While cervical disc pathology can unquestionably produce radiculopathy, many patients presenting with arm pain, paresthesia or perceived weakness do not exhibit the clinical behavior of true nerve-root compromise. In these cases, failure to differentiate the primary pain generator may lead to unnecessary spinal injections, nerve ablation procedures or surgical consultation despite limited likelihood of benefit.
ACA, ICA Pledge Alignment on Improving Patient Access to Chiropractic
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and International Chiropractors Association (ICA) remain two separate, distinct national organizations – but that isn’t stopping them from aligning on perhaps the most important issue currently facing the chiropractic profession and the healthcare system in general: patient access to chiropractic care.
The ACA and ICA have announced “a shared intent to support ongoing collaboration to improve patient access to chiropractic care … to support broader dialogue within the profession and provide constructive, and when possible, coordinated input to policymakers, regulators, healthcare organizations, and other stakeholders as they consider ways to improve access to chiropractic care.”
In releasing the joint announcement, the presidents of both the ICA and ACA weighed in:
ICA President Joe Betz, DC: “This alignment represents a key step in demonstrating that the chiropractic profession can come together around shared priorities. We are working to ensure that people have appropriate access to safe, effective chiropractic care that helps improve whole-person health, especially as the healthcare landscape continues to shift toward a greater focus on conservative, nonpharmacological care.”
ACA President Kris Anderson, DC: “We are encouraged by the meaningful dialogue taking place across the profession and with healthcare stakeholders. Our goal is to offer a clear and responsible framework that reflects patient needs, supports access to evidence-informed chiropractic care, and strengthens the role of doctors of chiropractic within the broader healthcare system.”