Public health and chiropractic: the importance of professional activism in the American Public Health Association

Article Abstract:

A fundamental premise of the chiropractic profession is that good health is maintained by establishing a strong internal resistance to disease by correct structure, good nutrition, and a moderate life-style. Chiropractors also understand the importance of avoiding exposure to harmful environmental agents, which is in accord with other public health professionals. The oldest and largest health care organization in North America is the American Public Health Association (APHA), which was begun in New York in 1872 to establish sanitation laws which would help prevent disease. Until 1985 the chiropractic profession had been excluded from participating within the APHA, but now does so through its own Special Primary Interest Group. The APHA has 24 primary focus departments, including epidemiology, medical care, occupational health, radiologic health, podiatric health, and food and nutrition. The Special Interest Groups need to have a least 500 members for three consecutive years before they can apply to become a primary focus department, which would qualify them for financial and political privileges within the organization. There is a Chiropractic Forum which participates in the annual APHA-sponsored presentations, where chiropractors participate in other primary sections as well. Unfortunately, the annual participation has remained under 300 chiropractors, possibly because many chiropractors do not understand the significance of this opportunity for their profession. The opportunities for the individual chiropractor and the profession as a whole are described in this article. Chiropractic input in decision making in areas such as education and research funding, occupational health and safety, health care needs of the elderly, disease prevention and health promotion would have an obvious beneficial impact. APHA endorsement for issues such as persuading the Health Care Financing Administration to change its requirements regarding Medicare reimbursement for chiropractic services is another benefit. The chiropractic profession also has much to offer the APHA, as spinal injuries and back pain are epidemic and cost the nation billions of dollars. The Chiropractic Forum is the only group addressing these issues in their APHA presentations. The interaction between chiropractic and other health care professions within the APHA will continue to benefit the health status of the nation. The next annual APHA meeting will be held on Oct. 1-3, 1990 in New York City, and will include many chiropractic presentations. Information on how to join the APHA and what the membership privileges are, is included. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Conferences, meetings and seminars, Membership, Associations, Public health, Agricultural policy, American Public Health Association

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An interview with George P. McAndrews on the new image-building campaign to win chiropractic's case in the 'court of public opinion'

Article Abstract:

At its 1991 convention, the American Chiropractic Association approved a campaign aimed at improving its image to make people more aware of the superiority of chiropractic. Factual information is to be distributed, including published studies, to show the effectiveness of chiropractic. Advertisements will be run in major publications to disseminate this information. George McAndrews, an attorney and ardent supporter of this campaign, was interviewed by the ACA Journal of Chiropractic. McAndrews feels that the association owes it to society to present the correct image of the profession. This will encourage the prospective patient to seek out the chiropractor with confidence. Advertisements have been placed in two major magazines, 'Sports Illustrated' and 'Business Week.' McAndrews feels it is important to present the facts and to quote various studies. Reference is made to the 'Wilk' case in which the judge stated that the activities of the American Medical Association injured the reputation of chiropractors, and adversely influenced the demand for their services. A positive image of the profession must be conveyed to all Americans; this image must also be conveyed to those who will decide what is and what is not essential health care. Some chiropractic professionals convey an aura of weirdness through their literature, advertisements, and yellow-page ads; this creates a situation that is unfair to the skilled, ethical chiropractors who make up the majority of the profession. The weirdness of the few will be addressed by aggressively establishing the positive image chiropractic deserves. This will be based on solid health care information, not rhetoric. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social aspects, Cases, Medical care, Advertising, American Medical Association, Public relations, editorial, American Chiropractic Association

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Spondylolisthesis in today's chiropractic: a case report

Article Abstract:

Spondylolisthesis is defined by chiropractic as a subluxation (a displacement) of the lower vertebrae of the sacrum. As a result of this condition, important nerves in the local area, surrounding muscle mass, and viscera are impinged, causing clinical symptoms to occur. The case of a 48-year-old male, who was seen for trauma resulting from a fall off of a 30 inch high platform, is presented. The patient complained of severe low back pain, headache, constipation and gas. Examination indicated that he had decreased sensation on the right side, and changes in some reflexes. Spinal X-ray revealed spondylolisthesis of moderate severity, and a fracture of the sacrum. A degenerative arthritic condition was also noted in the right hip joint; the patient was currently obtaining chiropractic treatment for this problem. Based on the diagnosis of spondylolisthesis, the patient received 21 chiropractic treatments over a 9-week period, during which he experienced gradual and steady improvement. He continues to be treated on a twice-monthly basis. The chiropractic manipulation of the fifth lumbar vertebra is credited with the marked improvement in the patient's condition. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Case studies, Evaluation, Abnormalities, Fractures (Injuries), Fractures, Chiropractic, Spine, Manipulation (Therapeutics), Orthopedic manipulation, Sacrum, Spondylolisthesis

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