AJCC 2003

CBP® Research and the Future of the Profession

by Jason Haas, DC

CBP® is the most researched, valid, scientific, and reliable chiropractic technique available in the world. The x-ray reliability has been thoroughly demonstrated, the spinal and nervous system biomechanics have been meticulously documented, the Harrison normal spinal model is undisputable, and the efficacy of clinical protocols has been recognized by such prestigious journals as the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, and The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Drs. Harrison, Colloca and Keller are advancing CBP® research well beyond the original goals. We as clinicians have at our disposal a tremendous amount of valid and referenced materials. Educational institutions could be teaching their students the best of the best and preparing the ground for the most influential and powerful student groups ever witnessed. In other words, the documentation is out there. In the next few years, CBP® research will have well over 100 papers in the index medicus. This means that CBP®’s wealth of information will be accessible to all types of healthcare providers, IME’s, DACBR’s, and insurance claims adjusters. This overwhelming amount of research should enable CBP® practitioners to not only get the compensation they deserve, but bring them to the forefront of the healthcare industry.

Why then is CBP® only being taught as an elective by the chiropractic colleges? Although electives at schools such as Life Chiropractic College West and Cleveland Chiropractic College-Kansas City are well taught and enable those that take the course a basic understanding of what CBP® is, the vast majority of students are left with very little education concerning the latest in spinal research and correction. I believe the time for change is long overdue. Perhaps the solution lies in the alumni of these and all other chiropractic colleges.

Alumni associations are very persistent. I myself usually receive a request for money at least 1 time per month. However, I am hesitant to donate to my alma mater and I have been asking myself the question why? Is it because I don’t want my future colleagues to be the best possible doctors? Certainly not. Is it because I didn’t receive the best education possible? No, not that. The reason I have not donated my hard earned dollars back to my educational institution is simple: no core curriculum CBP®! I am extremely reluctant to give money to the school when the best of the best chiropractic has to offer is not a required class, and other not-so-researched techniques are.

Nevertheless, I must admit that I am wrong. As difficult as that may be to admit to myself, I think that if I truly want to influence the administration, I need to use the almighty dollar. Apparently, overwhelming research doesn’t seem to be working as well as it should. This makes me sad, but so be it. I understand that this may be a difficult step for many of you out there but I truly think the time has come to step up to the plate and give a little back. However, I am not asking for donation without stipulations. I am fully willing to donate monies to my alma mater as I feel each and every one of you should. But, I think there must be some tit-for-tat. If the money is specifically earmarked for the designation of a core curriculum CBP® class or classes (we know there’s enough material for a year’s worth of classes), then I will gladly open up my wallet.

Of course, there is always a catch. If the money is donated and the schools still drag their feet, ignore the overwhelming evidence, and continue to not teach CBP® then, in my opinion, it is perfectly legitimate to discontinue funding the school via the alumni.

I have a very hopeful vision for the future of chiropractic. This vision is based on science, reason, and evidence. As I see it, chiropractic is truly the greatest profession in the world. Who else can influence the life of their patients so dramatically? The normal spinal model, as a goal of care, should revolutionize the face of the profession as we know it. No longer should insurance giants, IME’s, and forces within (DACBR’s) and without (ACN, etc.) our profession be allowed to say such nonsense as kyphosis is a normal variant, there is no normal model, and postural rehabilitation is not a reimbursable treatment plan. The days of 12-14 visits, manipulation-only chiropractic offices, and pseudoscientific chiropractic will come to an end. And I’m sure those of you who practice CBP®, can’t wait for that day to come; I know I can’t.

However, this can only end if the schools take the lead in the profession. The chiropractic colleges have the responsibility to give their paying students the best possible education. This, of course, should include the most researched, most professional, and most reliable and valid technique available: CBP®. Likewise, if the educational material has not been studied, scrutinized, and validated, the schools should stop teaching them. They owe this responsibility not just to the students, but to every single spine and human being those students will touch in their lifetimes. For the continued use of outdated, and unscientific material by the colleges cannot be seen as a benefit, can it? I certainly think the schools truly wish to give the students the best they possibly can.

So, for those of you who wish to contribute to the greatest this profession has to offer, remember this: CBP® Nonprofit, Inc. is just that, nonprofit. If you enjoy using the best documentation for your care, contribute to the great organization. Additionally, your contribution to your alumni association with the stipulation that the monies are earmarked for CBP® core curriculum will truly propel this profession into the brightest future possible. Do it for yourself, do it for you colleagues, but most of all, do it for the patients you touch each and every day. For they are the ones who benefit the most.