the handoff couldn’t have gone more smoothly.
“It’s gone really well,” Baer said during our recent TAPinto Chats conversation. “Dr. Smith and I were focused on making sure patients had continuity of care and felt fully supported. My patients from Stirling integrated seamlessly into the schedule, and now we’re in a nice pace and process.”
Baer, who previously led Stirling Health & Pain Management in Long Hill Township, admits she was pleasantly surprised by how naturally the two practices blended. “There was so much synergy between what Dr. Smith did and what I do,” she said. “Patients blended as one, and they felt understood through the process. That’s something I’m really proud of.”
Blending Old and New
When Baer first took over in May, she promised not to change what already worked. True to her word, she’s kept the core of Dr. Smith’s approach while introducing her own enhancements.
“Our techniques and approaches overlap in most ways,” she explained. “I’ve added a few things I do differently and brought a fresh eye to patient care. That’s the fun part — figuring out what we can do better or improve while keeping what works.”
Clearing Up Chiropractic Myths
Ask Baer about the biggest misconception in her field, and she answers without hesitation. “People think it’s just a technique — that something is ‘out’ and we crack it back in,” she said. “In reality, chiropractic care is a profession. We evaluate each patient, make treatment decisions, and choose from a variety of techniques… It’s about both the hands and the thought process behind the care.”
When to Make an Appointment
Baer’s advice is simple: don’t wait until you’re in pain. “Don’t wait until you’re in pain,” she said. “I’d rather see you before it gets to that point, but I’ll meet you where you are. There’s no judgment — just solutions.”
Athletes and Injury Prevention
As the fall sports season kicks into high gear, Baer sees more young athletes seeking care. “High school training now looks like the university-level training I had when I played soccer,” she said. “In general, practice and training intensity have ramped up, and—good or bad—many athletes focus on one sport year-round. That means less cross-training, and we’re seeing more overuse injuries in developing athletes.
I typically recommend that if you’re in-season, feeling good, and injury-free, you should still come in routinely for care. Just like stretching or maintaining cardio, keeping your muscles and joints healthy is key. And if you’re dealing with an injury, the approach will depend on its severity and whether it’s more of a crisis situation.”
Backpack Safety for Back-to-School
Baer also works to educate parents about backpack safety, a topic she discusses annually with NJ 101.5 listeners.
“Two padded straps, a padded back, and multiple compartments are key,” she said. “Backpacks should weigh no more than 10 to 15 percent of body weight. Most are too heavy, so check them regularly — especially since backpacks have become lockers for many students.”
Beyond the Office
When she’s not caring for patients, Baer enjoys life with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. They love old movies, scenic drives in their “fun cars,” and exploring local gems like the Great Swamp.
“It’s a wonderful balance of nature and access to what we need,” she said. “We’re lucky to have all this in our backyard.”
Baer is excited about the future at Smith Chiropractic and looks forward to sharing more health tips in upcoming TAPinto Chats conversations.
Catch the full conversation in the video below to hear Dr. Baer share her story in her own words. You can find her at Smith Chiropractic, 261 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights. Have questions or ready to book your visit? Call 908-464-8899 — they’ll be happy to help.