Promoting Chiropractic on the Political Front

The American Chiropractic Association is an organization that represents chiropractors and the chiropractic profession as a whole. Their mission is to “preserve, protect, improve and promote the chiropractic profession and the services of Doctors of Chiropractic for the benefit of patients they serve.” Accordingly, the ACA is always working for the recognition of chiropractic as a viable and important piece of patient care on Capitol Hill. John Falardeau, senior vice president for government relations for the American Chiropractic Association, works with government officials on healthcare policies and legislation to further the acceptance of chiropractic care. Below is some of his input about the current state of chiropractic care on the political front.

Expansion

One of Falardeau’s most important findings is the overall expansion and acceptance of chiropractic care in the government. He says that in almost every congressional or senatorial office he visits, there is some tie to chiropractic care. Either the officials/representative themselves have benefitted from chiropractic care, or they have had a close friend or family member benefit.

Research

Part of promoting chiropractic care on Capitol Hill involves research. Legislators and law makers want to see the facts and figures of chiropractic’s effectiveness. Luckily, there is a plethora of research to back up chiropractic’s real results, and even more research to showcase its cost effectiveness and non-invasive benefits.

Participation

Falardeau also discussed the importance of participation by chiropractors and patients of chiropractic in voicing the benefits of care. Letters, emails, and phone calls to law makers help promote the case for chiropractic as a viable option of treatment for a variety of illnesses, disorders, and pains. The overarching goal of all of this is to spread the word about chiropractic intervention, and its potential to help millions of people who are otherwise stuck with upsetting diagnoses, long term medications, and poor quality of life.

*Disclaimer: Always consult your physician or other health care professional before seeking treatment or taking related advice herein.*

Story Credit: Advocating for Chiropractic on Capitol Hill (Pt. 1) By Dr. Daniel Redwood