Dear Editor, I’m not affiliated with any of the pro- prietary chiropractic organizations. My agenda is simple; promote high ethical standards and scientific use of chiropractic medicine. The profes- sion is experiencing a transition – one that I and contemporary chiropractors are in favour of, and one that sublux- ation-based/”principled” chiroprac- tors oppose. I feel these “traditional” DCs hinder our professional devel- opment, and cultural legitimacy (i.e. acceptance), by continuously resort- ing to older chiropractic dogma – not philosophy – and refusing to delineate reasonable boundaries in terms of ap- propriate scope of practice. Spinal manipulation techniques used by DCs cannot cure/affect ev- erything. Logically, it has its limita- tions. Also, whether or not traditional DCs acknowledge it, DCs are being educated primarily as neuromusculo- skeletal specialists. Not that wellness doesn’t have a place in contempo- rary practice, but high-volume, non- diagnostic, doctor-centered, dogma driven practice is not acceptable to the public, or to allied health profes- sionals and scientists. A credible health care profession understands its limits, and strengths. The traditional chiro- practic “one cause one cure” view of subluxation is a significant barrier to full integration into the mainstream. Contemporary DCs can, and do, celebrate our past, however our his- tory must not become a barrier to our evolution. Physiotherapists are mobilizing to be primary care-givers for musculosk- eletal back and neck pain. Chiroprac- tic has 10 years, tops, to reform and evolve before PTs achieve appropri- ate training in manual medicine and diagnostics, and become the de facto provider for manual health care. The leadership of the chiropractic profes- sion sees this and is acting on it. The fringe view of chiropractic that is endorsed and perpetuated by “prin- cipled” chiropractors, and certain chiropractic coaches, may make indi- vidual DCs wealthy, but in the long- term, collectively leaves the profession poorer and weakened. Marc Bronson CK, DC Kirkland Lake, Ontario www.canadianchiropractor.ca Some products cover up muscle pain. Traumeel® works deep down to treat the cause. t the cause. Available in an odorless cream or gel, Traumeel is a natural product that is convenient for the entire family. Scientifically proven, Traumeel works directly at the root of your muscle pain, backaches, and sports and repetitive stress injuries, to accelerate the healing process. Draw the line on pain. For a free Traumeel sample or for more information, contact us at 1888 879-4335 or at [email protected] www.heel.ca Sold in 50 countries for over 70 years Another great innovation from CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | FEBRUARY 2009 • 35 letter to the editor
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor Febuary 2009: Page 35
