Insurance companies have been cutting out more and more chiropractic services over the years. Chiropractic college tuition these days is right up there (almost) with medical school tuition, but on average DCs do not earn nearly as much as MDs. Will it be possible for DCs to make a decent living in the next 10-20 years? Are there any recent grads (within the last 5 years) that have been doing well financially?

Hi Mountain. I am a retired Chiropractor.

First, the link below is to a recent scientific paper in a MAJOR MEDICAL JOURNAL (Annals Of Internal Medicine). The researchers reviewed the available scientific research on treatment of low back pain and concluded: "Therapies with good evidence of moderate efficacy for chronic or subacute low back pain are cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise, SPINAL MANIPULATION, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation." So, ignore the negative comments from those "who do not know".

http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/147/7/492?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=reviews+low+back+pain&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&resourcetype=HWCIT

Your question is a good one. Because it calls for a prediction about the future, the answer can only be an educated guess.

Your points about diminishing insurance coverage and diminishing reimbursements are correct. You are also correct in noting the escalating cost of tuition. I anticipate that both of these trends will continue. Any additional nationalization of health care by the Obama regime (a large chunk of health care is already "nationalized") will likely make reimbursements even more limited (for all types of providers).

The Chiropractic profession is somewhat unique amongst the major health care professions (M.D.s, Dentists, Podiatrists, Optometrists, etc.), in that financial success is highly variable among its practitioners. Some Chiropractors truly excel at the Art of Chiropractic and do very, very well. Some Chiropractors never ‘make it’ in practice and eventually must leave the profession for financial reasons. Most Chiropractors make a reasonable living, but I would guess with lower incomes than they would like.

So, it really comes down to the motivation and passion of the individual. If you are truly inspired by: 1) helping others, 2) providing hands on care, and 3) the Chiropractic approach to health care, then this profession can still be an excellent choice. However, if you are primarily driven by potential income and "lifestyle", Chiropractic may not be a good choice.

There will ALWAYS be a need for good Chiropractors. Some of them will be very successful. It will take passion, hard work, and courage; coupled with adaptability and creativity.

I hope you find this helpful. Best wishes and good luck.

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