A great furor has arisen over the idea of chiropractors utilizing drugs in their practice. Here is the problem: We have said and done nothing over the past 100 years about chiropractors performing medical procedures and utilizing drugless therapeutics (eg. alleviating medical conditions or their symptoms by hand only). We have had a “live and let live” attitude. Now we suddenly want to draw a line in the sand and stop them from prescribing pharmaceuticals. If we say we are going to give chiropractors the right to mix, we must let them “go all the way.” Anything else does not follow reason. We are still imposing our idea of what chiropractic is, or more accurately, what it is not. Unfortunately, what we are saying is that chiropractic is the treatment of medical conditions by drugless means. Either we have to take a stand on addressing medical conditions period or we need to allow those who want to practice medicine as chiropractic, do so in any way they believe is most effective.
Dr. Strauss, I am with you on this and understand the position. What do you suggest we do? Let drugs enter Chiropractic without fight? It certainly is reactive and acute crisis care, but what other option do we have besides encouraging a formal split. Is this what you are suggesting? Would love your input on this.
Steve, I think we need to decide on what grounds we are going to fight this. As I see it there are 3 groups. 1. Those who oppose it on a traditional basis “chiropractors have never prescrbed drugs”. 2. Those who want to address medical conditions and/or their cause but do it druglessly. 3. Those who believe that ANYTHING having to do with a medical objective (the treatment, cure, or CAUSE of disease) is not chiropractic. Only the first 2 groups seem to be hot on the issue of pharmaceuticals. The third group which is a small group and one that I am part of, believes that using/prescribing pharmaceuticals is only a symptom of the cause. Until the first two groups see and agree as to what the chiropractic objective is, we are only addressing the symptoms. If I can be frank with you, Steve, from reading the thoughts of people posting on the internet, in almost all facebook groups, both DC’s and students, hardly anyone is thinking like those in group 3. If we do not get groups 1&2 to think like 3, we may win the battle (over drugs) but we will lose the war (for the future of chiropractic.) Personally, I see a greater issue than fighting the incursion of drugs into chiropractic. But I wish those who are fighting that battle well, I just cannot allocate my limited resources (of which time is the most limited and precious) to such, in my mind, a minor and ultimately futile endeavor. I will not judge or condemn anyone choosing to get involved in that battle. I just choose to put my efforts into strengthening those in group 3, and convincing those in groups 1&2 of the inconsistency of their position. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to vent. I would be happy to hear other arguments, I would hate to see chiropractors prescribing.
You know where I stand. The stance needs to be taken in higher numbers to make an impact. Seems the schools are producing new DCs who are almost forced to stand opposite you and I. We have to have a fighting spirit. If we sit back and never take a stance, we get nowhere. And just doing it one office at a time will not create enough momentum to make a difference that is seen. State and National organizations need to help increase the momentum. More things need to be done to bring the philosophy back into focus. Each of us has the power to make a difference. But if the difference is only seen by our family and those in our small communities, our individual legacy will have little effect. There’s a bigger job to do and few seem to want to put their necks out on the block to get it done. Mostly because we are all wrapped up in our own little worlds. I’m guilty of it too. I think it was said in the movie The Terminator….the Terminator told John Connor that “Anger is better than apathy.” I believe this to be true. We are way overdue for the anger setting in.
I don’t understand why there is such a fight to inhibit others to practice the way they want. Why is everyone so angry about it? Who gets to define what Chiropractic is?
sjchiro, 3 good questions. First: “I don’t understand why there is such a fight to inhibit others to practice the way they want.” Up until the pharmaceutical issue, no one was trying to stop chiropractors from adding anything and everything to chiropractic for 100+ years. But those who advocated a broadscope approach tried to and succeeded in stopping straights from having an accrediting agency that would monitor/approve them practicing “the way they want”. They also closed down 2 schools that wanted to teach people how to “practice the way they want” and are forcing the remaining school to no longer teach chiropractic “the way they want”. They are actively passing state laws to prevent straights from paracticing “the way they want” and undoubtedly will force all schools to practice the way THEY want them to. I think that answers your second question as to why everyone is so angry about it and your third question: apparently those who are constantly trying to broaden the laws think they get to “define what chiropractic is”. The point of my post is we have done all the live and let living over the years. All we have gotten in return are attempts to destroy us and our approach to chiropractic. Perhaps what you perceive as offensive action on the part of some is their last desperate effort to defend their right to practice the way they want.
I thought the founder of chiropractic got to define what chiropractic is. I understand it to be the use of the adjustment to eliminate subluxations caused by chemical, emotional and biomechanical stresses on the body so the body’s intelligence is able to heal the body. I don’t think the body will heal itself faster if another chemical (Rx drug) is added to it. If you’d like to start a new profession, and call it something else, then you can. Or if you’re going to practice in an underserved area and want to prescribe, then there is the option to obtain a DO, ND, MD or NP license on top of the DC.
Dear Joe, You have been a force and an inspiration to so many, including me. I am so hrateful to have found this page to keep up with your tgoughts that have always been on target. God
blessd you for carrying on for so many years. Love to you and family.
Please excuse the errors. I need to purchase a new computer.
Rose,
We could all benefit from your wisdom. Please share!
Thank you Rose. I have appreciated your friendship over the years. I hope you will continue to help us spread the word about this blog and continue to contribute.