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IFCO Position Statement on Montana HB 500: Defending Chiropractic’s Drug-Free Identity

ifcochiro@gmail.com (Jen Steinberg) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:29:40 GMT

The International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations (IFCO) stands firmly against Montana’s HB 500, a dangerous and misguided bill that seeks to grant chiropractors the ability to prescribe drugs. Chiropractic is and always has been a distinct, drug-free profession. Expanding its scope to include pharmaceuticals would not only compromise patient safety but also blur the essential distinction between chiropractic and medicine.

This is not just a state-level issue. If Montana allows this expansion, it will set a precedent for other states to follow, jeopardizing the integrity of chiropractic nationwide. Chiropractors, students, and patients must understand the consequences and take a stand to protect the profession.

Chiropractic Leaders Reject HB 500

Two of the most respected chiropractic colleges in the world have issued strong statements opposing HB 500, reaffirming that chiropractic was never meant to include drugs.

Dr. Dennis Marchiori, DC, PhD, Chancellor of Palmer College of Chiropractic—the oldest and largest chiropractic institution—made Palmer’s position absolutely clear:

“As Chancellor and CEO of the oldest and largest college of chiropractic in the world, I am writing to express opposition to the expansion of prescription pharmaceuticals into the clinical scope of chiropractic practice. Chiropractic was founded in 1895 in Davenport, Iowa, at Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Palmer has spent years researching and carefully crafting an identity for chiropractors as the primary care professionals for spinal health and well-being. Chiropractic focuses on neurological and musculoskeletal integrity and aims to favorably impact human health, relieve pain and infirmity, enhance performance, and improve quality of life—without drugs or surgery.”

Likewise, Dr. Jack M. Bourla, DC, ACP, President of Sherman College of Chiropractic, condemned the bill and highlighted the risks to public safety:

“Prescribing medications has never been within the scope of chiropractic care. It is, and should continue to be, outside of our scope of practice. Chiropractors are not trained to prescribe medications, and our students are in no way prepared to be prescribers of medication.

MDs and other medical specialists spend hundreds of hours in pharmacology education and clinical experience. They understand the desired effects, side effects, contraindications, addiction risks, and safety concerns related to prescription medications.

A ‘weekend-style course’ ultimately allowing chiropractors to prescribe drugs is risky at best. Chiropractors are highly trained—nearly four years—at analyzing the spinal structure and its effects on the nervous system and vertebral misalignment. That is our scope of practice.

We are not qualified, nor should we be trained, in an area already addressed by well-trained professionals. Sherman College of Chiropractic vehemently opposes this bill and urges lawmakers to recognize the risks and dangers it presents.”

Medical Doctors Agree: Chiropractic and Medicine Are Separate Professions

The Montana Medical Association (MMA) has also taken a firm stance against HB 500. Dr. Ernest J. Gray, MD, President of the MMA, reinforced the necessity of keeping chiropractic and medicine distinct:

“As President of the Montana Medical Association, I share that the MMA and I, personally, oppose the granting of prescriptive authority for the chiropractic profession. The art and science of chiropractic is the adjustment and rebalancing of the spinal and skeletal system to achieve whole-body health. It has never advocated for the use of pharmaceutical agents as part of its treatment modalities.”

This powerful statement underscores the fact that medical professionals themselves see the inherent dangers in allowing chiropractors to prescribe drugs. Chiropractic and medicine serve different purposes, and blurring the lines between them benefits no one—especially not the patients.

HB 500 Undermines the Foundation of Chiropractic

HB 500 is an outright assault on chiropractic’s foundational principles. Chiropractic was never meant to be an alternative route to prescribing drugs—it was created as a distinct, drug-free profession. Those pushing this bill are not acting in the best interests of patients or chiropractors; they are attempting to fundamentally change the profession for their own agenda.

The IFCO rejects the argument that adding pharmaceuticals to chiropractic care would somehow “modernize” the profession. What has made chiropractic successful is its focus on natural health and its effectiveness without the use of drugs or surgery. Expanding scope into prescribing is not progress—it is a dangerous dilution of the very essence of chiropractic.

Montana is now the battleground, but the outcome of this fight will have repercussions far beyond state borders. If HB 500 passes, it will open the door for similar legislative pushes across the country. This is not a state issue—it is a defining moment for the profession itself.

IFCO’s Call to Action

The IFCO remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting chiropractic’s drug-free identity. With HB 500 back in play, the time to act is now. We urge chiropractors, students, patients, and legislators to reject this blatant attempt to medicalize chiropractic.

The message from Palmer College, Sherman College, and the Montana Medical Association is clear: Chiropractic does not and should not include drugs.

The IFCO calls on Montana legislators to vote NO on HB 500. The future of chiropractic depends on it.

IFCO President

Travis M. Corcoran D.C., A.C.P.

Position Statement Regarding FCLB Resolution Regarding Radiology (Mar 2021)

Tue, 04 May 2021 10:00:14 GMT

The IFCO agrees with the below Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation’s (FVSR) proposed amendment to the FCLB’s proposed resolution that reads:

“Now therefore be it – Resolved, that the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards recommends: 1) That the use of radiographic imaging in patient care is at the professional judgement of the attending Doctor of Chiropractic and determined (IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PATIENT) on a case by base basis in an evidence informed approach; and 2) That Chiropractic care policies and guidelines that impose practice standards based on parameters of time before a Doctor of Chiropractic may obtain radiographic imaging potentiates an unnecessary delay which can adversely affect the efficacy and safety of patient care and their health as consumers of chiropractic services.”

Position Statement Regarding CCBC Amendments (Feb 2021)

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 09:58:42 GMT

The IFCO has become aware of troubling amendments to the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia’s February 2021 Amendments to the Professional Conduct Handbook that were approved by their board.

It is the position of the IFCO that these amendments are in conflict with the salutogenic, vitalistic, and subluxation-centric platform that we support and promote.

The article, and amendments in their entirety can be read here:

CCBC Article

Amendments

Several of these amendments are very concerning to those who practice the art of locating, analyzing, and assisting the body to remove vertebral subluxation in their practices within Canada.

I would like to draw special attention to Part 15.2 that states:

“Routine or repeat X-rays used as a regular protocol during the evaluation and diagnosis of patients are not clinically justified.

This includes a) X-rays to screen for spinal anomalies or serious pathology in the absence of any clinical indication, b) X-rays to diagnose or re-assess spinal conditions in the absence of any clinical indication, and c) X-rays to conduct biomechanical analysis or listings to identify spinal dysfunction, whether called subluxation, fixation or by any other term.

In keeping with the definition of vertebral subluxation, as mentioned in Stephenson’s 1927 text as referenced in Dr. Christopher Kent’s “Models of Vertebral Subluxation: A Review”; it states that the following must be applied for the term vertebral subluxation to be deemed applicable:

Loss of juxtaposition of a vertebrae with the one above, the one below, or both
Occlusion of an opening
Nerve impingement (i.e., altering nerve system function)
Interference with the transmission of mental impulses

By approving these amendments and limiting a Chiropractor practicing within their jurisdiction’s rights to locate the misalignment and the occlusion component of the vertebral subluxation, the CCBC is directly impacting a chiropractor’s ability to thoroughly detect, locate, and correct vertebral subluxation and to monitor the patient’s progress.

This is a VERY troubling threat to the proper practice of Chiropractic as set forth by the very definition upon which Chiropractic was founded. We are urging all Canadian Chiropractors who are not currently IFCO members to join us through membership so that we collectively can fight back against this unfounded attack on our core principles that hold us as a unique and distinct profession.

We fear this type of rhetoric will eventually make its way into other parts of the world and be used as a precedent for amendment and passage of this language and intent into other associations and organizations.

We urge our members to take this matter very seriously and encourage all Canadians to join the IFCO where their membership will help us to fight back against this threat to our profession.

ADIOs,

Grant Dennis, D.C.

President

Position Paper on Animal Chiropractic

Tue, 19 May 2020 09:55:02 GMT

From the beginning of the chiropractic profession, chiropractors have been checking and adjusting animals.

We envision a world in which Animal Chiropractic stands as a separate and distinct philosophy, art, and science, practiced by both trained chiropractors and veterinarians, for the improved quality of life, health, and vitality of the animals they serve.

We recognize that, unlike traditional human chiropractic, the world of animal chiropractic is made up of both chiropractors and veterinarians. We insist that anyone from either profession who practices animal chiropractic be properly trained in the philosophy, art, science, and professional objectives of animal chiropractic.

Animal chiropractic is vitalistic in its approach and adheres to a salutogenic model that focuses on what makes the organism healthy rather than on what makes them sick. While it may be practiced by a properly trained and certified veterinarian, it is distinct and not to be considered part of veterinary medicine, or merely a form of manual therapy applied to animals. We believe the practitioner of animal chiropractic does not compete with medicine, but rather completes it.

As with humans, we insist that the practice of chiropractic be limited to the location, analysis, and correction of the vertebral subluxation.

We do not align ourselves with any organization which exchanges our unique terminology for terms such as “veterinary orthopedic manipulation” or “veterinary spinal manipulative therapy.” We do not see these terms as synonymous with the location, analysis, and correction of the chiropractic vertebral subluxation, or congruent with the practice of Animal Chiropractic.

Because Animal Chiropractic is separate and distinct, and not part of veterinary medicine, we stand for direct access for all properly trained and certified Animal Chiropractors to be able to provide animal chiropractic care without the direct supervision or referral from the veterinarian. We also insist that the Animal Chiropractor limit his/her care to the location, analysis, and correction of the chiropractic vertebral subluxation, and not attempt to use chiropractic as a replacement for veterinary medicine. We further recognize that there are times when a referral to a Veterinarian is appropriate and an Animal Chiropractor’s training identifies when such a referral is warranted.

We believe that the practice of Animal Chiropractic has the potential of helping us in our mission to spread the principles and objectives of chiropractic, world-wide. There is no apparent placebo effect when caring for animals. When a vertebral subluxation is corrected, and that animal responds in a favorable manner, it is a direct reflection of the chiropractic principles, objectives, and laws of life. We seek to use the seeming miracles seen in an animal chiropractic practice on a daily basis, to spread our unique message of hope for increased quality of life, health, and vitality to all of humanity, across the Planet.

We welcome veterinarians to explore the philosophy, art and science of chiropractic as it applies to animals and incorporate chiropractic into their practices following adequate training and certification from a recognized program.

REFERENCES:

Position Statement written by Scott Little, D.C.

Chiropractic contributes its unique salutogenic health care approach to the emergent COVID-19 crisis

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 09:52:07 GMT

Chiropractic contributes its unique salutogenic health care approach to the emergent COVID-19 crisis

Amy Haas and Dave Russell

In the face of the current global concerns, it is important to work together as a community to support all possibilities for the optimal health and wellbeing of humanity. Chiropractic care is a unique salutogenic approach to health care that has been shown to improve overall well-being and to enhance physiological function and adaptability. Chiropractic therefore offers a valuable and important contribution in supporting the well-being of our international community at this trying time.

The primary objective of chiropractic care is to optimize health and well-being through the enhancement of nervous system function by reducing nerve interference caused by vertebral subluxations. ^1-4 Chiropractic care has been shown to enhance and/or restore nervous system functional integrity including sensorimotor integration, cortical processing, and physiological adaptability. ^5-10

Chiropractic care is salutogenic in nature, intended to support the body’s intrinsic processes rather than to “treat” any specific symptom or pathology. To be clear, chiropractic is not a treatment for any infectious disease.

In light of that, it is of note that a small-but-promising body of evidence suggests that chiropractic care may influence and support immune system function. ^11-17 Though this evidence is preliminary, these data are of interest to consider in light of the intricate connection between the immune system and the nervous system, a field of quickly emerging research. ^12,18-21

The nervous system plays a crucial role in alerting and guiding immune system cells to where an infection is located in an essential and coordinated response to danger. ^12,18 Steinman ¹⁸ states “There are three types of interactions between the CNS and the immune system: in the first, the CNS acts reciprocally with the immune system; in the second, the CNS drives immunity; and in the third, the immune system regulates the CNS” . The synergy and coordination between the nervous system and the immune system, and of these two systems with the endocrine system and the microbiome ^22-29 , suggest that the chiropractic adjustment may have broad-reaching effects on salutogenesis and adaptability via modulation of these coordinated subsystems.

Although the exact nature of the effect(s) of chiropractic care may have on immune system function specifically has certainly not yet been fully described, the beneficial and sustained effects that chiropractic care have on the function of the autonomic nervous system (responsible for organ and gland function) is established and the utility of chiropractic care for promotion of healthy adaptability, resilience, and salutogenesis is clear. Chiropractic care can therefore provide a valuable salutogenic resource for people whose well-being is tested by these stressful times ^30-37

While chiropractic care plays an important role in supporting numerous aspects of general wellbeing, ^5-11,38-40 it does not, in any way, replace good hygiene and other healthy lifestyle practices or medical intervention for pathology or disease including COVID-19. Additionally, because chiropractors are portal of entry professionals, in the face of the current global pandemic all chiropractors should become very familiar with their local government and WHO guidelines for appropriate hygiene and facilities sanitation procedures as well as the management/referral of people infected with, or potentially infected with COVID-19. These public health regulations are of the highest priority and should be followed for the safety and protection of the rest of the community seen in one’s practice.

Chiropractors have played an important role in the healthcare community. They offer a unique and valuable service not only to their practice community but to other health care providers at the “front lines” as well. Throughout their 125 years of serving humanity, chiropractors stand with fellow healthcare practitioners to do their part to enhance the health and well-being of the global community as it faces this pandemic challenge.

References

World Health Organization. WHO guidelines on basic safety and training in chiropractic. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2005.
Haavik H, Holt K, Murphy B. Exploring the neuromodulatory effects of vertebral subluxation and chiropractic care. Chiropr J Australia, 2010; 40(1):37-44.
Russell D. The assessment and correction of vertebral subluxation is central to chiropractic Practice: Is there a gap in the clinical evidence? J Contemporary Chiropr. 2019;2(1):4-17
Glucina TT, Krägeloh CU, Farvid P, Holt K. Moving towards a contemporary chiropractic professional identity. Complementary therapies in clinical practice. 2020;, 39, 101105.
Haavik-Taylor H, Murphy B. Cervical spine manipulation alters sensorimotor integration: a somatosensory evoked potential study. Clin Neurophysiol, 2007; 118(2):391-402.
Taylor HH, Murphy B. Altered sensorimotor integration with cervical spine manipulation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2008; 31(2):115-126.
Taylor HH, Murphy B. Altered central integration of dual somatosensory input after cervical spine manipulation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2010; 33(3):178-188.
Daligadu J, Haavik H, Yielder PC, Baarbe J, Murphy B. Alterations in cortical and cerebellar motor processing in subclinical neck pain patients following spinal manipulation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2013; 36(8):527-537.
Niazi IK, Turker KS, Flavel S, Kinget M, Duehr J, Haavik H. Changes in H-reflex and V-waves following spinal manipulation. Exp Brain Res, 2015; 233(4):1165-1173.
Lelic D, Niazi IK, Holt K, Jochumsen M, Dremstrup K, Yielder P, Murphy B, Drewes A and Haavik H. Manipulation of dysfunctional spinal joints affects sensorimotor integration in the pre-frontal cortex: a brain source localization study. Neural Plasticity. 2016
Colombi A, Testa M. The effects induced by spinal manipulative therapy on the immune and endocrine systems. Medicina 2019; 53:448
Cohn A. Chiropractic and the Neuroimmune Connection. J Vert Subluxat Res. Sept 30, 2008:1-5
Teodorczyk-Injeyan JA, McGregor M, Ruegg R, Injeyan HS. Interleukin 2-regulated in vitro antibody production following a single spinal manipulative treatment in normal subjects. Chiropr Osteopat. 2010 Sep 8;18:26.
Teodorczyk-Injeyan JA, Injeyan HS, McGregor M, Harris GM, Ruegg R. Enhancement of in vitro interleukin-2 production in normal subjects following a single spinal manipulative treatment. Chiropr Osteopat. 2008 May 28;16:5
Hightower BC, Pfleger B, Selano J. The Effects of Specific Upper Cervical Adjustments on the CD4 Counts of HIV Positive Patients. Chiropractic Research Journal 1994 ;3(1):32-39
Brennan PC, Kokjohn K, Kaltinger CJ, Lohr GE, Glendening C, Hondras MA, McGregor M, Triano JJ. Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory burst induced by spinal manipulation: potential role of substance P. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991 Sep;14(7):399-408
Selano JL, Hightower BC, Pfleger B, Feeley-Collins K, Grostic JD. The Effects of Specific Upper Cervical Adjustments on the CD4 Counts of HIV Positive Patients. The Chiro Research Journal. 1994;3(1)
Steinman L. Elaborate interactions between the immune and nervous systems. Nature Immunology. 2004;5(6):575-581
Murray DR, Irwin M, Reardon CA, et al. “Sympathetic and immune interactions during dynamic exercise. Mediation via a beta 2 – adrenergic-dependent mechanism.” Circulation 1992 86(1): 203
Felton DL, Felton SY, Belonged DL, et al. Noradrenergic sympathetic neural interactions with the immune system: structure and function. Immunol Rev. 1987 Dec;100:225-60
Cao BB, Huang Y, Jiang YY, Qiu YH. Cerebellar fastigial nuclear glutamatergic neurons regulate immune function via hypothalamic and sympathetic pathways. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol, 2015; 10(1):162-178.
Taub D. Neuroendocrine interactions in the immune system. Cell Immunol. 2008; 252(1-2): 1-6.
Elenkov IJ, Wilder RL, Chrousos GP, Visi ES. The sympathetic nerve – An integrative interface between two supersystems: the brain and the immune system. Pharmacol Rev 2000; 52(4):595-638.
Pavlov VA, Tracey KJ. The vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex—linking immunity and metabolism. Nat Rev Endocrinol, 2012; 8(12):743-754.
Ganta CK, Kenney MJ. Autonomic Nervous System and Immune System Interactions. Compr Phys 2014; 4(3): 1177-1200.
Bonaz B, Bazin T, Pellissier S. The vagus nerve at the interface of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Front. Neurosci. 208; 12, 1-49.
Kovanur Sampath K, Mani R, Cotter JD, Tumilty S. Measurable changes in the neuro-endocrinal mechanism following spinal manipulation. Med Hypotheses. 2015;85(6):819-824.
Rome PL. Neurovertebral influence upon the autonomic nervous system: Some of the Somato-Autonomic Evidence To Date. Part I. Chiropr J Aust 2009;39(1):2-17.
Rome PL. Neurovertebral influence on visceral and ANS function: Some of the Somatovisceral Evidence To Date – Part II Somatovisceral. Chiropr J Aust. 2010;40(1):9-33.
Bakris G, Dickholtz M, Meyer PM, Kravitz G, Avery E, Miller M, Brown J, Woodfield C, Bell, B. Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study. J Human Hypertens, 2007; 42:1206-1206.
Welch A, Boone R. Sympathetic and parasympathetic responses to specific diversified adjustments to chiropractic vertebral subluxations of the cervical and thoracic spine. J Chiropr Med, 2008; 7(3):86-93.
Haas A, Russell D. Sustained improvement of heart rate variability in patients undergoing a program of chiropractic care: a retrospective case series. Chiro J Austr. 2017;45(4): 338-358.
Winn NN, Jorgensen AM, Chen YS, Haneline MT. Effects of upper and lower cervical spinal manipulative therapy on blood pressure and heart rate variability in volunteers and patients with neck pain: A randomized controlled, cross-over, preliminary study. J Chiropr Med. 2015;14(1):1-9.
Budgell B, Polus B. The effects of thoracic manipulation on heart rate variability: a controlled crossover trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2006; 29(8):603-610.
Driscoll MD, Hall MJ. Effects of spinal manipulative therapy on autonomic activity and the cardiovascular system: a case study using the electrocardiogram and arterial tonometry. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000;23(8):545-550.
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Holt K, Haavik H, Chi Lun Lee A, Murphy B, Elley R. Effectiveness of chiropractic care to improve sensorimotor function associated with falls risk in older people: A randomized controlled trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2016; 39(4): p. 267-278.
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IFCO Position on Vertebral Subluxation

Fri, 26 May 2017 09:33:09 GMT

International Federation of Chiropractors & Organizations

Phone 4012254799

Ifcochiro.execdir@gmail.com

PO Box 23517

Providence, RI 02903

Press Release

IFCO POSITION ON VERTEBRAL SUBLUXATION

May 26, 2017:

The International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations (IFCO) represents that group of global chiropractors who desire to locate, analyze, and correct vertebral subluxations because vertebral subluxations are a detriment to the expression of life.

We know, with evidence, that the body is an intelligent organism, capable of healing, regulating and organizing itself when all processes are working without interruption. We know, with evidence, that the nervous system is the master controlling system of the body that allows for healing, regulating and organizing the body to function optimally. We know, with evidence, that anything which adversely affects the function of the nerve system can affect the proper functioning of the body. Included on that list of things that can negatively affect proper expression of the nerve system is vertebral subluxation.

In order to understand the effects of vertebral subluxation, we must define vertebral subluxation. Using some of the greatest minds in chiropractic (VP of a research publication; Chair of a Philosophy department at a USA chiropractic college; Chairperson of the Board of the IFCO and Chairperson of a USA chiropractic college and President of the leading pediatric chiropractic organization; President of a chiropractic research publication and co-founder of a leading chiropractic technology company and Director of Evidence-Informed Curriculum and Practice at a USA chiropractic college), the IFCO has defined subluxation as:

“A vertebral subluxation is an alteration of the intervertebral relationships of one or more articulations of the spinal column or the immediate weight bearing components of the axial skeleton; accompanied by a change in the morphology of the tissue occupying the neural canal and/or intervertebral foramina; as well as an alteration of neural function sufficient to interfere with the transmission of organizing information, considered to be homologous to the mental impulse.”

The IFCO understands that there are other entities who have defined “chiropractic subluxation.” As chiropractic was founded upon the subluxation, the only thing that makes the chiropractic profession separate and distinct, it is important to define subluxation in terms of this uniqueness. To not emphasize that subluxation is vertebral first and foremost, and not merely an afterthought, defines chiropractic much like many other professions. As such, we lose our distinctness and run the risk of being absorbed into other “like” professions.

The IFCO asserts strongly that any attempt to define chiropractic subluxation without emphasizing the importance of vertebral subluxation is a diminution of the profession. Our profession was founded upon the principles of life…the 33 Principles. As chiropractors, we acknowledge and address the vertebral subluxation (Principle 31) as a detriment to the expression of life. That principle (number 31) states “interference with transmission in the body is always directly or indirectly due to subluxations in the spinal column. Principle 31 does not state that subluxations elsewhere interfere with the transmission of innate forces…just the spinal column.

Any attempt to deviate from the initial intent at our profession’s definition is an attempt to devalue our uniqueness and separateness from all other professions. We understand that science has progressed and we are grateful for that progression. However, the current science does not negate the original raison d’etre and to deviate from our definition is to define a new profession which is not chiropractic.

Position Paper on Chiropractic Technique and Instrumentation

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:30:51 GMT

The uniqueness of the chiropractic objective impacts upon chiropractic technique. Since the objective of correcting vertebral subluxation is to allow the innate intelligence of the body to be more fully expressed, any technique or instrument that assists in the location, analysis and/or correction of vertebral subluxation is relevant to the practice of chiropractic.

It is understood that inherent within the idea of correcting vertebral subluxation is the knowledge that it is the innate intelligence of the body that truly corrects the subluxation. Technique is a procedure(s) that enables the chiropractor to locate, analyze and introduce a specific adjustive force of such quality that the innate intelligence can adapt that force and correct vertebral subluxation within its ability to do so. It should be noted that a core chiropractic principle is the idea that “normal” with regard to the human spine can ultimately be established only by the innate intelligence of the individual.

Chiropractic is based upon logic and reason. The choice of a particular chiropractic technique(s) requires a professional judgment based upon the individual needs of the patient and the unique skills and physical ability of the chiropractor.

It is understood that while certain techniques may have an objective other than chiropractic, it is possible that a straight chiropractor could adapt that technique to accomplish the unique objective of correcting vertebral subluxation.

Revised June 24, 2011

Position Paper on Vertebral Subluxation as a Sole Rationale for Care

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:29:09 GMT

The International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations maintains and upholds that the objective of the chiropractor is separate and distinct from other health care professionals and disciplines and that it is focused on the location, analysis, and correction of vertebral subluxations.

Chiropractic colleges, the federal government, and international, national and state chiropractic associations define the unique and non-duplicative role and responsibility of chiropractic as focusing particular attention on the vertebral subluxation and its resultant neurological interference.

The use of vertebral subluxation as a rationale for care is supported by protocols that are safe, efficacious and valid. The literature is sufficiently supportive of the usefulness of these protocols in regard to chiropractic examination, analysis and correction. Additionally, vertebral subluxation as a primary and singular finding is consistent with the practice objective followed by thousands of doctors of chiropractic as explained in their Terms of Acceptance.

The chiropractor may use a variety of procedures to assess the vertebral subluxation to determine its presence and arrive at an impression of its location, character, type and chronicity. The correction of vertebral subluxation is appropriate for anyone exhibiting evidence of its existence regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms and/or disease. Therefore, the determination of the presence of vertebral subluxation stands as a sole rationale for care.

Nothing in this position statement absolves the chiropractor from knowing the limits of his or her authority and skill, and from determining the safety and appropriateness of chiropractic care. The chiropractor has a duty to disclose any unusual findings discovered in the course of examination.

Revised March 8, 2012

Position Paper: Involvement with the Chiropractic Summit

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:27:24 GMT

The cry for unity in the chiropractic profession, while nothing new, is bellowed today as loudly as ever. Numerous attempts have been made over the years to merge the national organizations and more recently significant efforts have been aimed at eliminating multiple state organizations. While these efforts have met with limited success, they have unequivocally failed to address the reason why there are multiple organizations in the first place. The problem is that there is a difference of opinion in the fundamentals of what defines the chiropractic profession as well as what its future should be. It is for this reason that the International Federation of Chiropractors and Organization (IFCO) after careful deliberation has chosen not to be part of the Chiropractic Summit. It is the intent of this position paper to state for the record why IFCO has not joined or otherwise engaged in the recent movement that has been labeled the Chiropractic Summit.

The mission of the IFCO is to support and advance the practice of chiropractic that is exclusive for the location, analysis, and correction of vertebral subluxation because vertebral subluxation, in and of itself, is a detriment to the fullest expression of life. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the future of chiropractic as a separate and distinct profession and to secure and insure public access to vertebral subluxation correction.

The stated goal of the Chiropractic Summit (as listed on their website) is to work on the following five key critical issues:

1. National Health Care Reform/Medicare Reform & DoD/VA/PHSC 2. Doctor Practice Satisfaction & Self Esteem 3. Profession wide collaboration, grassroots mobilization and self regulation. 4. Reimbursement/Anti-discrimination 5. Public Relations – telling the chiropractic story and promoting the brand (competition and cultural authority).

While practitioner success and satisfaction are critical, the IFCO maintains that when the public is educated regarding our unique practice objective, which includes people of all ages from birth to death, practice volume increases. Unfortunately, the public is too often confused by the myriad of mixed messages it receives from the profession at large. Moreover, success is not necessarily dependent on third party reimbursement which appears to be a key concern of the Chiropractic Summit.

Clearly, IFCO and the Chiropractic Summit do not share a common ideology making it difficult, if not futile, to work together to achieve certain general goals. For example, IFCO is being encouraged to attend Summit 2011 because there will be important discussions on the inclusion of drugs to the chiropractic scope of practice. IFCO strongly maintains that there is no meaningful discussion to be had on drug inclusion in chiropractic. Chiropractic is, was, and always should be a drugless profession. No drugs. No surgery. Period. Drugs, surgery, and the treatment and alleviation of symptoms and disease using these modalities are the objective of the field of medicine.

Furthermore, history has taught IFCO that when we do attend meetings such as these in the name of unity, that whatever is decided may later be publicized as being a decision made by all the groups in attendance, regardless of how those groups actually voted. IFCO refuses to be misrepresented or used as a pawn to accomplish some other group’s master plan.

Key critical issues for the IFCO are to assist chiropractors in any legal way that is practical; to promote, protect and advance chiropractic and to facilitate the public access to and knowledge of the services of chiropractic for the purpose of correcting vertebral subluxations because subluxations, in and of themselves, are a detriment to the fullest expression of life in all people at all times.

The Chiropractic Summit espouses the tagline, “One Voice. One Message. Securing a Better Future.” Under the “One Message” button on their website, articles for professional development include the following: Multidisciplinary Practices require Keen Compliance Tactics, Five Reasons Why Incorporating Nutrition Will Launch Your Success, Five Ways to Increase Your Income in Three Weeks, and Integration, Integration, Integration – Practicing Chiropractic Within a Multidisciplinary Healthcare System. It should be noted that the five ways to increase your practice that are suggested and apparently promoted by the Chiropractic Summit are to offer 1. massage, 2. nutritional supplements, 3. exercise or rehab therapy, 4. weightloss programs, and 5. merge your practice with a friend’s practice in the same town. How can IFCO possibly be unified with this “One Message?”

Clearly, the Summit’s tagline, “One Voice. One Message. Securing a Better Future” is in no way representative of the IFCO’s voice, message or future. Inevitably, when multiple groups merge, the minority groups risk their identities. IFCO believes our voice and our message are critical to securing chiropractic as a separate and distinct profession. In fact, it maintains this position so strongly that we refuse to risk our objective amidst the cry for unity. Unity for unity’s sake is pointless. For all of these reasons, IFCO chooses not to attend or participate with the Chiropractic Summit.

Approved September 1, 2011