The term Objective Straight Chiropractic (OSC) was originally used in Refined by Fire to distinguish between the periods of time when straight chiropractic practiced the Palmer model of chiropractic and when the non-therapeutic model was developed in the 70’s. By non-therapeutic we mean not relating to disease, its cause, or its prevention. To my knowledge Dr. Mark Romano of Mississippi was the first person to begin to use it to describe chiropractors.
It has come under criticism both inside and outside the straight community. Joseph Keating, PhD, a strong critic of straight chiropractic, in reviewing Refined By Fire said that it should be called “purpose” chiropractic because objective has a meaning besides purpose. Others, even within the straight community, say that all chiropractors have an objective or purpose so that it is really lacking as a descriptive term. I agree and have no problem using non-therapeutic or some other yet-to-be-coined term. So, while the term originally was intended to describe the unique purpose of our approach to straight chiropractic, I have come to realize that the concept of “objective” has an even greater and more important connotation unbeknownst to me when I first coined it.
“Objective” as a noun means purpose. That is the way it is usually interpreted. However, the term’s more common usage is as an adjective modifying a noun or another adjective. In this case, it modifies the word straight which describes the word chiropractor. So much for the grammar lesson, here is the applicable part. As an objective, it also means “having actual existence… and uninfluenced by emotion or personal prejudices.” I think that clearly describes the OSC chiropractor. Our philosophy is founded on the existence and reality of an innate intelligence. We are not based upon the unrealistic idea that chiropractic cures everything. We are not based upon an emotional attachment to B.J. Palmer, just to the things that he taught that were congruent with the objective (purpose) of straight chiropractic, a purpose that is clear in his writing. Further, we are not based upon “personal prejudices” whether they are against everything Palmer gave us or toward a preference for chiropractic as an approach to musculoskeletal conditions or as an approach to or alternative to the practice of medicine.
“Objective” is also defined as “external or material reality.” Our approach is not a subjective one. It is based upon the reality of a philosophy that is deductive in nature. It is based upon a standard or principle external to our subjective thinking. It does not depend upon what we say but what the philosophy says. It does not change from day to day with our feelings or whim or some kind of internal enlightenment that we have supposedly received from our inner guide. It is based upon principles that everyone can understand (perhaps not accept but at least intellectually understand). Have you ever met someone whose approach to chiropractic has changed again and again? They have gone from a traditional chiropractor to a spine straightener, to a hands only mixer, to a full-blown chiropractic physician. Or they have gone the opposite way and become some sort of spiritualist. They change every time someone comes in the office with a different problem or they attend a new seminar. That is subjectivity. Objective straight chiropractic is not arbitrary or subjective in nature. It is objective. That is what we practice. That is objective straight chiropractic.
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