Today we are celebrating Dr. Joe Barnes whose practice, Barnes Chiropractic, has been caring for patients for 26 years in Hampstead

When Dr. Joe Barnes opened his chiropractic practice in Hampstead 26 years ago, US Hwy 17 was a two-lane road. When stopping at the post office, everyone knew everybody in the small fishing town.

“I started the practice in this same building,” Dr. Barnes recalls. 

When he opened Barnes Chiropractic at 14363 US Hwy 17, he was located in the rear of the building, next door to the ABC Store. Since opening the practice, Barnes has cared for four generations of patients. 

“Quality of care is very important to me,” he added, pointing to the state-of-the-art equipment used in his practice. “We were the first to bring digital x-ray equipment – before the hospitals began using it.”

Barnes said keeping up with technology is important if a patient needs a referral or shared information between medical doctors. He conducts the same medical tests and exams that a general practitioner would conduct. 

“We speak the same language when it comes to the care of patients,” he said. 

Since he was a middle-school student, Barnes knew he wanted to become a chiropractor.

“I know pain first-hand,” he said, explaining that as a middle school student he fell from a three-story chicken coop. He broke his back. He had vertebrate damage and his orthopedist suggested he try a chiropractor. 

“From that moment on, it’s all I wanted to be,” he said. 

Today Barnes keeps active. He is involved in sports and is currently a senior member of the Dambakly Dojo where he is a second-degree black belt. He is a boat captain and he enjoys fishing and hunting. 

He treats sports injuries, auto injuries, and his patients range in age from infants to great-grandparents. 

There are stereotypes and misnomers about chiropractic care, including severe and painful cracking of the joints, or required extended care. 

Barnes is the antithesis of painful and prolonged care. 

“I come to think of my patients as family and when it comes to care, they are my bosses and I listen to them,” he said. “Keeping care affordable is very important.”

Barnes Chiropractic, located south of the NC 210 and US Hwy 17 intersection, is celebrating 26 years of practice. 

“I plan on keeping the course, take care of people and I hope to celebrate my 100th birthday here in this medical practice,” he stated. 

For more information about Barnes Chiropractic visit online at http://www.drjoebarnes.com or call 910-270-9990. Walk-ins are welcome.