Philosophy and the future of chiropractic

Article Abstract:

The scientific and political chiropractic communities are finally understanding that their relationship with each other is very important in realizing both their separate and combined goals for the profession. This understanding is not unique to chiropractic, and is being realized in the other health professions as well. This has largely come about because of the changing climate within health care, as patients, insurance companies, and the government question the reported efficacy and value of expensive diagnostic and treatment methods. Every specialty within medicine is asking its scientists and academicians to set their practice guidelines, standards and criteria. Chiropractic has been able to survive its first century because it offers a unique and desired service to the community. In spite of opposition, chiropractors have become a fact of life in the western world. Chiropractic research has allowed a better understanding of the workings of chiropractic practice for the profession itself, allied health professions, and the patient populations. This research has greatly influenced the acceptance of chiropractic within the scientific community, as witnessed by the fact that next year the American Back Society and the World Federation of Chiropractic have agreed to combine their annual meetings. The philosophy of chiropractic is discussed, with the premise that healing is done by the patient when given the proper assistance being agreed upon as a basic principle. This may be intuitively accepted by a segment of the public, and therefore a reason for the acceptance of chiropractic over the years. Philosophy and science can learn from each other, as scientists can attempt to give meaning to observed phenomenon, and philosophers can draw broader conclusions based on scientific discovery; there should be no conflict between the two. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Conferences, meetings and seminars, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, transcript

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The psychology of pain: implications for chiropractic care

Article Abstract:

Pain is the most common reason that people seek chiropractic care, but many chiropractors focus on the underlying structural defect or problem and neglect the psychological aspects of pain. The role of the chiropractic doctor in helping patients with their psychological reactions to pain is discussed in this article. A psychologist, Wilbert E. Fordyce, in 1976 was among the first to demonstrate the importance of treating pain from a psychological standpoint. Several clinical studies have shown that psychological interventions can help people who suffer from chronic pain. Biofeedback and relaxation techniques have been used successfully to reduce the pain associated with headaches, and active coping strategies can reduce the pain and distress of childbirth. The goal for chiropractic doctors is to help the patient cope with the pain. Programs that emphasize coping have been successful in reducing knee pain in patients with arthritis. Other studies have found that patients with low back pain who are taught how to cope with the pain show improvements in physical and psychological health. The relationship between chronic pain and depression is discussed. In some cases it may be difficult for the doctor to understand the patient's pain, especially when the pain does not appear to be related to any apparent physical problem. At these times, it is possible that the patient is trying to communicate his or her suffering and emotional response to the physical problem. For some patients, the chiropractor is the primary care provider and must therefore be ready to address all relevant aspects of the patient's health. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Care and treatment, Practice, Pain, Intractable pain

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