For Seleshi Mekonen, a 60-year-old businessman from Aresi in Oromia Regional State, the road to recovery from debilitating pain was long and gruelling. Five years ago, he found himself bedridden, plagued by excruciating back pain that radiated down to both legs. For seven months, the condition worsened until one leg became paralyzed due to postural back issues.
“I was in horrible pain and bedridden for seven months,” Seleshi recounted. “One of my legs became nonfunctional.”
Desperate for a solution, he tried multiple treatments, none of which restored full functionality. It wasn’t until a friend recommended First Spine Physiotherapy and Specialty Clinic that Seleshi found relief.
Under the care of Selam Aklilu (MD), a chiropractor at the clinic, Seleshi underwent hands-on, non-invasive treatments that utilized no medication. The results, he said, were transformative.
“After just two weeks, I saw significant improvement,” Seleshi said. “The pain subsided, and after three months of consecutive treatment, I could move my leg without assistance. I can now run my business full-time and even drive without any difficulty.”
Chiropractic Care: A Path to Healing
Seleshi’s story mirrors the experiences of many who struggle with chronic pain and limited mobility, only to find hope through chiropractic care. Chiropractic, a licensed healthcare specialty, focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It employs manual therapies such as spinal adjustments, coupled with guidance on exercise and nutrition.
Practitioners primarily target musculoskeletal disorders—particularly back and neck pain—using techniques designed to restore function to the nervous system. Modern chiropractic practices also incorporate advanced equipment, including electrotherapy, muscle stimulation, and shock therapy tools.
Unlike conventional medical treatments that often rely on medication or surgery, chiropractic care offers a hands-on alternative, emphasizing prevention and rehabilitation.
Chiropractic care is still relatively unknown across much of Africa. However, efforts to bring this alternative healthcare approach to Ethiopia gained momentum recently with a landmark conference organized by the African Chiropractic Association (ACA) in Addis Ababa.
Representatives from 13 African countries convened under the themes “Pioneering Chiropractic in Africa” and “Straighten Up” or, translated as “Ket-Yebelu,” to discuss establishing Ethiopia’s first chiropractic school.
The initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from Ethiopian-born chiropractors trained abroad, particularly in the United States. They see the establishment of a chiropractic school not only as a professional milestone but also as an opportunity to expand healthcare education across East Africa.
Currently, the continent has only two chiropractic schools, both located in South Africa. The conference emphasized the need for increased community awareness about chiropractic care’s benefits, particularly its role in preventing and managing chronic pain.
In a country with just one active chiropractor, Selam, founder and owner of First Spine Clinics, has spent 25 years revolutionizing healthcare in Ethiopia through chiropractic treatment. As the first licensed professional in the field, Selam has treated more than 300,000 patients, cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in holistic care.
Despite her achievements, Selam highlights significant challenges in advancing chiropractic care in Ethiopia. “Chiropractic education and practice are expensive,” she explained. “With no training institutions in Ethiopia and very few on the continent, access to education—and, consequently, treatment—remains limited.”
Currently, there are only four Ethiopian chiropractors, including Selam, but the others practice abroad, primarily in the United States. This lack of local expertise, coupled with widespread misconceptions about chiropractic care, has slowed its acceptance in Ethiopia.
“Many people think chiropractic treatment is just for spine and back pain,” Selam said. “While that’s a major focus, the impact is far-reaching. Misaligned spines can cause headaches, emotional disturbances, stress, and even abdominal discomfort. Studies show these conditions lead to significant economic losses in Africa. With more trained chiropractors, these issues could be effectively prevented.”
The Backbone of Holistic Health
First Spine Clinics, which Selam describes as “the backbone of health,” remains the only chiropractic clinic in Ethiopia. Operating under the Spine Institute and Care S.C., the clinic has three branches in Addis Ababa, including one in Debrezeit. However, the shortage of trained practitioners has prevented further expansion.
“We’re addressing symptoms that directly affect Ethiopia’s workforce,” Selam said. “Our holistic approach allows us to tackle not just spinal issues but also the broader health problems they cause.”
Selam noted that a prominent Australian chiropractor has been supporting the sector in Ethiopia for 12 years, contributing to efforts to establish a chiropractic school in the country.
The clinic’s primary focus is now on addressing the critical shortage of practitioners by launching a chiropractic education center. This initiative aims to train professionals not only for Ethiopia but also for neighboring countries, including Sudan, Somalia, and Uganda.
“Because of the limited number of chiropractors, many patients are stuck on waiting lists,” Selam said. “Opening an education center will help resolve this issue and make chiropractic care accessible to more people.”
A recent study found that over 56 percent of Ethiopian adults working in various sectors suffer from back pain and musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the shoulders and neck. The country’s younger and middle-aged populations are most affected, primarily due to poor workplace practices, especially in factories and offices.
Selam emphasized the economic implications of untreated musculoskeletal issues. “Health is the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy,” she said. “Improving workers’ health directly impacts productivity and economic growth.”
Although the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor have shown support for expanding chiropractic care, Selam expressed frustration with some local officials’ lack of awareness. “Officials at the Sub-City’s level need to understand the importance of what we’re trying to achieve,” Selam says.
A Vision for Regional Leadership
First Spine Clinics aims to become a hub for chiropractic training in East Africa, representing the region in the global healthcare landscape. Selam is optimistic about Ethiopia’s potential to lead the way. “As a pioneer of chiropractic care in Ethiopia, we’re in a strong position to establish a center that serves the region and beyond,” she said.
For patients like Seleshi Mekonen, who suffered for seven months before finding relief, the clinic’s efforts have been life-changing. He credits Selam and her team for restoring his mobility and improving his quality of life.
“I’ve referred over 40 people to the clinic,” Seleshi said. “Many of them found the solutions they had been searching for, and all at a lower cost and in less time.”
