Hear the one about the chiropractor?!

There are many misconceptions about my profession. Since I aim to be educative, true to my doctor designation, I will gladly answer your chiropractic questions. Even the inane ones (contrary to popular belief, there ARE stupid questions!) - in fact, especially the inane ones. In my early years I was frustrated by chiropractic ignorance, and sought to convert the non-believers. But like a fine cheese, I've softened with age (ewww... that didn't even make sense, did it!?) and I no longer fight this good fight. Love your chiropractor? Tell me all about it, it warms my heart (especially when I'm your chiropractor!!). Open-minded but nervous? No problem - I'll be gentle! In pain but terrified of the 'crack'? I've got tons of tricks up my sleeve, and if the adjustment isn't your thing, we'll find something that works for you.

Ignorant and close-minded? Go ahead and hit me with your best... I'll answer you, but be prepared to either seriously back-up your statements, or to get a potentially sarcastic response to your question (I can't help it, sarcasm is my defense mechanism!). Like the gentleman at a party who asked me in all seriousness if it was in fact true that chiropractors do more harm than good. Really? All that school and money and time invested to dedicate myself to doing harm? Wouldn't that make the Hippocratic oath... hypocritical?

It interests me, however, why such chiropractic misinformation abounds.

I don't believe, as many patients think, that medical doctors are the problem. New med school graduates are learning more about complimentary and alternative therapies, and it is not uncommon to find us practicing alongside one another and referring patients. Some of the old-school docs might have other thoughts, but as I've noted, the halcyon days of 'Doctor Knows Best' are over. Patients are realizing that chiropractic works, and their physicians are learning to accept this and work together.

Often chiropractors are their own worst enemy. As a group we have trouble deciding what our scope of practice should be, and with such varied definitions of what we do, it is no wonder that confusion results. I remember this from my first experiences as a chiropractic patient - I had seen 3 different doctors and had 3 very different experiences. This is definitely a challenge for the profession: to be able to either clearly delineate our scope, or find a way to communicate to the public the different ways in which we practice, so that patients can get the type of care that they want.

I don't mind however, being poked fun at for my chosen profession. It IS funny, what I do. I push on your spine, it makes funny noises... aren't we all 5-year-olds at heart? I often subscribe to the philosophy that life is one big cosmic joke. We all need to lighten up, have a laugh, trust that the cosmos are playing recklessly with our fates and just roll with it. Chiropractors who take themselves too seriously - just like hairdressers, personal trainers, lawyers (ESPECIALLY lawyers!) and everyone else who does the same, deserve to be poked fun at now and again.

Luckily I love a good chiropractic joke.


HA!!!