I just returned from two exciting lecture trips. One of them was in Omaha where I lectured to the SORCI Research Board. In my opinion this organization is doing good things by taking up the reins of research. Stay tuned -- exciting studies are on the horizon.
During my second trip I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Arlan Fuhr, the founder of Activator Methods. Great man, great stories, and good research. Congratulations to both. They have heartily accepted their part in carrying chiropractic into the 21st century.
By the way, in reference to using the Activator over the temporomandibular joint, I never said not to use it. I did say be very careful so as not to injure the joint. Dr. Fuhr and I agree on this.
The Book Is Finally Here
As we approach the first 100 years of chiropractic we can say we have a lot to be proud of. A great many of these accomplishments are in the books and articles published in chiropractic.
In many ways, a profession is judged on the basis of its publications. For example, take Yochum and Rowe's radiology textbook. Aside form its value to the clinician and the educator, the book sends a powerful message which states chiropractors know a lot about clinical radiology. Foreman and Croft's whiplash book sends the message that chiropractors know a lot about the injured neck. The book Chiropractic Approach to Head Pain sends a similar message about headaches, head pain, and spinal causes of same.
This is important. Headache and head pain are among the most frequent conditions seen in chiropractic practice. Some sources rank these second only to back pain. As chiropractic grows, more and more patients will seek care for problems far beyond the stereotype of the low back doctor. This is evidenced by increasing numbers of patients seeking care for temporomandibular joint problems, cervicogenic headache, and migraine headache. The scientific literature in chiropractic reflects this trend as well as it is turning out publications concerning everything from facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy) to tinnitus (ringing ears).
For the first time in modern chiropractic we have a book expertly dedicated to the ever inclusive subject of head pain. The many contributors from Australia, Canada, England, and the United States offer new and keen insight into an area presently dominated by the interests of pharmacotherapy and surgery. In future articles I will write about the clinical gems taken from these experts' chapters.
In the Meantime
By the time you read this article you will have begun your holiday shopping. So I want each one of you to keep this message in mind for the holiday season: Spread the word of chiropractic and do so by buying chiropractic literature and products. Look through the ads in "DC." What can you buy that will make excellent holiday gifts? For example, a chiropractic book sent to a dentist, MD, or attorney not only is a fine gift for the receiver, but it is a fine gift to the sender as well. (Do not forget our hard working and dedicated chiropractic students.) Send one-year subscriptions of a chiropractic journal as gifts. Put the knowledge of chiropractic in everyone's office, on their desk, in their library and on their coffee tables. Put it there in style. Help chiropractic show off its accomplishments. Every time they see the accomplishments of chiropractic they will forget the negativism they see elsewhere. Every time they see your gift they will think of you. Every time they read about the advances made in chiropractic, they will think you are an authority.
Well, these are my last words for 1994. My wish to each and everyone of you is to have a successful 1995. Lay the foundation now; collect the benefits in the months to come.
Best holiday wishes,
Darryl D. Curl, DDS, DC
With each article I encourage you to write the questions you may have, commentaries on patient care, or thoughts to share with your colleagues, to me at the address below. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Dr. Darryl Curl
2330 Golden West Lane
Norco, CA 91760
