December 2005

Syndicated columnist blasts chiropractic; ACA responds

A nationally syndicated medical columnist blasted chiropractic on November 30, when he explained how “chiropractic care can lead to permanent nerve injury.” The American Chiropractic Association has responded to his column to set the record straight with the reading public.

The column, written by Peter Gott, MD, and appearing in newspapers nationwide, was headlined, “Be cautious with chiropractic care.” In it, a reader asked, “Explain how chiropractic care can lead to permanent nerve injury.”

Gott answered, in part, “[chiropractic] activity may relieve backache due to tense or spastic muscles; also this treatment may temporarily alleviate back pain caused by slipped discs or arthritis.

“However, moderate/sever degrees of nerve pressure could be worsened by chiropractic manipulation if the adjustment puts further pressure on the nerves. This is the danger of chiropractic treatment.”

Gott went on to say that several of his patients who had undergone chiropractic adjustment experienced worsened symptoms and needed to be referred to a neurosurgeon, who performed surgery to relieve nerve pressure.

He also stated, “While I do not issue a blanket indictment against chiropractors, I urge patients to seek care from MDs if, after a few sessions of chiropractic care, symptoms have not diminished. Incidentally, my view is considered appropriate and reasonable by most reputable chiropractors, including a past president of the American Chiropractic Association who is both my friend and my consultant for chiropractic matters.”

ACA Present Richard G. Brassard, DC, responded, in part, by saying Gott’s column failed “to point out that the benefits of chiropractic come with very little risk. The patients you mentioned are the exception rather than the rule.”

Brassard emphasized chiropractic’s record of safety and efficacy and pointed to the profession’s very low malpractice rates, which are directly proportional to the number of claims made by patients.

He also said, “When [a patient’s] condition is outside their scope of practice, doctors of chiropractic … refer the patient to the appropriate specialist when indicated.”

The letter ended asking Gott to consider this information when he advised his readers about options for back pain prevention and relief.

Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.com

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