Does June 4th herald the death of straight chiropractic? Listening to some people you would think that it does just that. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Just what is June 4th? Former Secretary of Education Alexander made a decision to withdraw the Straight Chiropractic Academic Standards Association's recognition, effective June 4, 1993. How will this affect chiropractic? To the casual observer, it will probably have very little impact, but it could have a negative effect on the three schools that currently have status with SCASA if an extension is not granted. Whether an extension is granted or not, the three SCASA schools have already elected to apply for membership to the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), now that the CCE has stated that it would respect the institution's mission of the straight chiropractic colleges and the programs that support those missions. This is a major step forward for the profession as three more schools join the larger community of interest.
So how does the accreditation issue affect the straight chiropractic profession? The body of chiropractors known as straight chiropractors existed years before SCASA and will be around for years to come regardless of SCASA's future. Ironically, the announcement last year of Secretary Alexander's decision has had a positive effect on membership in the Federation of Straight Chiropractic Organizations (FSCO). The FSCO is presently experiencing its greatest growth and expansion since the 1970s.
We have witnessed other positive and exciting changes:
A. The beginning of many monthly state philosophy meetings for the sole purpose of increasing and reinforcing the understanding of straight chiropractic and the importance of vertebral subluxation and its correction to DCs and their staffs.
B. Straight chiropractic speakers addressing students at CCE schools, both on-campus and in off-campus seminars.
C. The number of seminars reflecting a straight chiropractic philosophy seemingly growing every month, as well as the attendance.
D. State association-sponsored seminars inviting more straight-related speakers to be part of their programs.
This increase in demand and positive response indicates a desire on the part of our profession to move closer to, not farther away from, the historical foundation of a subluxation correction-based profession.
The FSCO sees this as not more divisions but rather clarifying of distinction in chiropractic. Distinction need not be destructive. Instead, diverse positions can add strength to our profession through inclusion of more chiropractors serving the world's population. The perennial rhetoric is harmony, unity, cooperation, and respect among all chiropractors.
The sincerity of words and actions will now be put to the test by all concerned: students, administrators, leaders at state and national levels, and the CCE. May we all pass the test with flying colors and move into the 2nd century of chiropractic and resolve to truly make this a better world because of what we do today.
Richard E. Plummer, DC
Inman, South Carolina
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?
