Exploring the controversial origins and practices of chiropractic, including dangerous claims and power-hungry practitioners. Discussing the role of governing boards and lack of evidence in the industry. Examining parallels between cult-like beliefs and mixed experiences with chiropractic. Highlighting the use of TikTok to educate and debunk misinformation. Exploring the controversial background of Elon Musk's chiropractor grandfather. Discussing the benefits and risks of chiropractic care and the need for caution and balance.
Chiropractors often make exaggerated claims about the effectiveness of spinal adjustments, perpetuating the belief in chiropractic as a natural alternative to traditional medicine.
Chiropractic has been closely associated with the new age movement, which has fueled the propagation of conspiracy theories and anti-science sentiments.
The unregulated nature of the chiropractic profession raises concerns about patients seeking chiropractic treatments for serious medical conditions instead of traditional medicine, potentially putting their health at risk.
Deep dives
Claims and Misconceptions in Chiropractic
Chiropractors often make exaggerated claims about the effectiveness of spinal adjustments, suggesting they can cure conditions such as ADHD, autism, and hormonal imbalances. Some even imply that chiropractic can be an alternative to chemotherapy. These wild assertions lack scientific evidence and are prevalent within a subsection of the chiropractic profession, perpetuating the belief in chiropractic as a natural alternative to traditional medicine.
Chiropractic and the New Age Movement
Chiropractic has been closely associated with the new age movement, characterized by a skepticism towards modern science and a desire for alternative, natural approaches to health. This alignment has fueled the popularity of chiropractic on social media platforms like TikTok, as it taps into the growing interest in naturalistic views. The overlap with the new age community has contributed to anti-science sentiments and the propagation of conspiracy theories.
The Worrisome Potential of Chiropractic
While chiropractic has gained popularity and has provided pain relief for some individuals, there are concerns about the unregulated nature of the profession. The worst-case scenario is the widespread acceptance of chiropractic as a primary form of healthcare, leading patients to seek chiropractic treatments for serious medical conditions instead of traditional medicine. This could result in delayed or inadequate medical care, potentially putting patient health and safety at risk.
Concerns About Chiropractic Claims and Lack of Evidence
The podcast episode raises concerns about the gray area in chiropractic, where claims of its effectiveness lack concrete evidence. While the governing board of chiropractic aims to prevent public harm, chiropractors often make unsupported claims about the benefits of their adjustments. This leads to a muddied perception of the practice, where personal beliefs play a significant role. The persuasive nature of some chiropractors, along with flashy social media content, amplifies the appeal and popularity of chiropractic. However, without clear evidence backing their claims, it is challenging to differentiate between the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment and other factors, making it harder to dismiss claims of improvement, even though the true cause may remain uncertain.
The Influence of Social Media on Chiropractic's Perception
Social media has significantly influenced the perception of chiropractic, often privileging flashy, viral content that focuses on the instant gratification and satisfaction of hearing a loud back crack. The appeal of quick fixes and the desire for immediate results contribute to the popularity of chiropractic videos. However, this trend overlooks the importance of comprehensive approaches to healthcare, such as relaxation techniques and exercise. The game-like algorithms employed by some popular chiropractic channels on YouTube and TikTok exploit human tendencies to notice and be attracted to noisy, attention-grabbing content. This phenomenon reveals an underlying drive for instant gratification, which can be easily manipulated and potentially exploited by chiropractors who prioritize popularity and views over evidence-based practice.
Sorry in advance for all the crack vs. quack wordplay coming in this week's episode, which we already know will push some buttons! Obviously #notallchiropractors, but it’s definitely scary how this industry of psuedo-doctors is entrenched in a cultural history of New Age scammers and conspiracy theorists with Jesus complexes, including dudes who believed they could talk to the dead and heal all that ails you with their bare hands. Joining us is professional chiropractor/mole/part-time critic of his controversial profession, Trevor Zierke, here to help us figure out what level of “cult” the wild world of chiros really is.
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