I am writing in response to a piece published in your magazine on Sept. 26, 2013 by Guthrie Prentice, entitled “Alternative medicine on campus: Do the benefits outweigh the risks?”
It is always tremendously unfortunate when someone publishes an article without taking the time to see the deeper truth beyond personal beliefs and/or a cursory Internet search. The concerns regarding chiropractic care and its safety presented by Mr. Prentice in his article are too far-reaching and complex upon which to publish an opinion piece without significant time and research. I reviewed the source list used by Mr. Prentice for his article, and I find it interesting that he used only one paper for the chiropractic portion of this opinion article. It is certainly not particularly responsible to use only one source when making such broad statements, since some might assume that he is an expert if he is in fact writing about this subject.
I am a chiropractor. I been in practice since 1998. Two of the most well-known chiropractic academics in the world took the time to send along pages of scientific literature on the topic of chiropractic and its safety record so that I could draft a response to this article and refute Mr. Prentice’s uninformed statements. I have taken a great deal of time wading through the material, but have come to the conclusion that it is not likely to sway Mr. Prentice.
Instead, I give you my record of safety in nearly 16 years of practice and 21 years as a patient. I give you the safety records of my colleagues. The chiropractic profession has an incredible history of healing and changing lives since 1895. Chiropractors receive a minimum of three years of undergraduate university training in what is essentially a pre-med program before commencing their chiropractic education. They receive a further four years of training and education to receive their Doctor of Chiropractic designation. They are required to pass national and provincial board certification exams. They are required to complete 40 continuing education hours every two years to stay current in their clinical skills and knowledge. And some, including myself, complete many more hours than this.
Chiropractic care is safe. Chiropractic care is effective. Ask our patients; they’ll tell you.
Dr. Misty Watson
Chiropractor, Saanichton, B.C.
