Dynamic Chiropractic

The Letter to the Editor discusses the crucial issue of recognizing and responding to potential strokes in chiropractic practice, particularly focusing on vertebral artery dissection (VAD). The authors affirm that while chiropractors are not expected to diagnose strokes, they must refer patients for urgent evaluation if symptoms diverge from typical musculoskeletal presentations. The article acknowledges that VAD is rare and most patients recover well when referred appropriately. Although there is no convincing evidence that cervical spinal manipulation (CSM) directly causes VAD, the authors emphasize the plausible risk that performing CSM in the presence of an existing, underlying dissection could...

This segment compiles several updates relevant to the chiropractic community. The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) celebrated the launch of Adjusted Reality: Supercharge Your Whole-Being for Optimal Living and Longevity, authored by F4CP President Dr. Sherry McAllister, with a successful launch party in New York City. The event, attended by thought leaders and influencers, focused on igniting a movement centered on whole-being health and emphasizing chiropractic’s role at the forefront of that change. In an important professional advocacy effort, the Chiropractic Future Reimbursement Workgroup is seeking confidential input from DCs to document and report real-world reimbursement ch...

Part 2 of this series tackles the systemic administrative and financial hardships faced by Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs), suggesting that hostile tactics similar to historical attempts to "contain and eliminate" the profession persist through contemporary business practices. While DCs provide convenient, evidence-based care, intermediary DC networks function to convert this care into a commodity, aiming for the lowest possible cost through utilization controls and suppressed reimbursement. These networks contract DCs individually (via NPI), effectively eliminating the ability to negotiate contract terms and imposing "all or none" bundles. Crucially, fee schedule data required by the 2022 Transparency in Coverage rule show that...

This clinical case report illustrates the application of the evidence-based, patient-centered model of care, emphasizing the necessary integration of the best available literature, clinical expertise, and respect for the patient’s wants and needs. The patient was a 44-year-old female presenting with chronic neck pain and cervicogenic vertigo (dizziness upon head movement), symptoms that began 15 years after a whiplash injury. Objective findings included reduced and painful cervical range of motion, radiating pain upon compression, and somatosensory signs. Based on clinical expertise and the chronicity of the injury, the assessment included suspected cervical cord compression and cervical degenerative changes, justifying or...

The article examines gaze stabilization—the complex system that ensures crisp vision and stable balance during head movement—and its critical relevance for Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) in fall prevention. Proper stabilization relies on the sophisticated interaction of three key reflexes: the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), the cervico-ocular reflex (COR), and saccadic eye movements (SEMs). The COR is strongly influenced by the suboccipital muscles, which contain up to 10 times the average density of muscle spindles, providing highly detailed position-sense information about head movements. A failure in this system, often caused by advancing age, vestibular disorders, or neck pain, results in impa...

This article stresses the criticality of accurate charting in chiropractic risk management, particularly focusing on the clinical discussion that links findings to recommended treatment. The author advises that while Electronic Health Record (EHR) templates are useful for recording factual exam findings, the DC’s professional opinion and ethical obligations should be documented in a separate, dedicated, non-templated section labeled "Discussion". This addresses risks identified by the U.S. Office of Inspector General (OIG), such as inaccuracies arising from improper copy-pasting or auto-population in EHR systems. A detailed medicolegal case study of a 44-year-old delivery carrier is presented, suffering from ch...

Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) has made a major step in its mission to become the nation's first Integrative, Whole Health University by announcing an agreement with Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS). Pending regulatory approval, PCHS’ San Diego and Chicago campuses—including all students, faculty, staff, and academic programs—will officially join SCU in May 2026. PCHS, founded in 1986 as Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, is the largest acupuncture and herbal medicine school in the U.S., also offering curricula in holistic nursing and massage therapy. According to Dr. John Scaringe, President and CEO of SCU, this a...

The article highlights BAC-PAC (Better Access to Chiropractic PAC) as a critical initiative designed to address chiropractic’s long-standing lag in political influence, which has historically restricted patient access and limited reimbursement in Washington, D.C.. BAC-PAC is the profession’s first and only federal super PAC, dedicated to electing and supporting pro-chiropractic members of Congress. Unlike traditional political action committees, a super PAC can raise and spend unlimited funds independently, allowing the profession to act with speed and scale in key elections—a powerful new tool to influence outcomes. Born from the Chiropractic Future Strategic Plan, BAC-PAC represents a shif...

Addressing the pervasive crisis of professional burnout—a 2022 study revealed a 63% burnout rate among U.S. medical doctors, with moderate to high emotional exhaustion also reported by chiropractors—this article introduces a remarkably simple yet powerful intervention: the use of a smartwatch. A recent randomized clinical trial tracked 184 physicians and found that giving doctors a way to monitor their own physiological data, such as heart rate, sleep cycles, and step count, led to a 54.0% reduction in the odds of overall burnout after six months. This intervention not only reduced burnout but also improved resilience scores beyond that seen in prev...

This article advocates for the integration of regenerative medicine with rehabilitation, describing these advanced therapies as a "force multiplier" for chronic soft-tissue injuries that fail to resolve with rehab alone. When persistent inflammation, disorganized collagen, and scarred tissues require a deeper biological reset, regenerative options—which are now considered frontline—come into play. These therapies include Acoustic Shockwave Therapy, which uses mechanical pulses to stimulate neovascularization and break down calcific deposits, proving effective for conditions like tendinopathies. Dextrose Prolotherapy is utilized to provoke controlled inflammation and collagen regeneration, restoring ligamentous integrity and reducing joint instability. Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Ther...

This article provides an evidence-based approach for Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) to manage Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP), a common condition affecting between 20% and 50% of pregnant women. PPGP is understood as a complex condition driven by hormonal changes (like joint laxity from relaxin), altered biomechanics, and crucial muscle imbalances. The author asserts that chiropractors are ideally positioned to deliver individualized care, combining manual therapy with exercise to restore function. Recent 2025 research reinforces the efficacy of specific functional stability exercises and structured aerobic and resistance training in reducing pain and disability. The article details five key, research-supported exercises. These include...

The article serves as a crucial warning to clinicians regarding the limitations of "Dr. AI," cautioning that significant blind spots can easily mislead patients who place too much trust in its answers. A primary limitation is access: AI models are largely restricted to open-access journals, leaving approximately 75% of medical literature inaccessible due to subscription paywalls. When full text is blocked, AI often defaults to abstracts, which is highly problematic. Studies show that nearly 32% of abstracts contain errors, omissions, or "spin" that distorts conclusions, sometimes resulting in a 39% discordance between the abstract and the full report. Relying on these summaries...

Troy University, a public institution in Alabama with a history spanning 138 years, is set to host the nation’s second Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program at a U.S. public university. The program has received approval from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, with final accreditation pending from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Strategically located at the Dothan campus due to its proximity to states like Georgia and Florida, the program aims to serve a wide regional student base. The inaugural class of DC students is expected to commence instruction in the fall of 2027. Th...

Pediatric chiropractic is experiencing an unprecedented surge in relevance, fueled by the Information Age and a growing public dissatisfaction with the limitations of the modern medical model. This shift has provided holistic practitioners with a much larger voice. The article highlights critical pediatric trends that are leading parents to seek chiropractic care. For instance, alarming statistics from the CDC show autism rates have soared, raising serious concerns among parents. Additionally, recent alterations to CDC developmental milestones—such as removing creeping and crawling—suggest that common delays are being normalized, prompting parents to seek help outside traditional channels. A second majo...

A recent study highlights a significant disparity in continuing education (CE) requirements across healthcare professions, revealing barriers that specifically hinder the professional development of chiropractors (DCs). The research compared state licensing board information and found that non-DC professionals, including medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathy (DOs), and athletic trainers (ATs), are afforded significantly more opportunities to earn CE credit for research and academic activities. Specifically, MDs, DOs, and ATs are recognized for CE credit for teaching and/or research in all 50 states. In sharp contrast, the study found that only 16 states (32%) allow DCs to claim CE credit for engaging...

This article investigates the potential of curcumin, a polyphenolic substance derived from turmeric, to alleviate delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which is caused by microscopic muscle tears and inflammation following strenuous exercise. Research indicates that curcumin possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, allowing it to suppress key inflammatory markers like COX-2, NF-B, IL-6, and TNF-ɑ, thereby potentially reducing muscle damage and improving athletic performance. Studies have shown that supplementation, with dosages varying widely (150 mg up to 5 g over a day), significantly reduces DOMS, especially when administered before and after exercise. However, the authors stress that curcumin is not risk-free, and c...

Hiring staff in a growing chiropractic practice should be a strategic move, not a reaction driven by stress or burnout. The article helps practitioners navigate the "growth tension," highlighting the risks of hiring too soon (creating financial pressure and overwhelmed management) versus waiting too long (leading to clinician burnout and compromised patient care). The path to success lies in intentional expansion. Before posting a job ad, DCs must ask five smart questions. First, is patient flow consistent and based on a system that attracts patients to the practice generally, rather than solely to the DC?. Second, is the DC...

The article encourages chiropractors to use the approaching year-end (2025) as a vital moment for professional and personal reflection, setting the stage for a better 2026. This strategic process begins with reflecting on 2025 successes, identifying achievements, and noting missed opportunities. Step 2 involves decisive planning for 2026, including routine changes, and defining what activities need to be started, increased, or done less frequently. For financial success, the author suggests that the end of the year is the optimal time to invest in the practice, potentially reducing the 2025 tax burden and kick-starting growth in 2026. End-of-year incentives often make this the best time to purchase...

This article, drawing inspiration from Charles Dickens, captures the current, paradoxical state of the chiropractic profession: recognized by high-quality research and clinical guidelines as a first-line option for spinal disorders, yet undermined by administrative and financial challenges. The authors assert that reliance on new guidelines or research alone is insufficient; systemic changes to payment and network participation are required to ensure sustainable access to care. The discussion focuses on two powerful, often unseen, forces shaping the practice environment. First, the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) loophole allows health insurance companies to transfer premium dollars via capitation to unregulated healthcare services...

This piece emphasizes that genuine recovery involves reversing dysfunctional compensation patterns and restoring normal function, extending beyond the mere cessation of pain. Effective rehabilitation requires combining evidence-based interventions with precise correction. The foundation of effective rehab is Progressive Loading, where appropriately modulated stress stimulates tissue remodeling and tendon hypertrophy, a principle crucial for conditions like tendinopathy. The principle of "load must be appropriate, progressive, and pain-modulated" is key. The second cornerstone is Neuromuscular Re-Education, aimed at unlearning maladaptive behaviors and retraining the Central Nervous System (CNS) through techniques such as Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and rhythmic stabilization. Manual Therapy...

This article dispels several persistent myths surrounding lateral hip pain, now correctly identified as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). Myth Buster #1 establishes that localized lateral hip pain is rarely caused by an inflamed trochanteric bursa (found in less than 3% of cases); it is overwhelmingly a gluteal tendinopathy, typically involving the medius and minimus tendons. Furthermore, Myth Buster #2 clarifies that GTPS is not solely a condition of postmenopausal women, affecting athletes, adult males, and postpartum females due to various factors like drop in estrogen levels or femoral acetabular impingement. Diagnosis is achieved through a cluster of findings, including palpable tenderness...

This article, the sixth installment in a series, honors Dr. Claire Welsh, DC, FICA, recognizing her as a Hall of Honor Charter Inductee for her extraordinary fervor and dedication to the chiropractic profession. Dr. Welsh earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree magna cum laude in 1988 from Life Chiropractic College, following an academically distinguished career that included work as a bacteriologist and a high school special education teacher. Her professional life is marked by significant leadership and advocacy. She served in key roles within the Georgia Council of Chiropractic (GCC), including President in 2009, and was a longtime Georgia representative in...

This article serves as a critical exposé on the practices of insurance companies administering Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, detailing corruption and schemes that undermine the system. A major concern is "upcoding," where insurers deliberately add bogus or more complex, highly reimbursed diagnoses to patient records to extract significantly higher payments from the federal government, often for conditions the patient was never treated for. This fraudulent practice, incentivized by the 2003 Modernization Act which rewarded higher reimbursement for sicker members, leads to ridiculous discrepancies in complex diagnosis prevalence compared to traditional Medicare. The author recounts a personal experience where their MA c...

Engaging and Interesting Summary of the Article: A recent survey reveals a startling disillusionment within the medical profession: a mere 12% of physicians would recommend medicine as a career, resulting in a bleak "net promoter score" (NPS) of negative 52 – a stark contrast to the healthcare industry average. While helping patients remains rewarding, MDs are increasingly burdened by misinformation, the skyrocketing costs of care and drugs, and a pervasive erosion of trust in the healthcare system. Raw comments from surveyed doctors paint a grim picture, citing patient distrust, systemic discrimination, and the prioritization of profit over patient care, leading some to wa...

This "News in Brief" compilation provides several key updates relevant to the chiropractic profession. A new national study by the Clinical Compass highlights significant inconsistencies in informed consent requirements for chiropractors across U.S. state and territorial licensing jurisdictions. The study found that most jurisdictions (82%) lack specific format mandates, and many offer insufficient detailed guidance. However, a few, like North Carolina and Oregon, provide more comprehensive recommendations incorporating the PARQ framework (Procedures, Alternatives, Risks, Questions). The full open-access study is available online. Additionally, the Chiropractic Health Care (CHC) section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) has launched a 12...

Engaging and Interesting Summary of the Article: A alarming trend is sweeping the nation, with new laws drastically limiting medical debt collection and posing significant risks to healthcare providers, including chiropractors. New Jersey’s Medical Debt Relief Act, enacted July 22, 2024, now forbids healthcare providers and debt collectors from reporting healthcare debt to consumer reporting agencies. The law also restricts interest rates on unpaid debt to 3% annually, mandates a 120-day waiting period, and requires offering "reasonable payment plans" before collection. California’s similar law, effective July 1, 2025, goes even further by requiring a specific disclosure statement in all patient financial agreements, warn...

Engaging and Interesting Summary of the Article: Part five of this series celebrates Dr. Cynthia Vaughn, a true heroine and charter inductee into the Hall of Honor, whose monumental efforts made chiropractic care available to U.S. veterans. A distinguished 1984 summa cum laude graduate of Southern California University of Health Sciences, Dr. Vaughn shattered glass ceilings, becoming the first female president of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners and holding pivotal leadership roles in national chiropractic associations. However, it was her tireless work on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Chiropractic Advisory and Implementation Committees that she...

Engaging and Interesting Summary of the Article: For high-income chiropractic associates and successful practice owners, mastering tax strategies by year-end 2025 is crucial for financial independence and growth. This article unveils powerful approaches to reduce your tax burden, starting with maximizing charitable giving. Instead of cash, donating appreciated stock avoids capital gains tax while securing a full deduction, a strategy favored by high-net-worth clients. For those 70½ and older, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow tax-free IRA donations, satisfying Required Minimum Distributions and potentially lowering Medicare premiums. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are presented as a savvy way to front-load substantial giving, reducing income w...

Engaging and Interesting Summary of the Article: The global future of chiropractic hinges not just on patient outcomes, but on establishing robust, formal education programs, particularly in developing nations. Despite chiropractic being practiced in over 120 countries, a striking imbalance exists: fewer than 50 university-level programs worldwide, with 60% concentrated in just four English-speaking nations. This "geographic void" has severely hampered the profession's growth, as historical models of international expansion have often failed to create sustainable local practitioner bases. The article champions the Chiropractic Diplomatic Corps (CDC)'s principle of "Schools Before Laws," arguing that cultivating a domestic professional base through local...

A mysterious rash and pain on a 61-year-old man's back stumped both an urgent care clinician and a dermatologist, who suspected shingles or an allergic reaction. The surprising culprit, discovered by the patient's wife, was not a complex skin condition but a thermal burn from an ice pack used for chronic low back pain. This case, and another involving a runner who left a pack on for two hours, highlights a common yet overlooked danger: improper ice application.

The article stresses that ice packs, a staple of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) therapy, can cause significant skin...

Engaging and Interesting Summary of the Article: Discover the silent saboteurs of recovery: compensation patterns. This article profoundly illustrates how the body's initially brilliant protective responses to injury can, over time, become maladaptive, quietly undermining athletic performance, long-term joint integrity, and leading to chronic pain. Compensation patterns involve subtle shifts – from secondary muscle recruitment and altered joint alignment to changes in gait – all adopted to offload painful tissues. These ingrained patterns can lead to debilitating muscle imbalances, such as upper trap overactivation in shoulder dysfunction, and even accelerate joint degeneration through uneven load distribution. For chiropractors, recognizing these hidden patt...

Engaging and Interesting Summary of the Article: The future of chiropractic is calling for a profound transformation: chiropractors (DCs) must evolve beyond traditional adjustments to become comprehensive "coaches of modern healthcare". The article highlights that while medical doctors excel in acute care, their approach to chronic conditions often falls short, leading to a "mirage of success" with reliance on medications and surgery. DCs, already recognized as holistic practitioners, are perfectly positioned to step into this expanded role as lifestyle strategists, accountability partners, behavioral mentors, and long-term wellness guides. Imagine a sports coach identifying blind spots and building momentum for...

Engaging and Interesting Summary of the Article: Peripheral neuropathy, affecting over 30 million Americans and often going undiagnosed, presents a significant "hidden opportunity" for chiropractors to provide comprehensive, life-changing care. This article argues that the holistic chiropractic model is uniquely suited to address the complex biopsychosocial nature of neuropathy, which is often linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and metabolic dysregulation, not just nerve problems. Beyond traditional spinal and extremity adjustments, chiropractors can integrate vital lifestyle interventions like exercise, nutrition, and glycemic control. The article highlights powerful advanced modalities such as High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Radial Pressure Wave (RPW) therapy...

This article, authored by Ronald Feise, DC, makes a compelling case for mandatory communication between chiropractors and medical doctors, emphasizing it as a patient safety necessity rather than a mere professional courtesy. The core message is powerfully illustrated through a clinical case study: a 67-year-old patient, presenting with post-accident neck pain, had a complex medical history including severe atherosclerosis and multiple medications, none of which her previous chiropractor had discussed with her GP. Recognizing the high risk for vertebral artery dissection, Feise's clinic proactively requested medical records and consulted the patient’s GP, uncovering critical vertebral artery abnormalities that co...

Engaging and Interesting Summary of the Article: Chronic knee pain plagues one in four adults, driving many to seek chiropractic care. This article introduces a revolutionary, non-invasive solution: motion-activated intermittent cutaneous vibration, a self-administered therapy patients can use at home between chiropractic visits. The science is fascinating, leveraging the gate control theory of pain. Intermittent vibration, triggered by knee movement, activates large nerve fibers that "gate" or interrupt pain signals, providing relief precisely when patients need it most—during walking and stair navigation. Beyond its analgesic effects, this innovative therapy significantly enhances quadriceps muscle function, which is critical for jo...

Engaging and Interesting Summary of the Article: Get ready, Western states! The Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is launching an exciting new Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree program in Phoenix, Arizona, with its inaugural class slated for January 2026. This isn't just another program; it's a strategic move to fill a significant void in chiropractic education, as Arizona and six surrounding states currently lack any DC degree offerings. SCU Provost Tamara Rozhon, EdD, proudly stated that the university is stepping up to address this long-standing regional need. The program will feature a modern, flexible 10-term hybrid curriculum, blending...

A fascinating study delves into forward-head posture (FHP), revealing it's far more than just a musculoskeletal concern. Published in Scientific Reports, this research highlights how FHP impacts corticomuscular coherence (CMC) – the synchronization between brain and muscle electrical activities.

The prospective case-control study involved 64 young adults, categorizing them into FHP and normal head posture (NHP) groups based on their craniovertebral angle. Participants underwent progressively challenging balance tasks while their brain (EEG) and muscle (EMG) signals were monitored. The results were striking: individuals with FHP displayed significantly increased CMC, particularly during more difficult balance challenges. This indicates their brains ha...

Unlock your peak performance and accelerate recovery with zone-specific training, a highly individualized approach to aerobic activity crucial for everyone from elite athletes to deconditioned patients. This article delves into the six-zone formula, a standard in cardiovascular training monitored by biomarkers like blood lactate or VO2max for elite, or more commonly, heart rate (HR) and relative perceived exertion (RPE) for most. Accurately cross-referencing RPE with actual exertion is vital for effective training.

The zones progress from Zone 1 (light, long slow distance), enhancing circulation and aiding recovery. Zone 2 (moderate, "conversational pace") is crucial for boosting mitochondrial function...

Dive into the intricate world of injury mechanisms, understanding how initial tissue damage can spiral into chronic dysfunction if mismanaged. This article series highlights the crucial subacute phase (days to weeks post-injury), a period of high healing potential where pain and swelling emerge as the body ramps up fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis. However, mismanagement—like training through pain or delayed care—can tragically shift this healing trajectory towards degeneration.

Chronic soft-tissue injuries emerge when repair fails, leaving tissues fibrotic, disorganized, and trapped in cycles of inflammation. Classic examples include tendinopathies and chronic ligamentous injuries, often showing disr...

Discover the remarkable legacy of Dr. Beatrice B. Hagen, a true heroine in chiropractic, spotlighted for her immense contributions to education. Dr. Hagen shattered significant gender barriers, becoming the first woman president of an accredited chiropractic college (Logan, 1981-1992) and the first woman president of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) (1986-1988).

A Logan College of Chiropractic alumna (1940), she later served as an instructor, clinical director, and Board of Trustees chair at her alma mater. During her transformative presidency at Logan, Dr. Hagen was instrumental in modernizing the curriculum, expanding research programs, and spearheading major facility developments...