Is chiropractic philosophy a help or a hindrance to the advancement of the profession?
On Sunday, Aug. 27, in Chicago, Illinois, two teams of debaters will square off in a contest of words, wills, and chiropractic ideology, addressing the topic: "Is a vitalistic philosophy a help or a hindrance to the advancement of the science and art of chiropractic? The debate is part of a weekend philosophy session sponsored by the depart. of continuing education at Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic.
The debate pits chiropractic's two diametrically opposed camps -- the scientists vs. the philosophers. "Vitalism," as defined by a release from Sherman College, is a "belief that life processes are not explicable by the laws of physics and chemistry alone, and that life is in some part self-determining," not a view cherished by the scientific minded.
Weighing in for the scientific viewpoint is Craig Nelson, DC, associate professor in the clinical sciences and research departments at Northwestern College of Chiropractic. Buttressing the scientific position will be Joseph Keating, PhD (clinical psychology), a professor at Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, vice president of the National Institute of Chiropractic Research, and president of the Assoc. for the History of Chiropractic.
The vitalistic view will be proffered by Sherman academicians Anthony Duke, PhD, associate dean of basic sciences and professor of physiology, and David Koch, DC, chairman of the dept. of philosophy and professor of spinal anatomy/physiology and philosophy.
Moderating the debate will be Dana Lawrence, DC, FICC, professor in the dept. of chiropractic practice at National College of Chiropractic, editor of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, and director of the dept. of editorial review and publications at National.
While the format for the debate was not finalized at press time, it is expected that the debaters, alternating team to team, will each have up to 20 minutes for their initial presentations. Rebuttals will follow, and then perhaps the opportunity to ask one another several questions. Questions from the audience may also be entertained.
The debate will be videotaped and complimentary copies will go to each chiropractic college library.
Sherman President Thom Gelardi, DC, said he was firmly convinced that a "free exchange of ideas and challenge to ideas is the best way for the profession to advance its future."
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
