While various issues are debated by the national chiropractic associations and their leaders, sooner or later someone needs to ask:
"What do Drs. Joe and Jane Chiropractor think?"
"How important are some of these issues to you and your practice?"
"How interested are you in what is or isn't accomplished by the various national associations?"
Looking at the membership numbers, one can only assume that most DCs think locally, rather than nationally. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) still have somewhere above 9,000 general members combined. The ACA leads with about 7,000 general members and over 10,000 total members (includes new members and other categories).
By comparison, the combined membership of chiropractic state associations is likely more than 40,000. Needless to say, even this falls drastically short of the 60,000-plus DCs in the U.S.
And while "all politics are local," there are many issues facing our profession that can only be addressed on a national level.
But how are we ever going to make an impact nationally, with only one of every six DCs involved on a national level with the future of chiropractic?
There is an obvious sense of priority that seems to place national issues and organizations too far down the list for most DCs. Having talked with many doctors, a number of reasons seem to account for this attitude:
Please don't misunderstand. I am not talking about merging associations, joint leadership conferences or any other "top-level" effort. My interest is grassroots, rank-and-file- inclusive of every DC, regardless of membership or position held.
This is where the real power is. This is where we are an army of 60,000, serving an estimated 10-12 million patients.
What can we do to be more inclusive and get more DCs involved?
What would it take to get you involved nationally?
Do you believe you have a voice? And if so, how?
Would it ever be possible to hold a meeting of all DCs and have 6,000 (only 10 percent of the profession) or even 12,000 (still only 20 percent) attend? (This does happen in other health care professions.)
It is important that the opinions held by every member of our profession be heard. As we begin the new year, let's think for a moment about what could be, and if there might be some new ways of doing things.
Please e-mail your comments to me at don@mpamedia.com. It will be my honor and pleasure to share your thoughts with the profession and our national leaders.
What you have to say is important and needs to be heard. Sharing our thoughts is the only way we can better understand one another and grow as a profession.
Thank you in advance for being involved.
Donald M. Petersen Jr.,BS,HCD(hc),FICC(h)
Editor/Publisher of Dynamic Chiropractic
don@mpamedia.com
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?
