Thank you for sharing your article with me.
Once again we find that chiropractors are attempting to prove that
chiropractic is effective as treatment for specific conditions. This
has been a continual battle since the very beginnings of our
profession. D. D. stated that chiropractic is not a treatment of
disease and in nearly the next breath described various diagnoses and
the adjustments which corrected the conditions.
In my opinion, we must focus on subluxation. What is it? How do we
find it? How do we correct it? How do we know it has been corrected?
Once we answer those basic questions we can the proceed to answer
questions regarding specific diseases. However, until those questions
are answered, we will fall into the category of attempting to prove
that manipulation is a valid treatment for some condition (such as back
pain.) That premise was never chiropractic.
As far as research, I believe I agree with you. It would be nice if
all techniques could agree on some common outcomes - I like
thermography and leg checks. Then whoever could improve the criteria
best would have the best technique.
I am interested in your thoughts.
Keep up the good work.
Affolter
[After asking for permission to reprint ]
I may be perceived as a "technique peddler," however I have not
developed a particular technique. I have reviewed 7 different
techniques that I have used over the years and written a book for use
as a text for CE. My main objective is bringing the "old time religion"
:-) CHIROPRACTIC PHILOSOPHY, back to chiropractic. This is not
incompatable with research, indeed it must lead the research.
I have also been very critical of current medical research and those
who have applied medical research methodologies to chiropractic. My
guess is that many of those researchers who hold technique peddlers in
such disdain would have trouble defending the nonsense that passes for
medical research - should I be in a position to confront them. I am
sometimes in such a position and believe me the results are pretty fun!
Yes I do think we should do a better job of proving our techniques.
However, I refuse to get caught up in what I call pseudoscientific
statistical nonsense.
If you wish to continue this dialogue, or I can be of any help
please let me know.
I send out "Affolter's Chiropractic Thoughts" every week. Would you
like to be added to my list? There is no fee.
Best regards.
Affolter