| The release of a statement by chief pediatricians of thirteen Canadian hospitals on August 18, 1994 created an almost unprecedented intensity of media interest in chiropractic. This release generated headlines of warning on the covers and front pages of leading newspapers and magazines. The statement was extremely negative towards chiropractic care for children (under 18) and moreover, recommended that adults seek back care from orthopractors, the members of a newly formed society. Not only was the potential damage to the image of the profession great, but chiropractors claim that pediatricians, characterization of chiropractic care of children was inaccurate and highly distorted.;New evidence says manipulation is better than traditional medical management (rest, medication, physical therapy machine modalities and surgery) in every way--effectiveness, safety, patient satisfaction and, most significantly, cost effectiveness. Patient testimonials have repeatedly claimed the miraculous benefits of chiropractic with children, and now scientific research links the immune system and a healthier state of well being to the manipulation of the spine.;Chiropractic, since its inception has been criticized by organized medicine. Yet despite concerted attacks by the medical associations it has gained legal acceptance, and social support to become the second largest healing profession. Chiropractic research, which has had to rely solely on its own resources, is finally standing up to scientific scrutiny, yet the debate between chiropractors and members of the medical establishment continues.;The focus of this documentary will be on the medical profession's reluctance to accept chiropractic despite empirical research that supports the efficacy of chiropractic practice and on the reason the chiropractic profession continues to grow so dramatically. |
