Subluxation science at its best
I love the direction of the research in Journal of Vertebral
Subluxation Research (JVSR) -- not more studies on low back pain. I
like the ease of use of the website. As a sitting member of the Washington
Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission, I depend on JVSR to keep
me up to date and informed on important research.
I help make rules that effect every chiropractor in my state. JVSR,
the only subluxation-based peer-reviewed research journal, is the first
journal I read for information on subluxation related topics.
Jerry J. Miller, D.C.
Vancouver, Washington
The quack expert speaks
I have read your editorial about my activities regarding chiropractic,
as well as those of Stephen Barrett, and others, and would like to reply
in turn.
I opposed including chiropractic care in the V.A. (Veterans Affairs)
simply because chiropractic is presently based on a false theory of
vertebral "subluxations" as a cause of disease and spinal
manipulative "adjustments" as a treatment.
I do not feel it is fair to inflict a false practice upon our veterans,
no matter how powerful the chiropractic lobby is. I was Chief of Medicine
in charge of our Connecticut Veterans Hospital. We employed a physiatrist,
a medical doctor trained in physical therapy, and physical therapists, as
all V.A. hospitals, and did not need quackery in our hospital.
There is no disease that chiropractic theories can effectively treat,
which chiropractic has never been able to name. Chiropractors are not
doctors capable of treating any disease. They are an unnecessary false
expense. My book edited by Barrett documents this fact, and veterans
deserve better.
L.A. Chotkowski, M.D.
via e-mail
(Your views on chiropractic in the Veterans Affairs health care system
aren't surprising since they merely rehash the arguments you made in your
highly questionable book "Chiropractic the Greatest Hoax of the
Century?" Fortunately, more knowledgeable and open-minded attitudes
prevailed and, despite your continued attacks on chiropractic, it will be
available to our veterans. You say our veterans deserve better, yet you
apparently hold them in such contempt that you don't think they can make
sound decisions about their own health care.
If they don't find that chiropractic works for them, they'll go to the
V.A. medical staff and get pills or surgery. Our veterans have fought and
faced death to safeguard freedom in this country, yet you would have their
freedom taken away because you refuse to believe the mounting scientific
evidence concerning chiropractic. Your unwillingness to accept scientific
fact is the greatest example of quackery I've ever seen.)
Speaking of choices
As an adult and chiropractor, I let a nurse give me the influenza
vaccine last month, after discussing possible side effects and
contra-indications. I try to learn the lesson of prevention the easy way,
if possible.
I am glad to report that, as expected, I have had no ill effects. I am
concerned that your anti-vaccination crusade may be scaring away many
people who probably should be injected and therefore protected.
David West, D.C.
Los Gatos, California
(I, too, am glad you suffered no ill effects. I'm even happier to
hear that you asked for and received information about the vaccine before
getting the shot, and that you were given the choice about whether or not
to get it. If you read the WCA position paper, you'll realize that we are not
necessarily against all vaccines. We are, however, strongly and
uncompromisingly opposed to mandatory vaccines or to giving vaccines (or
any medication for that matter) without full disclosure about possible
side effects.
Millions of children are pumped full of drugs during "vaccine
fairs" each year – and their parents are never told of possible
side effects. Children can be barred from schools if they don't get these
vaccines and pharmaceutical lobbyists are working to make dozens of other
vaccines mandatory for school children, hospitality workers, and other
citizens of this supposedly free society.
If we don't draw the line, you might find yourself deprived of the
freedom to ask for information or refuse vaccines in the future. As an
adult, and a chiropractor, how can you not oppose that?)
