The Gallup Poll & Chiropractic: WWBJD?

Do you find the latest Gallup Poll on Chiropractic disturbing?  Do you want to do something about it? I do.  

​The Answer? WWBJD!

Both the 2012 and 2014 Gallup Poll asked the public "how would you rate the honesty and ethical standards of people in these different fields?” In the category “very high,” MDs were rated at 70%, while DCs were rated at a paltry 38%.

Why is this when just 15 years ago MDs and DCs were rated more closely? What has changed? What are we doing wrong? What are they doing right? It seems unfair.  We know as Chiropractors, we are the best at spinal healthcare, yet despite this, the public perception does not seem to agree.  ​

We have spent a fortune on all different types of marketing campaigns, including endorsements from well-known sports figures, so why have we not broken beyond that 5-6% of the population? Perhaps we are asking the wrong question. Maybe we should be asking "what would B.J. do?"

How did B.J. Palmer take chiropractic from non-existent to the largest alternative healing profession in the US in 6 years?

In 1924 Chiropractic was relatively unknown. By 1935, Chiropractic became the top alternative healing art in the US. So, what did B.J. do to alter the course of Chiropractic forever? Although B.J. Palmer was probably one of the best at palpation to exist; he knew the importance of "show over tell" when it came to influencing the population. In addition to marketing campaigns - via radio - he knew that testing each and every patient with the Neurocalometer would have a major influence on how patients perceived Chiropractic. Science, at the time, was growing and the need for scientific tools was something he capitalized on. 

Was B.J. the first to capitalize on the "Evidence-Based Model?"

You can't argue with success. B.J. Palmer promoted the NCM throughout the profession and DCs were becoming very well known, to a large degree because of technology. According to former President of the International Chiropractic Association, John Maltby, DC, "If B.J. were alive, he would be using the MyoVision on every patient." John is not wrong. Visit the clinic at Palmer College and the first thing you'll see are devices, like the Electroencephalo-neuromentimpograph. He knew the power of objective data even in 1924!

There were those that did not like "how" it was presented, but all recognized conceptually, that it worked.  It was significantly better than palpatory findings alone.

Though some did not like "how" it was presented, all recognized, conceptually, that it worked. It was significantly better than palpatory findings alone.

So what does this all have to do with the Gallup Poll? B.J. was ahead of his time: He listened. He heard that science was trumping belief systems and we needed to "tech up." 

It is my opinion that one of the main reasons we have not broken through the 5% ceiling and the reason the public perceives us as less credible than medical doctors, is that we don't provide objective data. Many of us don't even understand what it is! When I asked a group of students what objective data they gather on patients, they said "Oswestry." Oswestry is fine, but doesn't the patient input influence the results? In other words, if you have a heart issue, does the cardiologist rely on your subjective report to determine if you have a problem? Of course not. They do an EKG. 

Even your auto mechanic understands the importance of objective data. Do you question the need for service when they show your wheels are out of alignment on a computer screen?

When I took my car to my auto alignment specialist, you can imagine my surprise when I heard him speaking chiropractic lingo when it came to my car! But I learned something very important: When I saw my car's "health" on a computer screen, I didn't question whether or not I would "engage" in care for my car. I just said, "fix it." Considering he was the one to use scientific tools to determine the problem, I instantly recognized him as the expert with the right skills and credibility needed to fix it.  

Do you see how this applies to us in Chiropractic?

Surface EMG 2.0:  Paraspinal Scanning sEMG now is reproducible, has solid control group research studies, and is "the EKG For Spinal Health."   

The study below was published in an actual peer-reviewed, high quality journal. It found statistically significant differences between those with chronic low back pain and controls. 

Make subluxation tangible.  Show them what your hands feel, and you'll restore their faith in Chiropractic. 

Our society is data driven: smart doctors take advantage of this trend and give patients the data they need to put them in control of their healthcare.

Not sure?  Listen to a prospective patient's unscripted response.

At this screening, 8/10 individuals had never been adjusted. After correctly identifying issues via the E-Scan system, all 8 were adjusted for their first time.  

And for those who want to really help patients? DynaROM Motion sEMG is making DCs the first choice of PI Attorneys.

In the days before DynaROM, attorneys preferred working with MDs over DCs specifically because of the results of the above Gallup Poll.  Now, with the evidence-based model ruling the courtroom as well, the doctor with the best data wins.  DynaROM Motion sEMG can prove injury and pain with Normal ROM, normal MRI and when every other measure fails. 

You're the experts on Soft Tissue Injury.  You are a natural at not only diagnosis, but treatment as well.  All you have to do is to prove it.  DynaROM Motion sEMG provides the proof. ​

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Want more info?  Visit our website, call us at 800-969-6961 or email me at david@myovision.com

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