South Dakota Chiropractor of the Year
Dr. Bruce Jon Hagen, recognized by his peers statewide for excellence.
Advanced Proficiency Activator Specialists
1 of 5 Advanced Proficiency Rated Activator practices in the entire Sioux Empire.
Auto Accident Injury Specialists
Nearly 50 years treating whiplash, cervical trauma, and complex collision injuries.
Trusted Sioux Falls Chiropractor
Back Specialists
At Back Specialists, we are the only chiropractic clinic in Sioux Falls that practices exclusively with the Activator Method — a gentle, precise, instrument-assisted technique that delivers real results without any twisting, cracking, or high-force manipulation.
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Dr. Bruce Jon Hagen has used the Activator Method on 100% of his patients for nearly 50 years. He holds Advanced Proficiency Rated status — the highest credential available — and is one of only 5 Activator chiropractors in the Sioux Empire to achieve it.
His son, Dr. Sean Hagen, joined the practice after earning his own Advanced Proficiency Rating — making Back Specialists the only father-son Advanced Proficiency Rated Activator team in the region.
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If you're looking for a Sioux Falls chiropractor who will listen, explain, and treat you gently and precisely every single visit — you've found the right place.
Common Conditions We Help
At Back Specialists in Sioux Falls, we treat a wide range of conditions using the gentle, precise Activator Method. Here are some of the most common reasons patients come to see us.
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If you have something specific that is ailing you and you don't see it on our list, feel free to contact us about it. We may be able to help.
Dr. Bruce Jon Hagen
Sioux Falls Chiropractor
Clinic Director
Dr. Bruce Jon Hagen is a 3rd generation chiropractor in a four-generation family of 28+ chiropractors. A Palmer College graduate and Advanced Proficiency Rated Activator chiropractor, Dr. Hagen has practiced exclusively with the Activator Method for nearly 50 years — earning recognition as South Dakota Chiropractor of the Year and a reputation as one of the most credentialed Activator practitioners in the Sioux Empire.
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Dr. Sean C. Hagen
Dr. Sean C. Hagen is a 4th generation chiropractor in a family of 28+ chiropractors. A Palmer College graduate and Advanced Proficiency Rated Activator practitioner, Dr. Sean joined his father at Back Specialists after earning his doctorate in 2022 — making them the only father-son Advanced Proficiency Rated Activator team in the region.
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Sioux Falls Chiropractor: Patient Reviews
Activator Method Chiropractic: Your Questions Answered
What is the Activator Method?
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The Activator is a small handheld spring-loaded device used to adjust bones/joints in the spine. It is used to deliver a controlled force to move each individual vertebra back into the correct position. It is gentle and carries minimal, to no soreness after care.
Why should I choose the Activator Method?
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The Activator Method is a precise and gentle approach to care. This is because the impulse delivered from the instrument is only to a specific joint. When a joint is out of alignment in the spine, it can impinge on nerve roots and cause pain. The device sends gentle force into the joint and moves it into the proper position.
The Activator Method corrects the misalignment without excessive force, twisting, or cracking. The muscles in the injured area do not have time to guard against the quick force so the joint moves effortlessly. Our patients love the Activator Method because it is less stressful on their body than manual adjustments.
Are there any side effects associated with the Activator Method?
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No, there are no side effects associated with the Activator Method. In fact, when properly delivered by highly trained practitioners, you can expect a comfortable, effective, pain-free visit. Its only side effect is decreased pain and discomfort!
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Is the Activator Method right for me if I've never tried chiropractic before?
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The Activator Method is one of the most approachable introductions to chiropractic care available. Because it involves no twisting, cracking, or manual force, many first-time patients find it far less intimidating than they expected. Dr. Bruce Jon Hagen and Dr. Sean Hagen take the time to walk every new patient through exactly what to expect before any treatment begins.
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Can the Activator Method help with my specific condition?
The Activator Method is effective for a wide range of conditions including low back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, herniated discs, auto accident injuries, work injuries, and more. If you're unsure whether your condition is a good fit, we encourage you to schedule a consultation — Dr. Hagen has been matching patients to the right care plan for nearly 50 years.
Do You Accept My Insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans and are in-network providers for many of the largest carriers in South Dakota, including Avera, Sanford, Blue Cross Blue Shield, DakotaCare, Wellmark, Medicare Part B, and many others.
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Insurance coverage for chiropractic varies by plan, so we always recommend calling your carrier before your first visit to confirm your benefits and verify that we are a participating provider. Our team is happy to help you sort through the details.
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If your plan covers chiropractic but we are not listed as a participating provider, let us know. We will provide you with a form to submit directly to your insurance carrier, who will either issue you a reimbursement check or apply the charges to your annual deductible.
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For patients who are uninsured or underinsured, we participate in ChiroHealth USA — a membership program that provides access to discounted chiropractic care at predictable, affordable rates. Many patients find it significantly reduces their out-of-pocket costs.
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More about Medicare Part B, Auto Accident Insurance, and Worker's Compensation Insurance.
Our Approach to Chiropractic Care in Sioux Falls, SD
At Back Specialists, every patient receives the same thoughtful, methodical approach — regardless of whether you're coming in for chronic back pain, recovering from a car accident, or seeking relief from headaches and sciatica.
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Your first visit begins with a thorough consultation and physical examination. Dr. Hagen takes the time to understand your full health history, listen to your symptoms, and identify the underlying cause of your pain — not just treat where it hurts. Digital X-rays are taken when indicated to give a clear picture of your spinal alignment before any care begins.
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From there, treatment is delivered exclusively through the Activator Method. Every adjustment is precise, controlled, and targeted to the specific joints identified through Dr. Hagen's systematic assessment protocol. No guesswork. No generalized manipulation. Just focused, gentle care directed exactly where your spine needs it.
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Our goal at every visit is simple: get you out of pain as efficiently as possible and keep you there.
Finding the Best Chiropractor in Sioux Falls
If you've searched "best chiropractor in Sioux Falls," you already know the challenge. There are a lot of options, and most of their websites say the same things.
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So how do you actually know who's the right fit? It depends on your condition, your comfort level, and the kind of care experience you're looking for. What we can tell you is exactly who we are, what we do, and why thousands of Sioux Falls patients have trusted Back Specialists with their spine health for nearly five decades.
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