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Medicine vs Chiropractic - The Difference Between Chiropractic and Medical Care
There is a radical difference between Medicine and Chiropractic!
We are all completely indoctrinated into the medical paradigm, and few of us have much understanding of the chiropractic paradigm. Each is distinct, and it is important to know the difference if you desire to make intelligent health care choices. The basic differences are illustrated above, however, allow me to explain further.
First of all, let me make it clear that Chiropractic is not better than Medicine nor vice versa - they are just different. I thank God for the practice of medicine; it saves lives! We need to know the truth about it, however, in order to use it appropriately.
Look at the continuum below:
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HEALTH
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SICKNESS
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LIFE
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DEATH
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If we view the spectrum of our state of health as a continuum from perfect health to extreme sickness, we can distinguish the focus of Chiropractic from the focus of Medicine and clearly illustrate the difference between the two. Medicine is primarily concerned with the sickness end of the spectrum, and the MD's are expert at identifying and treating illness. Chiropractic's focus is on the health end of the spectrum, and the DC's expertise is in restoring and maintaining health - that's why we've heard it said that chiropractors do not treat disease or symptoms. Because the two professions operate from opposite ends of the spectrum, it's very difficult, if not impossible, for the two to understand or relate to one another. We should simply stop comparing the two and, instead, recognize the value of each and make appropriate choices in their utilization.
Notice the three types of care referenced in the continuum above. Most of us deal with our health issues in the Crisis Care mode - we've been programed that way. Just notice the advertising we're exposed to, the advice we get from families, friends and doctors. One of the most dangerous lies we've been fed is "symptoms equal sickness." Heart disease (the #1 killer in our society) is a prime example - it takes 20, 30 or more years to develop to the point of symptoms, yet the first symptom is the last 40% of the time. If we operate at the symptoms/sickness end of the spectrum, we can never get to the health/wellness end.
Crisis Care is the domain of the medical profession. They are the best at saving lives in critical situations. Wellness Care is the domain of the chiropractic profession. We are the best at restoring health. Health Care is a mixed domain with the balance tipped heavily toward the chiropractic side. We need to make choices relative to where we are and what direction we want to go. Any choice is valid as long as it is made with a realistic understanding of the truth. Let us not delude ourselves in thinking that medical care will lead to health or chiropractic care is for treating symptoms!
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