Whole Life Chiropractic

Dr. Thacker was born in Carmel, California. His father was stationed there while serving in the United States Marine Corps. His family later returned to Graham, North Carolina where Dr. Thacker’s parents were born and raised.

After seeking a degree in criminal justice from Appalachian State University, Dr. Thacker enlisted as a third generation United States Marine. After returning home, he joined the Army National Guard. While attending East Carolina University, he earned his certification as a paramedic. He went on to obtain a degree in nursing. Dr. Thacker became a registered nurse.

The Path to Becoming a Chiropractor

Dr. Thacker worked in many disciplines of nursing. These include Emergency, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal ICU, Medical ICU, and home health. During this time Dr. Thacker dealt with back problems and was directed to take a drug for it. Instead, he decided to try chiropractic care.

“After eight years of pain, I started getting better as a result of being adjusted.”

He considered going to medical school, applied and got accepted. Then he applied to chiropractic college. “I thought, ‘this meets my idea of what health and wellness should be versus taking medication.’” He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, Missouri.

After seeing a need in the community for chiropractic care for animals, Dr. Thacker is now studying for certification by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association through Parker University’s Animal Chiropractic program.

Staying Active in Durham

Dr. Thacker met and married his amazing wife Michelle while at East Carolina University. She works as a birth doula. They have five incredible children: Paley, Macgregor, Silas, Oisin, and Brea. As Dr. Thacker and his wife have Irish heritage, they wanted to give their kids Gaelic names.

Their sons play baseball and football; and their oldest daughter swims competitively. Dr. Thacker’s family is active in the community with church, sports and homeschooling. They also enjoy wildlife conservation, homesteading and gardening.