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About J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
Expertise
I can answer questions related to the customary practice of chiropractic, different types of chiropractic, as well as the routine management of common musculoskeletal conditions. My background and approach to healthcare emphasizes evidence-based integration of complimentary and alternative therapies with traditional allopathic care. Please note: Due to the limitations of email communication, I cannot answer questions seeking a potential diagnosis or a second opinion. Without exception, any answers given may be used for educational purposes only. If a question is asked, you, the questioner, inherently agree to not use the answer for any type of evidence against another individual or to outweigh the advice or opinion of another healthcare professional. You, the questioner, also inherently agree to remove Allexperts.com and its affiliates and the author of the answer, Dr. JR Strecker, DC, from any harm or liability.

Experience
I have extensive experience with chiropractic in an integrated system. I have treated patients at Venice Family Clinic, the nation’s largest free clinic and a teaching clinic for the UCLA medical system, in a heavily researched pilot program incorporating chiropractic and acupuncture with allopathic medicine. I am currently focused on private practice.

Organizations
American Chiropractic Association California Chiropractic Association

Publications
Dr. JR Strecker’s Practice -- featured story (Front Page of Business Section), The Palisadian Post. Oct. 25th, 2007. (Dr. Strecker not the original author).

Education/Credentials
Bachelor’s of Science, Human Biology (Cleveland Chiropractic College) Doctor of Chiropractic, Cum Laude Honors (Cleveland Chiropractic College)

Awards and Honors
Youngest chiropractor in professional history to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree

Past/Present Clients
Consulting Chiropractor for Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy – Pacific Palisades, CA

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Back and Neck Injury/Chronic Pain > Chiropractors > Curious about the profession

Chiropractors - Curious about the profession

Expert: J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C. - 11/5/2009

Question
Hi, We have to do a project at school about your dream profession and I chose chiropractor. But I have a few questions, if you'll please be so kind and answer them for me.
1. Do you receive a a good salary (can you maintain a comfortable living)
2. What qualification does one need?
3. What is your opinion on this field of wor? (Strict? difficult or easy to succeed in? time consuming? pressurized? ect)
4. In your opinion, what characteristics does one need to succeed in this field of work?
Thank you for your time :)

Answer
Thanks for your question. These are all really great questions that you should consider before choosing a profession. Keep in mind, I could give you several pages of answers, but the most important thing for you to do right now is research all the types of careers you are interested in so that you can make an informed decision that will make you happy the rest of your life. Also, ask as many professionals as you can. Their insight can be very valuable.

1. Do you receive a good salary (can you maintain a comfortable living)?
Salary can vary dramatically. It can range from substantially less than “six figures” to substantially more than “six figures.” There are a lot of factors that can affect your income. Chiropractors who make the most money tend to be self-employed with their own practice. Along with owning your own practice are the drawbacks and benefits of owning your own business. If you’re good with money, you will do well financially. If you’re not good with money, it will be harder to do well. There are other factors that affect your financial success, such as where you practice. You’re likely to be busier if you practice in an area where there are fewer chiropractors. Ultimately, it takes time to build a practice and create a name for yourself. Many patients will not come see you without a referral from a friend or from their doctor. This being the case, it can take substantial time for you to start initially. However, once you have built a solid reputation, the referrals come much faster, and the patients you’ve managed well will stick with you over the course of your career. So initially, the income may be very low, but at some point, you career is likely to take an exponential leap once you reach your “tipping point.” Of course, there are variables to all of these things mentioned, but these are the common trends. There are too many considerations to take into account, so if you’re interested in the career, the best thing you can do is find a successful chiropractor to mentor you.

2. What qualification does one need?
I noticed you’re from outside the United States, so I’m not familiar with your local laws. In the United States, it generally requires a Bachelor’s degree for admission to chiropractic school. Then, the chiropractic program is generally a 4-year program, though there are institutions offering a 3-year accelerated program. This includes your internship. Generally, becoming a chiropractor requires about 7-8 years of college.

3. What is your opinion on this field of work? (Strict? difficult or easy to succeed in? time consuming? pressurized?)
As briefly referenced in the first question, most chiropractors consider building your practice the most difficult part. It takes time (sometimes several years) developing and marketing your name and building a solid reputation. This commitment that it takes to build your names makes it difficult to move to another community after you’re established. It costs money starting your own clinic along with the time commitment. Additionally, the work is fairly demanding physically. Chiropractic is a hands-on, manual approach that sometimes requires a small amount of force to adjust the spine. You also have to lift patients a little bit to assist the adjustment and when their backs go out severely. These factors place heavy demands on your body. You may have a doctorate, but be prepared to do a fair amount of manual labor for your work, especially if you have a busy practice.

4. In your opinion, what characteristics does one need to succeed in this field of work?
I personally feel the most important characteristic is being a genuinely good person. If you sincerely try to help your patients, they will come back and refer their friends and family. If you are phony or make empty promises, it will cause you to feel empty with your work at the end of the day. Don’t go into this profession chasing money. The process of chasing money as a healthcare provider will negatively change you, and your patients will know your true intentions. Just take care of your patients as if they are family, and you will do well. It may take some time, but if you are patient and follow this simple principle, you will succeed no matter where you are.

I hope this helps. Good luck!
Dr. JR Strecker, DC

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