Licensed chiropractors know that it requires extensive training, practice, and investment in time and money to become a professional licensed chiropractor in the state of Illinois. Despite the fact that chiropractors are governed by the Illinois State Medical Disciplinary Board, there is still a prevalent general stigma against licensed chiropractors due to years of false conflation/comparisons to other licensed medical professionals, and the general idea that chiropractors perform some kind of pseudo-medicine. We at Williams & Nickl know that is not the case, and we support our licensed chiropractors. However, we are aware of the particular stigmas that they face.
Arguably the most common misconception is that chiropractors are not “real” medical professionals and that their medical practices are not based in any kind of established science or medicine. In reality, as licensed professionals know, chiropractors are required by the state medical board to undergo extensive education and training, and this education often overlaps with all the basic medical and science studies that other medical professionals experience. They are also required to take and pass multiple national board exams to become licensed, in addition to their own state’s requirements. While there are distinct differences between a licensed physician and a licensed chiropractor, for example, both licensed professionals are rooted in a background of medicine and science with extensive education and training.
There is also the assumption that chiropractic medicine is not rooted in real medicine/science, and that the practices are just nonsense, or, worst case scenario, chiropractic techniques can irreparably harm a patient’s body. Just like in all medical and scientific fields, things can go wrong, or mistakes can happen. However, they are extremely rare, and occur in spite of the most stringent practices and protocols. If a medical mistake occurs, the stigma against chiropractors seems “justified,” and this is in part due to the overarching idea that chiropractors do not perform valid medicine. In reality, they have extensive knowledge of the body and this stigma largely stems from the baseless assumption that adjusting joints in the way that chiropractors do is simply random or meaningless.
In reality, while the methods may seem a little different than traditional medicine, chiropractors produce results: many patients are lifelong clients, and experience ongoing and substantive relief for their chronic pain. Physical differences can be seen in the body, with spinal misalignment is visibly corrected, and patients themselves will note an overall relief in their joint and back pain. Even if chiropractic medicine is not for everyone, there is a factual and objective paper trail of the healing properties of this medicine. The stigma still exists, but the science is there, and society can hopefully progress further to accept other types of medicine beyond the traditional methods.
Williams & Nickl has represented thousands of licensed professionals and their licensed business entities who face issues with IDFPR. If you find yourself in such a situation, Williams & Nickl can provide the help you need.
