Happy Chiroversary!

I'm not one for dates.  Sure, I'll say yes if the right person asks, but I'm talking more about the calendar variety - I just don't remember dates very well.  So I'll forgive myself for forgetting a recent milestone - my 10 year chiroversary.

I've been practicing chiropractic for 10 years!  You'd think by now I'd have had enough practice and could do the real thing but there you have it.  Still practicing... after a decade!  And it's weird, because the math doesn't really add up - how can I be at once a youthful twenty-something, and also a seasoned decenial doctor of chiropractic?  One of life's mysteries, really.  But there you have it.

I want my spine mug

And what do I have to show for my 10 years of service?  Files, lots of files, and memories, and experience.  I've gained so much from my patients over the past decade.  I've learned a lot about back pain and joints, about healing, and about not-healing.  I've treated lots of regular cases, and a few fascinating ones.  I've seen so many people get healthier through chiropractic, and I've witnessed time and time again the remarkable ability of the human body to heal.  And I've been honoured to be a part of it all.
What I DON'T have to show for my service, is a spine mug.  For shame, chiro-authorities... what better way to commemorate 10 years of dedicated spinal service?  What have my annual dues been funding?  Research!?


A professor once told us that when we graduate as chiropractors, we will be competent, at best.  He went on to describe how technically proficient we can expect to be after x and x+1 years, but I was too insulted to keep listening.  Competent?  COMPETENT?  I mean, I know rule number one is to 'first do no harm', but talk about setting the bar low.  But after 10 years, I sort of get it.  I remember those first few adjustments - sure they got the job done, but with no finesse, little style.  Experience has given me a great set of hands with which to pat myself on my back and crack yours, and pardon me for bragging, but after 10 years I'm not only competent, but dare I say it... I'm an excellent chiropractor.

And I couldn't have done it without you, my patients past present and future, and your trust and your vertebrae.  I'll be sure to mention you in my speech when I accept my 20 years of service spine watch.

Time for an adjustment!