This article has been updated to correct an error where we incorrectly stated that John Varnado’s father owns Boone’s Pharmacy.  While he does work at the business as a pharmacist, the correct owners of Boone’s Pharmacy in Poplarville are Larry and Janice Boone.

A long-standing Picayune business has a new name but still provides the same services utilizing the same staff.

In early February of this year, John Varnado, D.C., took the reigns of what is now Picayune Chiropractic. Prior to taking ownership of his own business, he worked at the same location, then known as Stanek Chiropractic, for ten years.

“It’s like a dream came true when I bought this place,” Varnado said.

Four years ago he began working as a chiropractor, which is what he wants to do for the rest of his life.

Born and raised in Pearl River County, he has two other family members who run their own businesses that provide a medical service. His father works as a pharmacist at Boone’s Pharmacy in Poplarville, and his sister owns and operates Penley Family Dentistry in Picayune.

For a time, Varnado said he considered following in his father’s footsteps to become a pharmacist. But when he job shadowed at the chiropractic office he now owns, he saw the personal relationships that can be built between a chiropractor and the patient, piquing his interest in the field.

The ability to have that impact on people’s lives is why Varnado said he looks forward to going to work each day.

Picayune Chiropractic continues to offer the same services it did under the previous name, including spinal decompression therapy, therapeutic exercises, ultra sound therapy and class 4 laser therapy.

Since taking ownership, Varnado has also invested in the facility, conducting necessary repairs and investing in new equipment when old equipment breaks down. While he doesn’t intend to make any drastic changes, in the long run, he plans to bring the entire facility into the 21st century.

The business is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon, with lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. and reopening from 2:30 to 6 p.m. It is also open on Tuesday from 2:30 to 6 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and on Saturdays by appointment.

Picayune Chiropractic is located at 403 Memorial Boulevard and can be reached by calling 601-799-2225.