Dr. Hurkman's journey to become a chiropractor started when he was a child. When he was about 12 years old he developed severe back pain and abdominal pain issues. His mother took him to several medical doctors who diagnosed him as having constipation and suggested laxatives. When the problems did not resolve he was given muscle relaxers and referred to a physical therapist, who then put him in a brace for two years that went from his hips to his shoulders, wrapping around his entire torso. This not only did nothing for him but even made him worse by weakening his musculature. This experience created a passion within him to study different methods of healing.