When I share with people that I’m a chiropractor, I often see the same reaction—an almost instinctual sneer. It’s a fleeting expression, a subconscious response that many try to hide but can’t quite suppress. Words like “quack,” “charlatan,” and “snake oil salesman” flash through their minds. And while it stings to witness this reaction, I understand it all too well. I’ve felt it myself.
The truth is, chiropractors have earned this skepticism, and we have no one to blame but ourselves. While there are many dedicated and skilled chiropractors out there, the profession as a whole often stands on shaky ground. This unstable foundation leads even well-meaning practitioners to engage in questionable practices. My goal in this post isn’t to tear down my profession—though it may sound that way. Instead, I aim to acknowledge our flaws, encouraging us to take ownership and strive for improvement. Chiropractic has so much to offer in the realm of healthcare, but first, we need to get out of our own way.
The Chiropractic Paradox: A Flawed Incentive Structure
I refer to the situation within the chiropractic field as the “chiropractic paradox.” In most professions, the better the service you provide, the more you’re compensated. However, in chiropractic, the opposite can often be true. Many practitioners find that the path to financial success lies in providing mediocre care that necessitates frequent, ongoing visits. The strategy here? Offer just enough relief to keep patients coming back without empowering them to manage their own health.
This paradox leads to a troubling mindset among some chiropractors. When financial incentives align with mediocrity, it fosters an environment where egos flourish, and clinicians may believe that their hands alone can heal. Yet, if we take credit for our patients’ successes, we must also shoulder responsibility for their setbacks. Unfortunately, the chiropractic paradox allows us to sidestep that accountability.
Letting Go of the Past
Chiropractic was founded in 1895, making it a relatively new player in the landscape of healthcare. Yet, it seems we often cling tightly to outdated philosophies born in a time when automobiles, airplanes, and even basic medical imaging technologies were non-existent. The original principles of chiropractic, steeped in religious and cult-like overtones, feel increasingly archaic in a world that thrives on evidence-based practices.
While spinal manipulation has shown positive outcomes, the profession has at times reverse-engineered these results to uphold outdated theories. This isn’t inherently negative; examining these mechanisms can lead to valuable insights and new research directions. However, many of these old beliefs lack substantial support from contemporary evidence. It’s time we stop clinging to these outdated ideas and evolve with the wealth of knowledge available to us today so we can develop new theories and practices. Let’s start looking forward, not backward.
The True Power of Chiropractic: Words, Not Just Adjustments
One of the most significant tools chiropractors possess isn’t the adjustment itself or any advanced technology—it’s our words. Human beings are incredibly resilient and adaptive, capable of surviving and enduring tremendous challenges. Yet, in our communication, we often frame our patients as fragile, labeling them as “too weak,” “unstable,” or “too old.” This language instills fear and encourages avoidance, leading patients to shy away from the very activities that could promote strength and resilience.
Ironically, many of the preventive measures marketed to patients don’t work as effectively as promised, and the threats we highlight often aren’t as perilous as they appear. The truth is, humans thrive on stress—though not excessive stress. It’s a delicate balance; too much stress can lead to breakdown, while too little can result in atrophy. Effective stress management is complex, and both patients and clinicians often misjudge this balance.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
It’s time for chiropractors to engage in self-reflection and accountability. By acknowledging our profession’s shortcomings, we can create a path toward meaningful change. We must embrace evidence-based practices, foster patient empowerment, and communicate in a way that encourages resilience rather than fear.
Chiropractic has a vital role to play in healthcare, but we must rise to the occasion. Let’s challenge the status quo, evolve our practices, and ultimately transform the narrative surrounding chiropractic care. By doing so, we can ensure that our patients receive the best possible care while also reclaiming the respect our profession deserves.