This is one of the most common questions patients ask — and one I still occasionally hear when I tell people I’m a chiropractor. The answer lies in a mix of history, perception, and evolving evidence.
A Historical Bias: Wilk vs. AMA
For decades, much of the skepticism toward chiropractic came from the American Medical Association (AMA). In the 1960s and 1970s, the AMA organized a campaign to “contain and eliminate” chiropractic, labeling it unscientific.
This effort led to a landmark antitrust case, Wilk vs. AMA, decided in 1990. The court found that the AMA had illegally conspired to restrict chiropractic’s growth, discouraging doctors from collaborating or referring patients.
The result? An entire generation of physicians was trained to believe chiropractic was unsafe or illegitimate. Old habits die hard — but today, many modern physicians have embraced chiropractic, and I’ve personally had the privilege of treating medical doctors as patients.
The Modern View: Collaboration, Not Competition
Attitudes toward chiropractic have changed dramatically. Today, chiropractic care is:
- Licensed in all 50 states and recognized as a legitimate healthcare profession.
- Integrated into hospitals and health systems across the U.S.
- Trusted by elite athletes — nearly every professional and collegiate sports team employs chiropractors.
- Valued by patients — studies consistently rank chiropractic among the highest for patient satisfaction in healthcare.
Most medical doctors now understand the benefits of collaboration. While a few may still hold outdated views, the majority either refer patients directly or work alongside chiropractors in integrated care settings.
Evidence for Chiropractic: Research, Safety, and Results
One of the strongest arguments for chiropractic is the growing body of research showing it is:
- Safe — adverse events are extremely rare, especially compared to long-term pain medications or surgery.
- Effective — peer-reviewed studies support chiropractic care for neck pain, low back pain, headaches, and postural issues.
- Cost-efficient — many studies show chiropractic care reduces the need for imaging, medications, and invasive procedures.
During my internship at Bethesda Naval Medical Center (now Walter Reed), I worked alongside specialists in neurosurgery, pain management, radiology, and physical therapy. That experience gave me a unique perspective on when the standard medical system is essential — and where chiropractic offers a safer, more conservative approach with fewer risks.
Our Approach: Structural Chiropractic and Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP)
At Innovative Nerve & Joint Centers, our focus is on structural chiropractic care. We specialize in Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP), a technique supported by decades of peer-reviewed research.
Here’s why it matters:
- Just like teeth have a normal alignment, so does your spine.
- When the spine shifts away from its optimal alignment, it can create dysfunction and pain.
- CBP research has been so influential that it has been cited in neurosurgery journals to define what “normal” spinal alignment should look like in spinal fusions.
This isn’t about chasing symptoms — it’s about restoring healthy structure and function so your body can perform at its best.
Beyond Pain Relief: The Bigger Picture
Most people associate chiropractic with back pain, neck pain, or headaches — and the evidence strongly supports this. But research is uncovering broader connections:
- Fibromyalgia: Studies show that patients with improved spinal alignment often experience significant and lasting improvements in symptoms.
- Posture-related issues: Poor posture has been linked to everything from reduced mobility to breathing difficulties. Correcting alignment can bring measurable improvements in overall health.
To be clear, chiropractic doesn’t claim to cure every condition. But it provides a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to improve spinal health, which often creates ripple effects throughout the body.
The Bottom Line
Chiropractic care is no longer fringe. It is:
- Researched and evidence-based
- Safe and patient-approved
- Integrated into mainstream healthcare
While you wouldn’t see a chiropractor for every issue (like vision or infections), dismissing chiropractic entirely doesn’t align with the facts. For millions of patients, chiropractic offers a proven path to pain relief, improved function, and better quality of life.
If you’re considering chiropractic, the key is choosing a clinic that focuses on evidence-based care and personalized treatment. At Innovative Nerve & Joint Centers, we’re here to help restore alignment, improve function, and get you back to living the life you love.
