Helping Medical Professionals Understand Chiropractic

First, I am always grateful for the time and interest of other caregivers. Therefore, I want to provide concise, clear information for medical professionals about chiropractic. Additionally, I will explain the treatment algorithms I follow as a practitioner, although I cannot cover every detail here.

Next, there is a wealth of information for medical professionals and the public alike about chiropractic science, philosophy, and methods on other pages of this website. On this page, I focus on chiropractic history, research, current subluxation theories, and treatment approaches. Furthermore, I describe my practice focus, interests, and conditions appropriate for referral.

Why you may think what you may think about chiropractic

Many people have opinions about chiropractic. Often, these ideas come from personal experience, friends, relatives, or media reports. Moreover, some opinions arise from misinformation, scandal-driven media, or a lack of accurate knowledge.

For example, simple questions can help people reevaluate their views about chiropractic. If chiropractic were only a placebo, why do Medicare and third-party payors cover adjustments? Also, if chiropractors cared only about money, why did they serve 30,000 jail terms nationwide to treat patients? Additionally, if chiropractic were dangerous, why is average malpractice insurance $4,000, compared with $90,000 for medical doctors?

Furthermore, chiropractic care is available to military personnel worldwide and in VA facilities. In addition, many community members remain dedicated to chiropractic. Doctors of Chiropractic have hospital privileges across the country and serve in integrated health care departments. Regardless of your specialty, you might be surprised to learn that we are primary care practitioners in all 50 states.

A Common Sense Inquiry

Despite challenges, including difficult relations with allopaths, antagonistic media, dishonest members, and varying scopes of practice, chiropractic remains a substantial evidence-based health care protocol. However, research is still inconclusive about exactly why, when, and how chiropractic works. Regardless, if it was ineffective or dangerous, physical therapists would not lobby to adjust patients, medical doctors would not attend weekend seminars on mobilization, and osteopaths would not have integrated into the AMA.

So—why do most people think what they think about chiropractic? First, many people hold opinions about chiropractic shaped by personal experience or dramatic stories. Often, these opinions come from what feels true, not from evaluating facts. Additionally, we all have natural biases based on what we already believe.

For example, open-mindedness is rare. When people believe prayer helps healing, they notice studies that confirm it. However, skeptics focus only on studies that deny prayer’s benefits. In both cases, beliefs shape how evidence is seen.

Moreover, people can only use the information they already have. Like most of us, few take time to research deeply. Especially when a topic does not affect daily life, people rarely search for neutral, reliable sources. Again, old ideas can overwhelm good information, even for medical professionals.

A Complex and Often Dark History

Take the case of a Supreme Court case that revealed the American Medical Association had run a campaign against chiropractors for decades. The campaign, called the “Committee on Quackery,” tried to discredit the entire profession. As a result, many medical students were taught that chiropractors cared more about money than patients. Sadly, this false message shaped generations of doctors’ opinions.

Unless someone has received chiropractic care personally, they often know little about what chiropractors do. Therefore, many doctors rely only on old lessons or rumors instead of current research. I encourage medical professionals to explore modern chiropractic studies—even brief summaries can change outdated views.

During my internship at USC, I witnessed change firsthand. In short, medical interns had to complete a rotation in chiropractic care. Soon, several interns, residents, and even faculty doctors began referring patients to me.

In 1987, a federal judge found the AMA guilty of antitrust violations against chiropractic. This ruling led to several positive changes. First, the campaign ended, though media damage lasted for years. Next, the AMA had to admit its wrongdoing and apologize publicly. Then, new research funding became available for studying chiropractic care and its effects.

Changes, But Good Changes?

Also, chiropractors gained hope and pride, pushing education to higher standards. Finally, chiropractic schools expanded to five years of medical-level training and national board exams.

Unfortunately, negative effects remain. For instance, divisions exist within the chiropractic profession itself. Years of conflict left insecurities about identity and status. Consequently, some chiropractors now chase titles or employ symbols like white coats and stethoscopes to feel respected.

Ironically, these efforts copy the very medical system many patients are seeking alternatives to. Meanwhile, differences in practice methods continue across states and schools. This inconsistency makes it difficult to form clear public understanding or create unified research studies.

For example, one chiropractor may use ice therapy and long-lever adjustments. Another may use only precise, gentle, short-lever corrections. Even so, both may succeed with the same patient, which can be complicating anectodal information for medical professionals. Because of this, I chose the Gonstead method—it ensures consistent, specific care anywhere in the world.

First, think about how you formed your opinion about chiropractic care. Sometimes we decide based on personal experience. Other times, our beliefs come from stories, bias, or things we heard long ago.

Next, as both a doctor and caregiver, I believe my duty is to serve patients completely. Therefore, I guide them toward any treatment that truly helps—whether it’s surgery, chiropractic, prayer, or even dancing. To ignore this duty, in my view, would fail the basic promise every healthcare worker makes.

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Research: Information for Medical Professionals

Then, consider how much chiropractic research has grown. In 1980, there were fewer than a dozen studies. By 2004, more than 3,000 appeared in medical journals. Clearly, that shows incredible progress.

Now, chiropractors understand that spinal and joint problems respond to careful, specific adjustments. Years of practice support this idea. Still, more studies must continue so future care stays grounded in solid science. This will also go a long way toward providing more, and more trustworthy, information to medical professionals and the public.

Earlier medical research already described many of the same body systems chiropractors treat. However, because doctors and chiropractors often failed to communicate, confusion grew. Sadly, this made some people think chiropractic was unscientific. In truth, “subluxation,” or spinal misalignment, often connects to sprains, strains, and early arthritis.

Ironically, doctors now use the word subluxation in medical codes, yet chiropractic students are told not to. As time passes, the wisdom of older chiropractors fades. Their knowledge—built from decades of patient care—deserves to be remembered.

Theories About How Chiropractic Works

Today, new ideas continue to shape the field. Some focus on inflammation or joint instability. Others explore how nerves, muscles, and the immune system interact. Even though medicine and chiropractic differ, both study how the body stays balanced and healthy.

Unfortunately, when science demands only lab proof, traditional methods sometimes disappear. For example, doctors once dismissed cherry juice for gout. Later, research confirmed its benefits, and it returned to medical care. Without care, old chiropractic wisdom could vanish before science explains it.

Currently, chiropractic studies show mixed results. Some are clear, while others remain uncertain. Because training and patients differ, it’s hard to compare results. Until research grows stronger, we rely on what we know—patient safety, healing time, and treatment cost.

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Information for Medical Professionals About Our Approach

Each chiropractor’s approach depends on their training and patients’ needs. For instance, a small-town doctor may study back pain more closely than one in a big city.

Still, all chiropractors follow key steps for care. Every visit begins with a complete health history and exam. When pain comes from an injury, fractures or serious problems must be ruled out first. When pain comes without trauma, we search for causes like arthritis, infection, or organ referral.

At Centre Chiropractic, I work hard not to treat every problem the same. Not all pain is spinal. Each case needs its own plan based on type, cause, and severity.

Before starting care, I teach patients about their condition. We discuss how it began, how it may change, and which options can help. Finally, we talk about lifestyle habits, since these often shape both healing and long-term health.

As a person living with insulin-dependent diabetes for 52 years, I understand patients deeply. Often, doctors fail to explain choices clearly or share enough helpful information. Because of that, patients struggle to make informed decisions about their care.

Therefore, I make clear communication a major focus during every exam and report of findings. During these visits, I explain each step so patients feel confident and informed.

Next, treatment includes precise, gentle adjustments to the spine or extremities. Each movement is short, quick, and carefully directed. Attention is given to how the adjustment affects either the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system during each visit.

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Potential

My goal is to build better communication with all healthcare professionals. In fact this is why I've spent time and money to create this website to provide information for medical professionals and the public. This goal is personal, political, and professional.

At first, I left a successful career to study chiropractic because I wanted to help people. For that reason, I believe everyone in our community deserves full access to every type of care.

Therefore, chiropractors must let go of old biases against medicine and surgery. Likewise, doctors and other professionals must learn about chiropractic methods, exams, and results.

In addition, every healthcare provider should understand the philosophy and science behind their peers’ work. Working together helps every patient receive the best care possible.

Earlier in my career, I had no idea what a rolfer did or how it might help someone. Back then, I didn’t know if rolfing could ease pain from conditions like fibromyalgia.

Now, I believe ignoring information about other healing methods is like neglecting part of my duty. To me, refusing to learn from others is almost like malpractice.

Referral to a Doctor of Chiropractic

If you’ve read about chiropractic history or research, you already know referrals can be tricky to define.

Still, many conditions that frustrate medical doctors respond well to chiropractic care. These include back pain, leg pain, neck pain, TMJ issues, and headaches.

Also, when a patient does not improve with standard treatment, chiropractic care can be a strong alternative. Patients value doctors who explore every safe and helpful option.

In fact, a 1998 study showed that 40% of medical doctors had referred patients to chiropractors. Since then, referrals have increased as research continues to show how spinal and nerve issues can affect overall health.

Our Office

At Centre Chiropractic, our care is holistic. We focus on the spine, but also on joints, muscles, and soft tissue.

Most chiropractors in Pennsylvania are called “straight” chiropractors. They adjust only the spine. However, we take a broader approach to healing.

For example, frozen shoulder care might include several steps:

• First, we check the neck for nerve problems and adjust if needed.

• Next, we gently move and adjust the shoulder joint to restore motion and joint fluid.

• Then, we use soft tissue work, ultrasound, or muscle therapy to release tension and scar tissue.

• Finally, we assess posture and muscle balance, teach home stretches, and recommend changes to daily habits.

At Centre Chiropractic, we treat only patients who are suitable for chiropractic care. Moreover, we focus only on the condition you referred unless we find another issue during the exam and the patient agrees to more care.

Throughout treatment, we keep you updated with progress reports and collaborate on next steps. Once your patient reaches maximum benefit, we discharge them with full respect for your ongoing care.

Beyond treatment, we empower patients to take charge of their health. For this reason, we share information on nutrition, exercise, and new research.

In addition, we encourage regular visits with dentists, family doctors, and other specialists. Living a balanced life—physically, mentally, and emotionally—is key to lasting wellness.

Finally, we teach patients to understand their own bodies. The connection between mind and body is powerful, and we help them use it to stay healthy.

All these steps provide the best information for medical professionals and the public, personal experience.

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