Dr. Bruce Jon Hagen
Sioux Falls Chiropractor & Clinic Director
Dr. Bruce Jon Hagen is a third-generation chiropractor in a fourth-generation family of 28+ chiropractors — and the story of how he chose this path is one he tells with unmistakable pride.
"I was inspired by my father. I used to do house calls with him and I was impressed by how quickly people would function after care. We would go out to eat as a family and a patient he hadn't seen for years would politely interrupt our dinner and thank my father for 'fixing' their headaches or back issues. I wanted to be the guy who provided relief in the same way that he had, one person at a time. I thrive on seeing people happy and am thankful that I can live a life of service."
That calling has defined nearly five decades of practice. Dr. Hagen graduated from Dordt College with a BA and Westmar College with a BS before earning his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1977 — one of the most respected chiropractic institutions in the world.
Exclusively Activator. Exceptionally Skilled.
Dr. Hagen practices exclusively with the Activator Method, and holds Advanced Proficiency Rated status — making him one of only 5 chiropractors in the entire Sioux Empire to achieve that distinction.
The Activator Method is a gentle, instrument-assisted technique that delivers precise, low-force adjustments, making it particularly effective for patients of all ages, including those who prefer a non-manual approach to care.
Areas of Focus
Dr. Hagen specializes in caring for patients dealing with:
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Sprains and strains
He has a particular passion for complex and traumatic cases. With extensive post-graduate training in personal injury, cervical trauma, whiplash, and accident reconstruction, Dr. Hagen is one of the most qualified chiropractors in South Dakota for patients recovering from motor vehicle accidents and workplace injuries.
Post-Graduate Training & Certifications
Dr. Hagen has invested thousands of hours in continuing education through the American Chiropractic Association, state associations, and accredited chiropractic colleges. His post-graduate training includes:
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Post-Graduate X-Ray Interpretation, Diagnosis & Placement — 1,700 hours
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Diagnosis and Interpretation of Laboratory Procedures
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Orthopedic and Neurological Examinations
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Management and Treatment of Trauma-Induced Injuries
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Sports Injuries & Acute Patient Management
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AMA Impairment Rating — 4th, 5th & 6th Editions
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Advanced Course in Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Cervical Trauma and Whiplash-Related Disorders
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Graduate, Whiplash: The Masters' Program — Spine Research Institute of San Diego, 1998
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Graduate, Best Practices in Chiropractic Certification Series — NetCare Administrators, LLC, 2009 (selected as one of the initial 25 doctors nationally for this pilot program)
A Career Built on Service to the Profession
Dr. Hagen's commitment extends well beyond patient care. Over the course of his career he has served the chiropractic profession in numerous leadership roles, including:
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President, South Dakota Chiropractor's Association (2004–2006)
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Vice President & Past President, South Dakota Chiropractor's Association
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Chair, SDCA Workers' Compensation Committee (2024–present)
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Chair, SDCA Managed Care Committee (2002–2010)
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Chair, SDCA Insurance Relations Committee (2002–present)
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Board Member, South Dakota Chiropractor's Association (1999–2002; 2023–present)
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Board Member, Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Research (1989–1992)
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President, Northwest Iowa Chiropractic Society (1988)
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Member, Iowa Chiropractic Society Peer Review Committee (1980–1985)
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Author, SDCA Scoliosis Training Program (2007)
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Vice President, CPAC (2006–present); Board Member, CPAC (2007–present)
Honors & Recognition
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SDCA Chiropractor of the Year — 2009, as selected by his state peers
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Recipient, Dr. Ron Bubel "Spirit of SDCA" Award — 2007
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Selected as one of 25 doctors nationally for the Best Practices in Chiropractic pilot program
Practice History
Dr. Hagen has been serving patients in the region since 1977:
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1977–1978 — Internship, Hagen Chiropractic Clinic, Sioux Center, Iowa
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1978–1988 — Partner, Chiropractic Practice, Sioux Center, Iowa
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1988–1992 — Partner, Chiropractic Practice, Sioux Falls, SD
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1992–2005 — Sole Practitioner, Sioux Falls, SD
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2005–2015 — Clinic Director, Back Specialists of the Midwest, LLC
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2016–Present — Clinic Director, Back Specialists, LLC, Sioux Falls, SD
Beyond the Clinic
Dr. Bruce Jon shares his life in Sioux Falls with his wife, Elizabeth, their 5 children, and 4 grandchildren.
He has also served his broader community as a board member and president of Sioux Falls Christian Schools. He continues to wake up every day, as he puts it, "thankful to drive to work and care for my patient family."
