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Maintaining a Vitalistic Perspective in Chiropractic in the Postmodern Era

By Frank M. Painter|April 16, 2012|Chiropractic Care, Philosophy|

Maintaining a Vitalistic Perspective in Chiropractic in the Postmodern Era

SOURCE: J Chiropractic Humanities 2005; 12: 2-7

By Cheryl Hawk, DC, PhD, CHES

Professor and Director of Clinical Research
at Logan College of Chiropractic

Objectives: To discuss concepts of postmodernism with respect to the opposing worldviews of vitalism and mechanism, and to present an argument for a viable role for vitalism in chiropractic philosophy and research.

Discussion: Vitalism is only problematic if we begin with the assumption that a mechanist worldview or paradigm is the correct way to explain the world. In postmodern thought, a multiplicity of worldviews may coexist. One view is no more valid or correct than another and these divergent views are judged best by their utility under various circumstances. Exploring clinical practices and methodologies, such as whole systems research, arising from a vitalistic perspective could lead to innovations in both patient care and research, if pursued with flexible non-dogmatic thinking.

Conclusion: Vitalism, approached in a responsible and intelligent manner, may afford the chiropractic profession opportunities to further improve patient care and make contributions to new knowledge.

INTRODUCTION

The 2003, the World Federation of Chiropractic conference convened a panel to address this question: “Is vitalism a strong foundation or quicksand for the chiropractic profession?” As one of the panelists, in order to address what I believed this question was really asking, it was necessary to first deconstruct the question, that is, to examine its underlying assumption. [1]

This underlying assumption is that a mechanist worldview or paradigm is the correct way to explain the world. Based on this assumption, anything that does not fit this worldview would be a potential threat to our profession’s credibility and, therefore, must be modified to fit this view or jettisoned. Vitalism, which entails a different way of perceiving the world, poses such a threat.

This assumption must be examined rather than simply accepted. Only then will it be possible to make a conscious choice of which worldview we want to function within and then thoughtfully and responsibly adhere to the principles of that worldview.

DISCUSSION

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Chiropractic and Health Care Reform: An Uncertain Future or an Opportunity?

By Frank M. Painter|April 10, 2012|Health Care Reform|

Chiropractic and Health Care Reform: An Uncertain Future or an Opportunity?

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE: Dynamic Chiropractic

By Claire Johnson, DC, MSEd and Lori Byrd, MS

The United States is currently experiencing a health care crisis. Much of the current health care system focuses limited resources on the treatment of disease, and very few resources are aimed at primary and secondary prevention.

Although 70 percent of factors influencing health are environmental and behavioral, and only 10 percent of the factors attributed to health are associated with access to health care, the actual reimbursement for health services accounts for 96 percent of the $2.3 trillion spent each year. [1] Thus, we need to take a closer look at health care reform and how doctors of chiropractic will approach this changing landscape.

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was law signed into law. The intention of the act is to put “in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will hold insurance companies more accountable, lower health care costs, guarantee more health care choices, and enhance the quality of health care for all Americans.” [2] However, it is not exactly clear how this will be done or if the promised goals will be met, especially during this time of reduced funding and economic crises.

Chiropractic is one of the largest complementary and alternative medicine professions, and one of the largest licensed health care professions in the United States. [3-4] It is considered to be a holistic and wellness-oriented profession, traditionally not using drugs or surgery to help patients maintain health. Care typically incorporates wellness, lifestyle and prevention approaches with patient management, and focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Services provided by doctors of chiropractic have demonstrated high patient satisfaction, cost-effectiveness and parity compared to other types of care for similar conditions. (more…)

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Happy Easter!

By Frank M. Painter|April 8, 2012|Announcement|

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Nature and Nurture: World‐first Discovery Sheds New Light On Congenital Birth Defects

By John Wiens DC|April 6, 2012|Research|

Hypoxia, or a period of low oxygen during pregnancy, combined with a genetic risk factor of having only one functioning copy of a gene, dramatically increases the chances of a baby being born with congenital scoliosis.

Source Science Daily

Scientists have made a landmark discovery that could help women minimize or even avoid the risk of having a baby born with congenital birth defects. The study is published April 5 in the international journal Cell.

The scientists, from universities in Australia, Japan, Canada and the United States, including Arizona State University, show for the first time how “nature” and “nurture” interact to increase the severity and likelihood of developing birth defects, including abnormalities in the heart, kidneys, brain, limbs and cranio‐facial regions (cleft palate).

They show how hypoxia, or a period of low oxygen during pregnancy, combined with a genetic risk factor of having only one functioning copy of a gene, dramatically increases the chances of a baby being born with congenital scoliosis, a malformation of the spine that affects around 1 in 1,000. (more…)

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ACOEM Recognizes the Value of Chiropractic for Chronic Spinal Pain

By Frank M. Painter|April 4, 2012|Chiropractic Care, Chronic Pain, Guidelines, Spinal Manipulation|

ACOEM Recognizes the Value of Chiropractic for Chronic Spinal Pain

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE: Dynamic Chiropractic 2008 (Sep 23); 26 (20): 1

Tina Beychok, Associate Editor

Pain is the most prevalent health condition among U.S. workers and the most expensive in terms of lost productivity. Recent studies suggest more than six in 10 adults over the age of 30 experience chronic pain. Furthermore, health care expenditures for back and neck pain have risen to more than $80 billion a year in the U.S. – a dramatic increase over the past eight years, without evidence of improved health. In addition to the costs of lost productivity, an estimated $64 billion per year is lost due to workers continuing to work, even though pain reduces their job performance. This phenomenon is called “presenteeism.”

Unfortunately, workers’ comp can be a quagmire of contradictory and insufficient rules and regulations as to what treatments are and aren’t covered. The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) has been in the process of revising its Occupational Medicine Practice Guidelines, which have not always taken a positive view of chiropractic manipulation. In fact, the second edition of the guidelines, released in 2005, was heavily criticized by some in the chiropractic community. [1]

ACOEM’s latest chronic pain guidelines (a chapter of the overall guidelines) may represent a step in the right direction in terms of recognizing the value of chiropractic care. The guidelines actually recommend manipulation for chronic, persistent low back or neck pain and cervicogenic headache. [2] This is significant because in the past, the guidelines failed to recommend manipulation, even when other treatment strategies (medication, etc.) were rated as less effective.

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Texas says chiropractors shouldn’t treat diabetes, other disorders

By John Wiens DC|April 3, 2012|News|

Source Salt Lake Tribune

Texas is on its way to expressly banning chiropractors from treating conditions such as thyroid disorders and diabetes.

Calling chiropractors who solicit diabetics with “secret” treatments “hucksterism,” the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners has been working on new rules since 2010. The questionable ads run by Texas chiropractors were similar to ones currently appearing in Utah, said Yvette Yarbrough, the board’s executive director.

Texas’ new rules may allow chiropractors to co-manage such diseases through nutrition and exercise. But she anticipates that the new rule will ban “outright treatment” of diabetes, thyroid disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, asthma and other conditions.

The proposed rule is part of an ongoing battle between the Texas Medical Association and chiropractors. Medical doctors say chiropractors are illegally treading on their turf.

“Everybody wants to practice medicine but nobody wants to go to medical school,” said David Bragg, the medical association’s attorney. “Chiropractors are excellent marketers. … They believe chiropractic is the answer. Texas law doesn’t agree with that.”

Tyce Hergert, public relations chairman for the Texas Chiropractic Association, said chiropractors should be able to help patients through nutrition and exercise.

“As far as sitting down with a patient that has diabetes, going over their diet, [offering] lifestyle coaching,” he said, “we have plenty of training in that.”

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