88

Last week, I was going through my e-mail and I found a message put out by the Georgia Chiropractic Association being surprised that the Chiropractic Profession in New Mexico had passed a law allowing DC’s to Prescribe Drugs. A link was provided to read the New Mexico Law with the statement ,“I thought Chiropractic was drugless.”
 

It was apparent that the individual did not actually read the law provided by the link and made the assumption the New Mexico DC’s were going to stop adjusting their patients and just prescribe drugs. Yes, our new law does allow for the limited use of certain types of prescription drugs; however, the majority of the law allows new methods of delivery for vitamins, minerals, homeopathic remedies and neutraceuticals.
 

Should the Chiropractic profession move forward and allow new methods of delivery of substances we can “prescribe” by law now or remain drugless and stagnant only allowing the DC to adjust? Let's take a brief trip down memory lane. September 1895. D.D. Palmer gives the first chiropractic adjustment. The first patient is cured; two years later, the first Chiropractic school is started. 1900, give or take a few years, BJ Palmer opens the BJ Palmer Clinic, ads x-ray, electrical therapy and exercise to the clinic regimen. In the early 1920’s, Medical Physicians are added to the BJ Palmer Clinic staff. Yes, adjusting is still the main treatment approach. In the 1930’s, nutrition is added and still adjusting.
 

New Mexico, 1942-45. Most of the medical profession is drafted for duty in WWII. DC’s and DO’s deliver a majority of the medical services throughout the state.
 

1960 through the late 70’s. Are you a mixer or straight chiropractor? That was the big question. The big question for the 2nd century of Chiropractic will be: “Are you Advanced Practice” or “Regular Practice?” Just a guess.
 

Looking at the history of the profession, chiropractic will be chiropractic and chiropractors will be chiropractors. The chiropractor or chiropractic physician will do what is best for their patients according to how that DC has been trained whether it is through advanced practice or straight chiropractic or a combination of both.

Yours in Chiropractic Health,

Dr. M. E. Brown, DC, AP, APCP
President, New Mexico Chiropractic Association

Letter From The Executive Director


Copyright © 2009 New Mexico Chiropractic Association. All rights reserved.