By Matt Underwood How Chiropractors Became the Backbone of MAHA
The question of how chiropractors have become so intertwined with certain belief systems, particularly those associated with a political ideology, is an interesting and concerning one. It seems like the common thread is a shared distrust of established medical practices and institutions. This distrust, coupled with a susceptibility to unsubstantiated claims and a preference for “alternative” treatments, has created a fertile ground for chiropractors to gain influence within these circles.
The very origin of chiropractic, with its roots in a spiritualist seance, should be a red flag. The foundation of the practice, at least historically, lacks the scientific rigor and evidence-based approach that characterizes legitimate medical fields. The reliance on concepts like “subluxations” – a supposed misalignment of vertebrae – as the root cause of all health problems, and the idea that adjustments can cure a wide range of ailments, further underscores the dubious nature of many chiropractic practices.
This isn’t to say that all chiropractors are charlatans. However, the profession’s history, the anecdotal evidence of patients harmed by vertebral artery dissections and other complications from spinal manipulation, and the frequent association of chiropractic with questionable health claims, make it difficult to ignore the potential for harm. The fact that chiropractors often market themselves as “doctors” – a title that implies a level of medical training they often lack – further muddies the waters. They are often not qualified to perform work like a work physical, and are often seen as a quack in comparison to a medical doctor or physical therapist.
One of the factors that has aided in the acceptance of chiropractors is the often-cited recommendation that they provide. Sometimes, the recommendation for their services comes from people in the medical field. It is seen as a way to fix what ails you, however, it is a very controversial method. Because of this, they are often seen as an alternative for a patient that doesn’t want to go through the lengthy and thorough path of traditional physical therapy.
The appeal of chiropractic lies in its apparent simplicity and the promise of quick fixes. The idea that a single adjustment can alleviate a variety of symptoms can be particularly attractive to those seeking immediate relief or those who distrust the complexity of modern medicine. This can be problematic if people forgo legitimate medical treatments for potentially dangerous chiropractic interventions. It is important to note, though, that if you’re experiencing back pain, a doctor or physical therapist is more than capable of assisting you.
The alignment of some chiropractors with specific political and ideological viewpoints is not merely a coincidence. The skepticism towards established medicine, the embrace of unproven remedies, and the tendency to believe in conspiracy theories all create an environment where these beliefs and practices can flourish. It is a cautionary tale of how the embrace of unproven methods can harm and damage someone. It is often the case that those who are attracted to one kind of belief system, that has no scientific backing, are often attracted to others. It is important that medical advice, and trust, be placed in doctors or physical therapists.