Research-based practice of chiropractic medicine

What: SpineCare Inc.

Who: Dr. Anthony Houssain

What it does: Functions as a spine rehabilitation clinic. The practice's approach varies from a traditional chiropractic clinic with its "research-based practice of chiropractic medicine," Houssain said. The practice has clinics in Huntsville and Madison.

Employees: 15 - four doctors, six rehabilitation assistants, five office staff

Company history: Founded in January 2002 and "defied conventional wisdom. We focused on quietly building a research-based practice of chiropractic medicine ... to market effectively to an untapped resource: medical doctors." Houssain identified family physicians and spine surgeons as "two opportunities for rapid business growth. Our model has evolved into 'quarterbacking' " spine cases for teams such as the Huntsville Havoc and Tennessee Valley Vipers, Alabama A&M University and Bob Jones High School football. While SpineCare doctors explore new areas to develop ideas, "Our foundation remains unchanged - providing evidence-based, non-surgical spine management to the medical community and their patients."

Honors: Finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Awards program.

Secret of success: Equal attention to "sciences of chiropractic medicine and business. Both are required to identify an unmet need, realize the solution and, most importantly, communicate to our market."

Biggest mistake: "Systems in place that helped us in one clinic didn't work with two clinics." Fortunately, the doctors learned about controlling growth of the practice.

http://www.visitspinecare.com