Terminology can be ambiguous

My name is Parker T. Zarbuck, D.C. a 1998 Life University, School of Chiropractic graduate, and practice chiropractic with my father and cousin. The practice is a subluxation-based exclusive Palmer Upper Cervical Specific (H.T.O.).

I have enjoyed reading The Chiropractic Journal since 1999 and have particularly appreciated the reporting on the many issues associated with the lack of professional unity within chiropractic.

After reading the article "National to Publish Chiropractic Medicine Journal," I share the concerns you mention. Specifically, the collaboration with AACP and the failure of National University to even mention vertebral subluxation on its website, articles or announcements.

I believe the situation we are in as a profession with certain ambiguous and confusing terms is not only impeding further unity within the chiropractic profession, but also impairing the consumers' ability to understand the unique service that the chiropractor provides.

The phrase "Chiropractic Medicine" can be confusing to the patient consumer. The word "Medicine" can mean "Healing Art" and this is the sense that this word is used in many regulatory statutes; hence "Chiropractic Medicine" is defined as "Chiropractic Healing Art," an acceptable use.

The word "Medicine" can also mean that branch of the healing arts which includes prescription of pharmaceutical drugs.

The word "Physician" is used in many regulatory statutes to mean one engaged in the "practice of medicine" or "practice of the healing arts."

Chiropractic diagnosis, analysis, practice, treatment and curative procedures are drugless and non-surgical in principle and does not include the use of prescription drugs or surgery which are prohibited by most, if not all applicable law.

If a D.C. uses the phrase "Chiropractic Medicine" he or she should clearly state this does not include the use of prescription drugs and surgery.

It is my hope that you find this information interesting and helpful as The Chiropractic Journal continues to present factual reporting to the chiropractic profession. We need rectification of the ambiguous and confusing terms which seem to be fueling divisions in this great profession.

Thank you for your dedication in guarding and perpetuating the principles of chiropractic.