Have We forgotten our History Chiros?

It constantly amazes me at how many in my profession have no clue about the history of our great profession. So many docs became chiropractors in the late 80's and current because it was a fast growing and good income profession. When my Dad went to Palmer Chiropractic College in 1954, most all students went because of a personal experience thru chiropractic saved their lives or made drastic improvements! As a result, the passion for our profession has gradually decreased. Is it just a job?

Up until the mid 70's chiropractic reimbursement was strictly thru a cash basis. After that point it was covered under insurance. Up until the mid 70's, chiropractic was known for helping asthma, ulcers, allergies, indigestion, diverticulis, etc....... It was not known for headaches, back pain, neck pain, sciatica, numbness, or tingling as it's primary source of treatment until the insurance companies dictated the profession as a neuromuscular/orthopedic form of treatment. As a result, limited thinking developed over the last 40 years.

It's time for my fellow chiropractors to spread the word of how great our profession is in restoring nerve function and all else follows! We don't treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, etc.! We treat nerve interference, know as subluxations, that create a whole host of symptoms in our bodies! We don't cure anything, our body does all the healing!

Before insurance, it was widely known, that to get the body back in shape neurologically, it would take dozens of visits; then, a level of wellness could be maintained at twice a month. After insurance, chiropractic was utilized only for pain control and it would take 8-12 visits to accomplish this deed. What an unservice to each person receiving adjustements! Now, you had insurance companies telling the docs what and when to treat! How appalling! This would not be tolerated prior to the mid 70's, but now the insurance companies hold the money purse.

Instead, it's time to tell the public the truth about the healing process and chiropractic! People are striving to hear the truth in the day and age of pharmaceutical failures. Today's pharmaceutical use has risen too vastly and too quickly. Today's improved quality of life is achieved thru better lifestyle choices not better drugs!