The Changing Face of Chiropractic - 3/7/2009

So here we are, 114 years since the discovery of this very unique and special healing art called Chiropractic and, believe it or not, it has been 61 years since I had my first Chiropractic adjustment. 

I guess being involved in this profession, first as a patient (a seven year old boy who suffered miserably from bronchial asthma and severe eczema), then as a high school graduate who, due to the miraculous results attained in childhood stayed true to his dream and enrolled in the then Palmer School of Chiropractic, circa 1958.  Of course, this was before any pre-requisite credentials were necessary for admission.

B.J. Palmer himself was actually one of my instructors -- so I was lucky enough to hear much of his amazing wisdom and genius live -- and I was able to watch with awe as he fought the diligent fight for our profession until his death in 1961 – a few months before my own graduation from the newly renamed Palmer College of Chiropractic.

And, trust me, while the old man was alive his goal was to make sure that the original Chiropractic principles and philosophies would remain intact -- and for the most part they have withstood the test of time – until this very day.

In those days, the so called philosophical chiropractors were in the majority and they fought long and hard to have their viewpoints permeate and control a profession.

While historically, that is appealing, especially to this Palmer grad, time started moving forward and instead of one dynamic, empowered leader backed by a solid and single chiropractic national or international chiropractic organization, the practice of Chiropractic was, like all things in life, on the move and transitioning.

More colleges were built and the time of the chiropractic icon was upon us.  But, instead of the one leader, one organization guidance that I still favor all these years later, we ended up with our colleges backing and creating their own icons. There was David Palmer, Vincent Logan, Ernest Napolitano, Carl Cleveland, Gerard Clum to mention just a few from the college ranks -- and what about the influence of the larger than life personalities of Jim Parker and Sid Williams?

And, while I am at it, let’s not leave out the Chiropractic Management Consulting firms, each led by charismatic and dynamic leaders teaching everything from traditional management consulting – to sitting on a tufted pillow in some ancient land while blowing on a flute that will fill chiropractic offices to capacity.

Yes, year after year, after year, after year, under the tutelage of the afore-mentioned and those who remain unnamed for spacial reasons, the profession changed dramatically, until what we knew then no longer exists today – in fact, it barely resembles what I was introduced to way back when.

Apparently, the fight was too hard and our need to belong too great – so slowly and surreptitiously we capitulated.  The result might be newer, larger better looking facilities (thank goodness), using technology that while great, has for more than I‘d like to see, replaced the essential thinking that chiropractic is a natural healing art and that the body heals itself from the inside.

But, my greatest sadness is that I see that the Changing Face of Chiropractic contains less and less passion, principle and belief. It is just that part that I would like to bring back if I had a magic wand. Modernize whatever you want – I am for it – but always remember, we are still here only because of the clinical results we attain and the loving care we provide.

It’s simple – its right -- and it works.

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