No need to bash the whole profession. I know many good chiros. Sadly, the admission standards are low so bad apples are also many, and there are pockets of chiro cult that is all about crazy high volume, sales, psuedoscience, and $$$.
Its not too hard to figure out who is good in your area, just send a pt you trust to a chiro and they will tell you whether or not it was a shady operation or a professional. W/in a few months I knew who to use and who not to use.
Lets be frank, there are pain docs who also run block shops that are no better than a skecthy chiro
An issue in some states is the manner in which the "chiropractic mafia" functions. The corralling of patients is the most salient concern because sometimes very sick folks get hornswoggled into the clutches of chiro-land. Many patients first encounter chiros via an official looking mailer—derived from lists of motor vehicle accidents purchased by chiros and lawyers—an 800 number on daytime TV, or some other marketing ploy suggesting: "quick cash for whiplash" (citation). This targeting of the uninsured, or underinsured, focuses on state mandated PIP (personal injury protection) coverage—which is usually exhausted—before referring out.
There are thousands of so-called: Auto Accident, Pain Centers, or Accident Clinics in one sun drenched state that often have a retired generalist (MD/DO signing off on in-house care: meds, testing (mobile MRIs, surface NCS, 'chiropractic neurology [?]), physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and of course spinal manipulation 3 x week, under the businessman/chiropractor/physician's direction.
Many chiros "lay claim" to the patient—they "own" that patient—often discouraging them "outside" consultation until the PIP dollars run out. Too often over the last few decades we've seen patients with cardiovascular, renal, neoplastic disease, or other undiagnosed (or undocumented) condition in need of surgery or hospitalization present after a course of "chiro care" dangling a: "Letter of Protection" provided by the attorney in cahoots with a chiro-run center in the state.
Many chiropractors are terrific business men and women, and there are a few thoughtful, and very bright DCs, but they're difficult to find.
As far as pain docs who've wandered over to the shady side? There are plenty, and some do some serious damage. There's no excuse for greedy block jocks, spinal cord stimulator salesmen, rhizotomy racketeers, who—with snazzier offices—conduct themselves like chiro-scammers. These docs, often well credentialed, fellowship trained, board certified folks can go for years under the radar, but they ultimately do get nailed.
PM & R, Neurology, Anesthesiologists, who are held to a higher standard, sometimes make the sleaziest den of brigands look like saints.
Eh. Just some Sunday reflections.
