Chiropractic’s commitment to health care, relieving overburdened hospitals during COVID-19

I think we can all agree that we may not experience many more times like this in our professional careers. The situation around COVID-19 continues to change with each day, causing great uncertainty for us all.

Businesses and services are now divided into two factions: essential and non-essential. An essential activity is one that is critical to protecting an individual’s health and safety, or the health and safety of their family or household members.

As chiropractors, our continued focus is on our mission of public health and protection. Even during these unprecedented circumstances, chiropractic remains an essential health care service for our local communities.

I am heartened by the growing affirmation of this position from within the profession, such as the International Chiropractors Association, the American Chiropractic Association, the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards and others. More importantly, I am humbled to see my colleagues’ willingness and readiness to serve patients in these times of urgent need, offering services to those who rely on chiropractic to address their healthcare concerns.

During this time, it’s imperative that our colleagues put policies in place that align with guidance provided by the CDC and WHO for the continued safe operation of all chiropractic offices, creating more distance between patients, eliminating items from front- and back-office spaces and suggesting alternative adjusting techniques.

This unparalleled period is an opportunity for all chiropractors to stand up and assume the great responsibility that all health care providers are being asked to perform. Chiropractors have the enormous duty to steer patients who require chiropractic services away from overburdened hospitals and exhausted health care workers, where risk of exposure to COVID-19 could be greater. 

As the International Chiropractors Association has stated, “It is important to recognize that as of mid-March 2020, there are no recognized cures in conventional medicine or alternative health approaches for COVID-19. There are no vaccines, no drugs, no natural remedies, no alternative therapies that have been tested and the outcomes peer reviewed to meet any evidence-based standard.”

This is the time to demonstrate the value of chiropractic care. Many in this generation are being exposed to extraordinary external stresses: fear of losing their job, strained finances, fear for loved ones, just to name a few. Anxiety, fear and depression are not only detrimental to the mind, but the body as well.

Chiropractic care is essential in this environment, to allow the body to recognize and respond to the stress experienced by our patients. As chiropractors, we understand this value and I can think of no better circumstances than now to demonstrate it to all our patients. 

Steve Knauf, DC, began working at The Joint in 2011. In January 2017, he was promoted to his current position as director of chiropractic and compliance. In this role, he ensures compliance for the franchise network while growing the system through strong relationships with chiropractic schools, associations and boards. In August 2017, he was appointed by the governor to serve on the Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners, a position which he continues to hold.