Dr. David Shifman is a chiropractor at the Advanced Wellness Center in River Grove. He said he was inspired to become a chiropractor after he was in a car crash.
Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?
A: I grew up in Detroit. I moved to Chicago in 1986. I went to the National College of Chiropractic in Lombard.
Q: Why did you want to become a chiropractor?
A: When I was young, I was in a bad car accident. I did physical therapy for a year and pain medication, and nothing helped. A friend of mine told me to see a chiropractor. That chiropractor saved my life. He inspired me to go into the profession.
Q: When did you start your practice in River Grove?
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A: I bought my practice in 1999.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: We do chiropractic. We also do acupuncture, massage, nutrition, sports medicine and Chinese medicine. We do a lot of different things. I’m the only chiropractor.
Q: What do you typically treat?
A: We treat lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder issues, headaches, elbows, knees and feet. We do a lot of nutritional health. We treat fertility, depression and autoimmune disorders.
Q: How many people work for you?
A: We have two massage therapists and an acupuncturist.
Q: What do you like about serving the River Grove community?
A: River Grove is an interesting little neighborhood. It’s a small town in a big area. Everybody knows each other, and it has a small-town feel in a big city.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a chiropractor?
A: It’s a lot of work. It’s four years of school. They have to commit to it financially and emotionally. It’s like going to medical school. Also, most chiropractors don’t work for a hospital. They have to open their own practice. It’s a great profession. Most people love their chiropractor. It’s very rewarding. I love doing it.
Q: What do you like about owning your own business?
A: I like that I am my own boss. I make my own decisions. I’m basically a small-business owner. I like being in charge.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I like to travel. I like hiking, bike riding and kayaking.